A Short Guide about Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.

A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Entry to the fort is gained though a series of seven gates. The most famous of the gates are:

Jai Pol ("Gate of Victory"), built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to celebrate his victory in a war with Jaipur and Bikaner.

Fateh Pol, built to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707; Dedh Kamgra Pol, which still bears the scars of bombardment by cannonballs; Loha Pol, which is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex. Immediately to the left are the handprints (sati marks) of the ranis who in 1843 immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Man Singh.

 

Within the fort are several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces. These include, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. The museum houses a collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the fort house preserved old cannon (including the famous Kilkila), and provided a breath-taking view of the city.

Galleries in Mehrangarh Museum

Elephant's howdahs

The howdahs were a kind of two-compartment wooden seat (mostly covered with gold and silver embossed sheets), which were fastened onto the elephant's back. The front compartment, with more leg space and a raised protective metal sheet, was meant for kings or royalty, and the rear smaller one for a reliable bodyguard disguised as a fly-whisk attendant.

Palanquins

Palanquins were a popular means of travel and circumambulation for the ladies of the nobility up to the second quarter of the 20th century. They were also used by male nobility and royals on special occasions.

Daulat Khana - Treasures of Mehrangarh Museum

This gallery displays one of the most important and best preserved collections of fine and applied arts of the Mughal period of Indian history, during which the Rathore rulers of Jodhpur maintained close links with the Mughal emperors. It also has the remains of Emperor Akbar.

Armoury

This gallery displays a rare collection of armour from every period in Jodhpur. On display are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhino horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls and guns with gold and silver work on the barrels. The gallery also has on display the personal swords of many emperors, among them outstanding historical piece like the Khaanda of Rao Jodha, weighing over 3 kg, the sword of Akbar the Great and the sword of Timur.

Paintings

This Gallery displays colours of Marwar-Jodhpur, the finest example of Marwar paintings

The Turban Gallery

The Turban Gallery in the Mehrangarh Museum seeks to preserve, document and display the many different types of turbans once prevalent in Rajasthan; every community, region and festival having had its own head-gear.

If you are not a localities of Rajasthan then you have to contact to travel and tour agency. There are so many rajasthan tour operators available who provide you best rajasthan travel packages. To visit rajasthan with them is easy and comfortable. 

Rajasthan - The Perfect Tourist Destination

Rajasthan, is a beautiful place to spend holidays. It is the largest (Area) state of India. Rajasthan is known for its forts, palaces, historic buildings and of course for food. 

If you’ve got a week off from work, and want to sample every part of the state, the good news is you can do it in a single, exhausting but delightful, week.

For the comfort and delightful journey, contact to tour agency. They will definitely offers you best rajasthan tour package. 

Though it can be a year round destination, the best time to visit Rajasthan is in winter, between October to March when the desert sun is not so intense and the days are cool and pleasant. 

Most of the desert festivals planned as tourist attractions are also held in winter. 

For travellers heading to the hills of Mt. Abu, the summer months of May, June and July are good. 

The desert also comes to life after the monsoon in the months from July to September when the hills are clothed in green and have a charm of their own.

Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, Rajasthan has a flourishing tourism industry. 

The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destinations of many tourists, Indian and foreign. 

Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. 

Tourism has increased employment in the hospitality sector.

There is so much to do in Rajasthan. Go and try different type of traditional cuisines. You can see great artist performing live in front of you in Rajasthan. 

People choose this beautiful destination to enjoy their holidays. They visit Rajasthan and spend their holidays with full of fun.