Mehrangarh

BySamiran Nandi

At a distance of 6 km from Jodhpur Junction, an ancient hill fort at Jodhpur, Mehrangarh is a renowned fort in Rajasthan, and among the must visited fort in Jodhpur.

At above 407 ft, it was built by Rao Jodha in 1459, he transferred his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur. The fort was named Mehrangarh, – ‘Fort of the Sun’. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 under Rao Jodha, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh of Marwar (1638 -78). Today, Mehrangarh fort is preserved and is under Maharaja Gaj Singh II – the current Rathore ruler.

According to folklore, it is believed that to develop Mehrangarh fort, Rao Jodha displaced a hermit called Cheeria Nathji (The lord of birds), who was the hill’s only human occupant. Being angry with this forced displacement, he cursed Rao Jodha that his kingdom will suffer from a serious scarcity of water and even today the area is plagued by droughts in every 3 to 4 years.

Another tale is that during construction of Mehrangarh, Rao Jodha buried Raja Ram Meghwal alive in the foundations and promised him that his family will be taken good care of, in return of his sacrifice. Even till today, his descendants live in the fort, on an estate named Raj Bagh.

Among the Jodhpur tourist places, the fort is enclosed by 120 ft. high and 70 ft. thick walls. The fort has 7 gates and the famous among them is Jayapol (victory gate). This gate was constructed by Maharaja Man Singh to celebrate his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. The Fatehpol was raised under Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate the defeat of the Mughals.

Imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. Loha Pol is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex. Immediately on the left, handprints of the Ranis who immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Raja Man Singh – 1843. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot while defending Mehrangarh Fort.

Similar Posts

  • Jaisalmer Fort

    BySamiran Nandi

    In 1156, Raja Rawal Jaisal built Jaisalmer Fort that dominates countryside of the Indo-Pak border. The complex is Sonar Kila (“Golden Fort”) for its gleaming golden sandstone walls & buildings, flourished on the east-west caravan path connecting India, Central Asia with the Middle East & North Africa. Merchants have built all elaborately designed havelis, vibrant…

  • |

    Rock Cut Cave – Bongaigaon

    BySamiran Nandi

    Rock cut caves of Jogighopa in Bongaigaon are some of the magnificent wonders belonging to Salathambha period. Remains of five rock – cut caves on the banks of Brahmaputra is a distinct rock carved structures of Assam. The art of caves shows patterns which were chiefly practiced on the western part of Indian Sub-continent. Specifications of Rock Cut CavesThe Archaeological Survey of India…

  • | |

    State Museum: Assam

    BySamiran Nandi

    State Museum is at Dighalipukhuri of Guwahati. This museum was established under Assam Research Society, developed under the presidency of Kanklal Baruah. This museum has insights on Assam’s collection of rare antiques, few articles of prehistoric times features epigraphy, anthropology, sculpture, crafts, hIstory with folk art. Arms & ammunition section shows swords & armors of…

  • Shillong

    BySamiran Nandi

    Shillong, the native soil of three hill communities Khasi, Garo and Jaintia presents a mosaic spectrum of distinct cultures which co-exist since ages. The residents of Shillong are the Khasi Tribe who are mainly Christians. Apart from Khasi, many communities such as Nepali communities also inhabit in Shillong hills. The Khasi society is matrilineal, mother is head of…

  • Shaniwarwada

    BySamiran Nandi

    Blazing in the summer sun, inside the heart of Pune City stands the ruins of the majestic fort, Shaniwar Wada. Located on the banks of a dry river, this fort belongs to an important chapter in the history of the Maratha. Amidst Pune’s traffic and noise, the fort stands out as a living testimony of…

  • Occasions of Tripura

    BySamiran Nandi

    Garia Puja A festival of indigenous people in Tripura. A bamboo pole symbolizes Lord Garia, also known as the deity of livestock & wealth. Garia is worshiped with flowers and garland along with cotton thread, rice, beer earthen pots, riccha and eggs. Festival is celebrated on the seventh day of Baisakh for 7 days. Kharchi…