The
forts of Rajasthan are reflection of the rich architectural legacy of
Rajasthan. The forts of Rajasthan are symbols of secular architecture a
unique combination of Mughal and Rajput traditions. The forts in
Rajasthan are found in almost all the cities and have certain common
threads of architectural style running in them. These structures
encompass mahals (palaces), diwaan-i-aam (public audience),
diwaan-i-khas (private audience), zenana (women quarters), chattris,
bagh (garden), mandir (temples), sils (galleries). Many of the fort
complexes acted as full-fledged cities in themselves. The forts were usually built atop a hill at the outskirts of the city to forbid any enemies to enter the kingdoms of the Rajput rulers. The majestic forts may even surprise a visitor by their external toughness but intricate and vibrant work by excellent craftsmen in the interiors. The forts of Rajasthan are undoubtedly the true beholders of the intrigues, wars and history of the royal houses of Rajasthan.
Jaigarh Fort (Jaipur)
Jaigarh fort also known as the fort of victory is one of the three hilltop fort that overlooks Jaipur. Situated approximately 15 km away from Jaipur the fort was constructed between 15th to 18th centuries.
Amber Fort (Jaipur)
Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is a fantastic blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture at its best. Made in red sandstone and white marble the fort provides the spectator a magnificent sight.
Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur)
Built in 1459 by Rao Jodha and continuously being extended by other rulers of the royal house of Jodhpur till the 19th century the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most magnificent and impressive forts of India.
Jaisalmer Fort, Sonar Quila (Jaisalmer)
The Sonar Quila or the Golden fort is ideally named so in the land of golden sand dunes of Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. Made of yellow sandstone, when the sun rays fall on the fort it shines like bewitching gold.
Kishangarh Fort (Ajmer)
Built in 1649 by Maharaja Roop Singh the fort is also named after its ruler and is popularly known as Roopangarh fort. The nine turreted fortifications encompass within it several battlements, jails, granaries, armories and foundries.
Kumbhalgarh Fort (Udaipur)
Constructed in the 15th century by Raja Kumbha the fort is located 64km north of Udaipur. Like Chittorgarh it is one of the significant citadels of Udaipur. Kumbhalgarh fort is famous for the birth of the legendary Rajput King Maharana Pratap of Mewar.
Nahargarh Fort (Jaipur)
Situated atop the rugged terrain of Aravali, the Nahargarh fort was built by Raja Jai Singh in 1734 and extensions were made to it in the year 1868. This was the first fort to be built by the Kings of Jaipur. The Nahargarh fort literally means the abode of Tigers. Unfortunately the fort is now almost in ruins due to lack of maintenance, the only well preserved structure of the fort is Madhavendra Bhawan built by Sawai Ram Singh II which consists of a head suit for the King and twelve identical suits for his queens.
Junagarh Fort (Bikaner)
Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, it is one of the rare forts of Rajasthan which is not built on a hill top. There is a moat encircled around the fort for its defenses. The fort so far has remained the unconquered fort of Rajasthan. The fort can be entered only by two gateways, the main entrance to the gate is Karan pol and the other entrance is from Suraj pol or the sun gate. The fort complex encompasses several magnificent Palaces like, Phool Mahal, Karan Palace, Moon Palace, Ganga Niwas, Anup Mahal and Rang Mahal or the Palace of Pleasure. Built in red sandstone and marble the intricate jali work on the balconies, windows, towers and courtyards is spell bounding. The fort also houses a temple called Har Mandir where people of the royal house use to offer there daily prayers to the several gods and goddesses. A museum in the fort displaying jewels, illuminated manuscripts, treaties, royal farmans, jars, carpets etc gives the visitor an enriching insight into the Royal past.
Taragarh Fort (Ajmer-Pushkar)
Built in 1345 the fort is situated at the centre of the state of Rajasthan. The fort has six gateways and also has Miran Saheb ki Dargah within its complex. On the largest rampart of the fort is a famous canon called Bhim Burj. In times of war and siege the fort acted as a safe haven for the people of the city. There are large reservoirs built within the fort to store water in times of siege. The fort stands erect even today at the Nagpahari hill of Aravali ranges.
Chittorgarh Fort (Udaipur)
The Chittorgarh fort is an excellent example of military fortifications. Nearly 157 km away from the main city of Udaipur the fort has seven gates through which one can enter it. Ram pol (the gate of lord Ram) and Suraj pol are the main entrance to the fort; besides these the other gates are Padan pol, Bhairon pol, Hanuman pol, Jorla pol, Lakshman pol. Legend has it that it was Bhim - the Pandava who started the construction of Chittorgarh Fort. The terrain which leads to the fort is very rough and difficult to reach. Within the fort complex are several Palaces like the Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Ratan Singh Palace and Rani Padmini Palace. In the year 1567 when the Mughal Emperor laid siege on the fort, the Raja Udaisingh went into exile and since then the fort was never resettled.
The fort is now in ruins but is still a reminder of the great deeds of men and women associated with the fort and the legendary lives they led. There are few structures in the fort to remind us of the valor of the great men. Vijay Stambh or the Tower of Victory is one such structure. Built in 1440 AD by Raja Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Muhammad Khalji it is a nine storey tower adorned by sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The seven storied Kirti Stambh or the Tower of Fame was constructed in the 12th century by a wealthy Jain merchant and is dedicated to the 1st Jain Teerthankar (holy men in Jainism) Adinathji. The fort also has beautiful gardens and the gaumukh reservoir at the edge of the cliff. The Chittaurgarh fort still stands erect despite a number of attacks it faced and bewitches the traveler by its architectural marvel and legendary tales.