Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is the famous and unique fort of Sun-City, Jodhpur. Jodhpur is located in western part of Rajasthan. This city is an part of Thar Desert. Mehrangarh fort is located 400 feet above the city and enclosed by thick walls.

Mehrangarh fort museum is one of well-stocked museums, in one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins. The museum exhibits heritage of the Rathore’s arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Historical Overview

Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha son of Rathore Sardar Ranmal, till 11th century this is a part of Gurjara-Pratihara empire and ruled by Bargujar King. After that in 14-15th Rao Jodha conquer surrounding area and founded this part as MARWAR, and shifted capital from Mandore to Jodhpur and developed this area and built Mehrangarh Fort.

Early this state became a fief under the Mughal Empire. During this period, the state furnished the Mughals with several notable generals such as Maharaja Jaswant Singh. At the time of partition, Jodhpur ruler Hanwant Singh did not want to join India, but finally due to the effective persuasion of Sardar Vallab bhai Patel, the princely state of Jodhpur was included in Indian Republic. 

Mehrangarh Fort

Attractions of Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort can be broadly classified into 3 parts as :

• Outer court part

• Durbar Hall , maharaja’s palace

• Queen’s Palace

Mehrangarh Fort, a great mass of impregnable masonry whose soaring, windowless walls appear to have grown directly out of the enormous rock outcrop on which it stands. There are 7 gates, entrance in the fort is through Jay Pol (or victory gate), the first of seven defensive gates. The sixth of the seven gates, Loha Pol, has a sharp right-angle turn and sharper iron spikes to hinder the ascent of charging enemy elephants.

Beyond the final gate Suraj Pol, lies Shangar Chowk, where maharajas are crowned on a special marble throne. In this courtyard fantastic jali (lattice) work covers the surrounding sandstone walls. The adjoining apartments now serve as a museum showcasing solid silver howdahs (elephant seats), palanquins and assorted armaments including Akbar’s own sword. The five alcoves in the wall opposite the entrance are in fact concealed balconies where the maharaja’s wives could listen in secretly on the proceedings.Beyond the Moti Mahal is the Zenana, or women’s quarter.

There are many other places to visit like Phool mahal(Flower palace), Takhat palace, Jhanki mahal, Moti mahal, Mehrangarh fort museum and Chamunda Mataji Temple are some of wonderful places to visit.