Mehrangarh fort

Mehrangarh Fort is  located in "Blue city"(Jodhpur) in western Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in Bharat(India). It was built in 1459 by Rathore king "Rao Jodha".The fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by stately thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate sculpture 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 canopy of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.

Rao Jodhaji was the founder of Jodhpur and he built Mehrangarh fort accession to the throne because Mandore fort was no more secure from the enemy attacks. The hillock, on which the Mehrangarh fort is established is known as "Cheerianath ki Toonk".

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to memorialize his victories over Jaipur, Udaipur 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 sedan, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol sedan 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. There are several galleries in Mehrangarh fort museum which are-Elephant howdahs, royal sedans, daulatkhana(treasures of Mehrangarh fort museum), arsenal, paintings, turban gallery.

The Chamunda mataji temple was established in 1460 by Rao Jodhaji in Mehrangarh. The Chamunda mataji was the dynasty goddess of Rao Jodhaji. Jodhpur citizens worship the goddess Chamunda and there is fair on several festivals in "The Chamunda mata temple".

Jodhpur tourism|Tourist places in Rajasthan|Forts|Mehrangarh

Livejodhpur.in