Mehrangarh Fort -Testimony to Bravery and Valour

Today in the Virasat Sheeshmahal's Royal atlas we are bringing you the all about the best destination in Jodhpur, the royal saga of history is related with it, with the latest trends it is one of the most visited place for pre-wedding photography in Jodhpur, explore the Mehrangarh fort with this post.

Mehrangarh fort

One can assume the grandness of the Mehrangarh fort from the fact that it is situated at a height of 112 metres from the ground level. It is surrounded by infrangible barricades around all the sides and world famous for its intricate carvings and engravings and larger than life premises. There are a number of small palaces and temples inside the fort. A warped canyon and a connected road way strings it to the city of Jodhpur. One has to cross Seven gates have to reach the fort. These gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era and stand witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars.

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 and war attack imprints upon these are still visible and make an attraction for rajasthan tourism and candid photography grabs much attention towards the Rao Rajputs.Rao is BrahmbhattJagirdar clan of Rao Jodha. Rao is Rajputs and in Gujarat they call ‘barot’ and Rao Saheb.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. The museum is the home to some of the most finest and memorable preserves and relics of India country life. 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.

Mehrangarh also became one of the hottest destinations international destinations once it became the shooting place for the famous film ‘Dark Knight’. The shots when Bruce Wans is captivated and attacked in Jail were shot here.

History of Mehrangarh

Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459 (Jodhpur was previously known as Marwar). He was one of Ranmal's 24 sons and became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. One year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the safer location of Jodhpur, as the one thousand years old Mandore fort was no longer considered to provide sufficient security.

With the trusted aid of Rao Nara (son of Rao Samra), the Mewar forces were subdued at Mandore. With that, Rao Jodha gave Rao Nara the title of Diwan. With the help of Rao Nara, the foundation of the fort was laid on 1 May 1459 by Jodhaon a rocky hill 9 kilometres to the south of Mandore. This hill was known as Bhaurcheeria, the mountain of birds. According to legend to build the fort he had to displace the hill’s sole human occupant, a hermit called CheeriaNathji, the lord of birds. Upset at being forced to move CheeriaNathji cursed Rao Jodha with, “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!” Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort near the cave, the hermit had used for meditation, though only to the extent that even today the area is plagued by a drought every 3 to 4 years. Jodha then took an extreme measure to ensure that the new site proved propitious. He buried a man called ‘Raja Ram Meghwal’ alive in the foundations. Raja Ram Meghwal was promised that in return his family would be looked after by the Rathores. To this day his descendants still live in Raj Bagh, ‘Raja Ram Meghwal's’ Garden, an estate bequeathed them by Jodha.

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How it was called Mehrangarh

Mehrangarhaccording to Rajasthani language pronunciation conventions,'Mihirgarh' has changed to 'Mehrangarh'; the Sun-deity has been the chief deity of the Rathore dynasty. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh of Marwar (1638–78). The fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5 kilometres on the top of a high hill. Its walls, which are up to 36 metres high and 21 metres wide, protect some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan.

Entry inside 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. DedhKamgra Pol, which still bears the scars of bombardment by cannon balls, Loha Pol, which is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex. Immediately to the left are the handprints of the Queens who in 1843 immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Man Singh.

An inventory of valuable preserves

Within the fort are several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces. These include, MotiMahal (Pearl Palace), PhoolMahal (Flower Palace), SheeshaMahal(Mirror Palace), SilehKhana and DaulatKhana. The museum houses a collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniatures, music instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the fort house preserved old cannon, including the famous Kilkika and provide breath-taking view of the city.

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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.

DaulatKhana - 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 ofTimur.

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.

National Geological Monument

The Jodhpur Group - Malani Igneous Suite Contact on which the Mehrangarh Fort has been built has been declared a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India to encourage Geotourism in the country. This unique geological feature is part of the MalaniIgenus Suite seen in the Thar desert region, spread over an area of 43,500 km². This unique geological feature represents the last phase of igneous activity of Precambrian age in the Indian Subcontinent.