Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in forts. It is also the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort is amongst the popular tourist places in India. It is situated on a 150 m high hill. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort can be reached from the city, 5 kms below, through a circular road.
Read on to know more information on The Mehrangarh Fort, India:
Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars. One of the gates is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.
Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki. The fort also has galleries, temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.
The Mehrangarh Fort, with its beauty, is the living proof of the hard work and skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
Read on to know more information on The Mehrangarh Fort, India:
Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars. One of the gates is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.
Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki. The fort also has galleries, temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.
The Mehrangarh Fort, with its beauty, is the living proof of the hard work and skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
History of Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort History is related to Rao Jodha. He became the fifteenth Rathore ruler in 1458. One year after his accession, Jodha was advised to move his capital to a safer place. The one thousand years old Mandore fort was slowly and gradually deteriorating. This led to the foundation of Mehrangarh Fort.
Past of Mehrangarh fort in Rajasthan, India has no mention of any seizure. The invincible fortifications are six meters thick. Some of the walls still bear cannon marks they had once withstood. Today this magnificent Jodhpur fort is a living testimony that recounts the chronicles and legends of Jodhpur's rich past.
Past of Mehrangarh fort in Rajasthan, India has no mention of any seizure. The invincible fortifications are six meters thick. Some of the walls still bear cannon marks they had once withstood. Today this magnificent Jodhpur fort is a living testimony that recounts the chronicles and legends of Jodhpur's rich past.
Fort Gallery
One of the attractions of the Fort is the Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort gallery. Read on to know more about the galleries in Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.
Elephant's Howdahs:
The "Elephant Howdah" was a kind of two-compartment wooden seat fastened on to the back of an elephant. The front compartment had a raised protective metal sheet for kings or royalty. The rear compartment was for a reliable bodyguard, disguised flywhisk attendant. This gallery displays fine examples of elephant seat from the museum collection, which is regarded as the best in the country. One of the priceless historical pieces is the silver howdah of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, presented to Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur.
Palanquins:
Palanquin was a popular mode of travel for the ladies of the nobility, till the second quarter of the 20th century. On special occasions, the male nobility and the royals also used them. This gallery displays one of the richest collections of palanquins in Rajasthan. The most exquisite ones include Pinjas, the covered palanquin beautifully decorated with lacquer paintwork. Another one is Rajat khasa, the beautiful lotus shaped royal silver palanquin used by the maharajas.
Daulat Khana (Treasures Of Mehrangarh Museum):
In this gallery are displayed some best preserved collection of fine arts of the Mughal period, during which the Rathores maintained close links with the Mughal emperors. Displayed in this gallery are finest examples of arms, textiles, decorative arts, paintings, manuscripts, headgears, etc.
Armoury:
This Gallery displays a rare collection of Armour from every period in Jodhpur. Also displayed are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhine horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls, guns with gold and silver work on barrels. The personal swords of some emperors are also displayed. They include The Khanda of Rao Jodha, The sword of Akbar the Great and The sword of Timur the Lame.
Paintings:
This Gallery displays colours of Marwar-Jodhpur, the finest example of Marwar paintings.
The Turban Gallery:
There is Turban Gallery in the Mehrangarh Museum also. In it are preserved and displayed many different types of turbans once prevalent in Rajasthan.
The Folk Musical Instruments Gallery: In this gallery are a number of different types and kinds of folk musical instruments, some particular to a group or community, and some to a region. A recorded rendition accompanies the display of the instruments here.
Elephant's Howdahs:
The "Elephant Howdah" was a kind of two-compartment wooden seat fastened on to the back of an elephant. The front compartment had a raised protective metal sheet for kings or royalty. The rear compartment was for a reliable bodyguard, disguised flywhisk attendant. This gallery displays fine examples of elephant seat from the museum collection, which is regarded as the best in the country. One of the priceless historical pieces is the silver howdah of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, presented to Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur.
Palanquins:
Palanquin was a popular mode of travel for the ladies of the nobility, till the second quarter of the 20th century. On special occasions, the male nobility and the royals also used them. This gallery displays one of the richest collections of palanquins in Rajasthan. The most exquisite ones include Pinjas, the covered palanquin beautifully decorated with lacquer paintwork. Another one is Rajat khasa, the beautiful lotus shaped royal silver palanquin used by the maharajas.
Daulat Khana (Treasures Of Mehrangarh Museum):
In this gallery are displayed some best preserved collection of fine arts of the Mughal period, during which the Rathores maintained close links with the Mughal emperors. Displayed in this gallery are finest examples of arms, textiles, decorative arts, paintings, manuscripts, headgears, etc.
Armoury:
This Gallery displays a rare collection of Armour from every period in Jodhpur. Also displayed are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhine horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls, guns with gold and silver work on barrels. The personal swords of some emperors are also displayed. They include The Khanda of Rao Jodha, The sword of Akbar the Great and The sword of Timur the Lame.
Paintings:
This Gallery displays colours of Marwar-Jodhpur, the finest example of Marwar paintings.
The Turban Gallery:
There is Turban Gallery in the Mehrangarh Museum also. In it are preserved and displayed many different types of turbans once prevalent in Rajasthan.
The Folk Musical Instruments Gallery: In this gallery are a number of different types and kinds of folk musical instruments, some particular to a group or community, and some to a region. A recorded rendition accompanies the display of the instruments here.
Fort Museum
Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Museum is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan. It is beautifully laid out. It has a palanquin section where you can see a wide collection of old royal palanquins. The palanquin section of the museum of Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India also includes the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The heritage of the Rathores, including arms, costumes, paintings, decorated period rooms, etc, is exhibited in the museum. The museum gives us an idea of the grandeur of the royal families of the past.
Fort Period Rooms
Read the following paragraphs to get information about the Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Period Rooms in Rajasthan, India:
Moti Mahal (The Pearl Palace):
Moti Mahal is the largest period room of the Mehrangarh Museum. It was built by Raja Sur Singh. Moti Mahal was where the king used to sit on his throne and meet all his subjects. The palace has the Sringar Chowki, The Royal Throne of Jodhpur. The Moti Mahal has five alcoves leading to hidden balconies. It is believed that the balconies were built for the five queens of the Maharaja to enable them to listen in on court proceeding.
Sheesh Mahal (The Hall Of Mirrors):
Sheesh Mahal of the Mehrangarh Fort is a typical example of a Rajput Sheesh Mahal. It has beautiful mirror-work. It is superimposed by the mirror-work of brightly painted religious figures made in plaster.
Phool Mahal (The Palace Of Flowers):
Maharaja Abhaya Singh built the Phool Mahal. It is one of the grandest Mehrangarh Fort period rooms. It is believed that the Phool Mahal was a private and exclusive chamber of pleasure. Dancing girls are believed to perform here for the pleasure of the Maharajas. The gold for the Mahal came from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The paintings, royal portraits and the ever-popular raga mala of the Mahal came during the reign of Jaswant Singh II.
Takhat Vilas (Maharaja Takhat Singh's Chamber):
Maharaja Takhat Singh built Takht Vila. It served as his residence during the time of his reign. The Maharaja was the last ruler of Jodhpur to reside in the Mehrangarh Fort. Takhat Vilas is an interesting blend of styles, both traditional as well as modern (relating to the time of the British). The beautiful paintings on the walls and on the wooden beams of the ceiling, scenes from the religious Krishna Leela to the Rathore sport of pig sticking, are still in good condition.
Jhanki Mahal (The Peeping Palace):
The royal ladies watched the official proceedings, going on in the courtyard, from the Jhanki Mahal. It houses a rich collection of the royal cradles, decorated with gilt mirrors and figures of fairies, elephant and birds.
Moti Mahal (The Pearl Palace):
Moti Mahal is the largest period room of the Mehrangarh Museum. It was built by Raja Sur Singh. Moti Mahal was where the king used to sit on his throne and meet all his subjects. The palace has the Sringar Chowki, The Royal Throne of Jodhpur. The Moti Mahal has five alcoves leading to hidden balconies. It is believed that the balconies were built for the five queens of the Maharaja to enable them to listen in on court proceeding.
Sheesh Mahal (The Hall Of Mirrors):
Sheesh Mahal of the Mehrangarh Fort is a typical example of a Rajput Sheesh Mahal. It has beautiful mirror-work. It is superimposed by the mirror-work of brightly painted religious figures made in plaster.
Phool Mahal (The Palace Of Flowers):
Maharaja Abhaya Singh built the Phool Mahal. It is one of the grandest Mehrangarh Fort period rooms. It is believed that the Phool Mahal was a private and exclusive chamber of pleasure. Dancing girls are believed to perform here for the pleasure of the Maharajas. The gold for the Mahal came from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The paintings, royal portraits and the ever-popular raga mala of the Mahal came during the reign of Jaswant Singh II.
Takhat Vilas (Maharaja Takhat Singh's Chamber):
Maharaja Takhat Singh built Takht Vila. It served as his residence during the time of his reign. The Maharaja was the last ruler of Jodhpur to reside in the Mehrangarh Fort. Takhat Vilas is an interesting blend of styles, both traditional as well as modern (relating to the time of the British). The beautiful paintings on the walls and on the wooden beams of the ceiling, scenes from the religious Krishna Leela to the Rathore sport of pig sticking, are still in good condition.
Jhanki Mahal (The Peeping Palace):
The royal ladies watched the official proceedings, going on in the courtyard, from the Jhanki Mahal. It houses a rich collection of the royal cradles, decorated with gilt mirrors and figures of fairies, elephant and birds.
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