Discover the Rich History and Culture of Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Rajasthan
Mehrangarh Fort, also known as the "Citadel of the Sun," Since the Sun was the primary deity of the Rathores and "Mehran" means "sun," thatswhy the fort was given the name Mehrangarh Fort.
Mehrangarh Fort is a historical fortress that stands tall on a hill overlooking the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India.
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Mehrangarh Fort built by Rao Jodha in 1459, it is one of the largest and most majestic forts in India.
A long time ago when Rao Jodha first time came across hill named Bakhurcheeriain Jodhpur and decided to carve a majestic fort out of it.
Then he ordered to his men that first removing the people dwelling on the hill, and then build the foundation of my dream fort. Except an old man a saint everyone abide by the royal will.
This old man was known as Chidiyawale Baba, for he took delight in feeding and tending to birds. Majorly upset by the king’s mandates, the saintly man cursed the monarch that his kingdom would be inflicted by repeated droughts should he erect the palace of his dreams on the hill. Shocked and afraid on hearing the terrible curse, the king surrendered himself at the feet of Chidiyawale Baba and sought forgiveness.
Unable to take his words back, the saint presented the one and only solution to neutralize the curse – someone from the kingdom has to lay down his life by willfully getting buried alive.
When the king failed to find a saviour amongst his subjects, a noble-minded man named Rajaram Meghwal came forward to sacrifice his life.
And thus, Rajaram Meghwal was buried alive on an auspicious day and at an auspicious spot so that the foundation for the Mehrangarh Fort could be laid down.
As a gesture, he was honored with the title of ‘Amar Shahid’ and a plaque was dedicated to him at the site where he was buried. His descendants, were taken care of by Rao Jodha’s family.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a symbol of the rich history and culture of Rajasthan.
Architecture and Design
Mehrangarh Fort is a magnificent example of Rajput architecture.Mehrangarh Fort is an architectural marvel that reflects the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan.
The fort is built with red sandstone and is spread over an area of 5 km².
It is surrounded by thick walls that are up to 36 meters high and 21 meters wide.
The fort contains several palaces, temples, and courtyards.
It has seven gates, including the famous Jai Pol and Fateh Pol.
The intricate carvings and designs on the walls and ceilings of the fort are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of Rajasthan.
The fort houses several palaces, including the Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Takht Vilas.
Each palace has a unique design and architecture that showcases the opulence and grandeur of the Rajput kings who once lived here.
The palaces are adorned with beautiful paintings, intricate carvings, and delicate mirror work.
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History and Culture
Mehrangarh Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459, who was the founder of the city of Jodhpur.
Site of the Fort - Volcanic Hill
It is said that a massive volcano once erupted here.
Its eruption sent super-heated clouds of ash high up into the sky and when the ashes settled down, they formed the hill on which Mehrangarh fort is built.
Due to this unique feature, the site was declared as a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India.
This volcanic rock of Aravalli range (also known as malani igneous suite) is known to be the last phase of igneous activity of the Precambrian age in this part of the world.
Rajput community believed that this hilltop is a sacred place.
Over the years, the fort has been expanded and renovated by various rulers of Jodhpur, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles.
This gigantic fort was nearly constructed across 500 years.
The present fort we now see was mostly built by Maharaja Ajit Singh in the 17th century.
The fort has witnessed many battles and sieges over the centuries, including the battles between Jodhpur and Jaipur and the Marathas.Despite being attacked many times, the fort remained unconquered and was never taken by force.
Significance of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is not only significant for its historical and architectural value, but also for its cultural significance.
The fort houses a museum that contains artifacts, costumes, and weapons from the Mughal era.
The museum also has a collection of Rajput paintings, which are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details.
The fort is also a popular venue for cultural events and festivals, such as the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sufi Spirit Festival.These events showcase the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan and provide a platform for local artists and performers.
The fort also houses a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Rajasthan.
The museum has a collection of artifacts, including weapons, paintings, textiles, and royal palanquins.
The museum also has a section dedicated to the folk music and dance of Rajasthan.
Reasons to Visit Mehrangarh Fort
Architecture: The fort's unique blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture is a sight to behold. The intricate carvings, delicate jharokhas, and ornate courtyards are a testament to the skills of the artisans of that era.
Museum: The museum inside the fort is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that provide a glimpse into the lives of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Cultural events: The fort is a hub of cultural activity, with events and festivals that showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan.
Scenic views: The fort is located on a hilltop, providing visitors with panoramic views of the city of Jodhpur.
Photography: The fort's stunning architecture and scenic views make it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts.
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Famous stories of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is not only famous for its architectural splendor but also for the intriguing stories that have been associated with it over the years.
Here are some of the most famous stories of Mehrangarh Fort:
The curse of a hermit: According to legend, Rao Jodha faced many difficulties in constructing the fort as the hill on which it was built was inhabited by a hermit named Cheeria Nathji, who refused to leave.
Rao Jodha then sought the help of a Brahmin named Rajiya Bambi, who agreed to help on the condition that his descendants would always have the right to perform the foundation-laying ceremony of any new building in Jodhpur.
However, when the fort was completed, Rao Jodha did not keep his promise, and the Brahmin cursed the fort, saying that the fort's water supply would always be scarce.
That is why some peoples still believe that they face drought-like situations every three to four years despite getting some rain.
The Story of Chamunda Mata: The fort has a temple dedicated to Chamunda Mata, a Hindu goddess who is believed to have protected Rao Jodha from an attack by the enemies of Jodhpur.
It is said that during the battle, Chamunda Mata appeared in front of Rao Jodha and guided him to victory.
As a tribute to her, Rao Jodha built a temple within the fort.
The bravery of Rajput women: During the reign of Maharaja Man Singh, the fort was under siege by the armies of Emperor Akbar.
In a show of great bravery, the Rajput women of the fort decided to perform jauhar (self-immolation) rather than fall into the hands of the enemy.
The story is commemorated by the sati marks, or the handprints of the women who committed jauhar, on a wall of the fort.
The Legend of Jodha Bai: Jodha Bai was the wife of Emperor Akbar, who is said to have stayed in the fort during his visit to Jodhpur. According to legend, Jodha Bai fell in love with a local musician named Jaita, and the two had a secret affair.
When Akbar found out, he had Jaita executed, and Jodha Bai was forced to leave the fort.
The Story of the Mehrangarh Cannon: The fort has a massive cannon named "Vijay Dhwaja," which is believed to be one of the largest cannons in the world.
According to legend, the cannon was so powerful that it could fire a cannonball that weighed over a hundred kilos.
It is said that during the battle of Jodhpur, the cannon was fired only once, and the recoil was so powerful that it knocked down one of the fort's walls.
The Flying Elephant: According to legend, Maharaja Sur Singh rode his favorite elephant up to the top of the Mehrangarh Fort. However, the elephant was afraid of heights and refused to go down.
The mahout tried to coax the elephant, but nothing worked. Finally, the mahout came up with a unique solution – he tied a kite to the elephant's tail and flew it down to the bottom of the hill.
The elephant was so delighted with the experience that it never again feared heights.
The Temple of the Three Hundred Million Gods: Mehrangarh Fort has a temple complex known as the Chamunda Mata Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga.
According to legend, the temple was built in honor of the goddess who defeated the demon brothers Chanda and Munda.
The temple is also known as the Temple of the Three Hundred Million Gods as it is believed that there are 330 million gods and goddesses in the Hindu religion.
The Legend of Raja Jaswant Singh: Raja Jaswant Singh was a popular ruler of Jodhpur and was known for his love of music and art.
He was also a patron of the arts and commissioned several beautiful palaces within the fort.
It is said that Raja Jaswant Singh was so enamored with his palace that he asked his architect to make a replica of it in heaven so that he could enjoy it after his death.
The betrayal of a soldier: During the reign of Maharaja Ajit Singh, a soldier named Durgadas Rathore was sent to capture the fortress of Ajmer.
However, he was lured into a trap by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who promised him riches and rewards in exchange for betraying his own army.
Durgadas Rathore was eventually caught and sentenced to death, but his bravery and loyalty to his kingdom are still celebrated in the folk songs of Rajasthan.
The victory of a young prince: According to another legend, a young prince named Rao Jodha was exiled by his father from the kingdom of Mandore.
He eventually found refuge on a hill called Bhaurcheeria, where he founded the city of Jodhpur and built the Mehrangarh Fort.
The fort proved to be impregnable and helped Rao Jodha establish himself as a powerful ruler.
These stories are just a few examples of the rich history and culture associated with Mehrangarh Fort.
They showcase the bravery, loyalty, and determination of the Rajput rulers and their people, and are a testament to the enduring legacy of this magnificent structure.
Tourism and Accessibility
How to reach Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions which is located in the city of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
The fort is open to visitors every day of the week, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can explore the fort on foot or take a guided tour.
The fort also hosts several cultural events, including music and dance performances, during the tourist season.
Jodhpur is well-connected to other major cities in India by road, rail, and air.
Here are the different ways you can reach Mehrangarh Fort:
By Air: Jodhpur has its own airport, the Jodhpur Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
Jodhpur Airport is located about 5 km from the fort.
From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mehrangarh Fort.
By Train: Jodhpur Junction is a major railway station in Rajasthan and is well-connected to all major cities in India.
There are several trains that run between Jodhpur and other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mehrangarh Fort.
You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Jodhpur from cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Delhi.
Once you reach Jodhpur, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mehrangarh Fort.
Mehrangarh Fort is located in the center of Jodhpur city and is easily accessible by all modes of transport.
Once you reach Jodhpur, you can take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or walk to reach the fort.
Conclusion
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is a magnificent icon of Rajasthan's rich history, architecture, and culture.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian history and architecture.
The fort's grandeur and opulence are a testament to the rich heritage of Rajasthan.
The fort's popularity has also helped boost the local economy by creating jobs and promoting tourism-related businesses.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a culture lover, a visit to Mehrangarh Fort is an experience you won't forget.
Written By - Ms. Monika Sharma
