About Mehrangarh Fort
History echoes in exquisite Mehrangarh forts, designed with intricate inlay work and architectural wonder.
History of Mehrangarh Fort
The magnificent structure of Mehrangarh Fort was erected by Rao Jodha, who was the fifteenth ruler in the year 1458. According to a legend, to built the fort he had to displace a hermit called Cheeria Nathji, 'the lord of birds'. He was so disappointed and sad that he cursed Rao Jodha with “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!".
The ruler apologized for his mistake and try to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple inside the fort premises, close to his meditation cave. Though only to the extent that even today the area is plagued by a drought every 3 to 4 years.
Architecture of magnificent fort
Sprawled across 125 m high hill, this is perhaps the most formidable fort in Rajasthan. The fort features a series of seven gates. Jai Pol gate, popular for its amazing structure was built by Maharaja Man Sing in 1806 to celebrate the victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. The second gate, Fateh Pol was built in 1707 to celebrate the victory over Mughals. Another gate Dedh Kamgra, is still scarred by cannonball hits. The final gate is Loha pol or Iron gate, beside which there are 15 handprints , the Sati marks of the queens who immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Man Singh, in 1843.
Tourist attractions
The Mehrangarh fort is embellished with numerous treasure troves, popular for its architectural splendor.
Series of Courtyards
»Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) - Moti Mahal was built by Raja Sur Singh in 1595. It is the largest of the Mehrangarh Museum's period rooms and has five alcoves leading onto hidden balconies.
»Sheesha Mahal (The hall of mirrors) - Built in Rajputana style of architecture, Sheesha Mahal mirror work is carved with brightly painted religious figures, made in plaster.
»Phool Mahal (The palace of flowers) - The Phool Mahal was built by Maharaja Abhaya Singh. It was used as a pleasure room, where the ruler spent his leisurely moments with dancing girls.
»Takhat Vilas - Takhat Vilas was built by Jodhpur's last ruler, Maharaja Takhat Singh. It features an amazing artistic flavor of the Rajput ruler, enhanced with glass balls on the ceiling.
Galleries in Mehrangarh Fort
Galleries at the Fort, houses the most fascinating collections of artifacts in Rajasthan. Elephant Howdahs features exquisite repousse silver work, adorned with some beautiful designs such as rampant lions. The Palanquins, dating back to seventeenth century, was used as a means of travel by the ladies of royal family. Daulat Khana treasures some excellent collections of fine and applied arts of the Mughal period.
The Armory section displays a rare collection of armor like sword hilts in jade, rhino horn, ivory, guns with gold and silver work on the barrels and shields studded with precious gems like rubies, emeralds and pearls. The turban gallery showcases the various types of turbans, prevalent in Rajasthan. Another interesting courtyard is the Folk Music Instrument gallery, housing the different kinds of folk instruments.
History of Mehrangarh Fort
The magnificent structure of Mehrangarh Fort was erected by Rao Jodha, who was the fifteenth ruler in the year 1458. According to a legend, to built the fort he had to displace a hermit called Cheeria Nathji, 'the lord of birds'. He was so disappointed and sad that he cursed Rao Jodha with “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!".
The ruler apologized for his mistake and try to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple inside the fort premises, close to his meditation cave. Though only to the extent that even today the area is plagued by a drought every 3 to 4 years.
Architecture of magnificent fort
Sprawled across 125 m high hill, this is perhaps the most formidable fort in Rajasthan. The fort features a series of seven gates. Jai Pol gate, popular for its amazing structure was built by Maharaja Man Sing in 1806 to celebrate the victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. The second gate, Fateh Pol was built in 1707 to celebrate the victory over Mughals. Another gate Dedh Kamgra, is still scarred by cannonball hits. The final gate is Loha pol or Iron gate, beside which there are 15 handprints , the Sati marks of the queens who immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Man Singh, in 1843.
Tourist attractions
The Mehrangarh fort is embellished with numerous treasure troves, popular for its architectural splendor.
Series of Courtyards
»Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) - Moti Mahal was built by Raja Sur Singh in 1595. It is the largest of the Mehrangarh Museum's period rooms and has five alcoves leading onto hidden balconies.
»Sheesha Mahal (The hall of mirrors) - Built in Rajputana style of architecture, Sheesha Mahal mirror work is carved with brightly painted religious figures, made in plaster.
»Phool Mahal (The palace of flowers) - The Phool Mahal was built by Maharaja Abhaya Singh. It was used as a pleasure room, where the ruler spent his leisurely moments with dancing girls.
»Takhat Vilas - Takhat Vilas was built by Jodhpur's last ruler, Maharaja Takhat Singh. It features an amazing artistic flavor of the Rajput ruler, enhanced with glass balls on the ceiling.
Galleries in Mehrangarh Fort
Galleries at the Fort, houses the most fascinating collections of artifacts in Rajasthan. Elephant Howdahs features exquisite repousse silver work, adorned with some beautiful designs such as rampant lions. The Palanquins, dating back to seventeenth century, was used as a means of travel by the ladies of royal family. Daulat Khana treasures some excellent collections of fine and applied arts of the Mughal period.
The Armory section displays a rare collection of armor like sword hilts in jade, rhino horn, ivory, guns with gold and silver work on the barrels and shields studded with precious gems like rubies, emeralds and pearls. The turban gallery showcases the various types of turbans, prevalent in Rajasthan. Another interesting courtyard is the Folk Music Instrument gallery, housing the different kinds of folk instruments.
