Mehrangarh Fort

About Mehrangarh Fort:

Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 1,200 acres (486 ha) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The complex is situated on a hilltop approximately 122 meters above the surrounding plain and was constructed. Built in 1459 by the Rajput ruler Rao Jodha, although most of the existing structure dates back to the 17th century. Inside its boundaries are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and spacious courtyards, as well as a museum containing various relics. Below is a winding road leading to and from the city. The impact marks of cannon balls fired by the attacking forces of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the north-east of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who was martyred on the spot while defending Mehrangarh.

There are seven gates, including Jai Pol (meaning ‘Victory Gate’), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victory over the Jaipur and Bikaner armies in 1806. Fatehpol (also meaning ‘Gate of Victory’), commemorates Maharaja Ajit Singh’s victory over the Mughals. Some of the notable festivals taking place here include the World Holy Spirit Festival and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. The etymology of Mehrangarh is based on the Sanskrit words ‘Mihir’ (meaning sun) and ‘Garh’ (meaning fort). In Rajasthani language phonetically it evolved from ‘Mihirgarh’ to ‘Mehrangarh’. The fort was named Mihirgarh, meaning ‘Fort of the Sun’ – a reference to the ruling clan Rathore’s mythological descent from the sun god Surya.

History of Mehrangarh Fort:

Rao Jodha, head of the Rathore dynasty, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He established Jodhpur as the capital of Marwar in 1459 (Mandore was the previous capital). He was one of the 24 sons of Ranmal and became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. A year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the safer location of Jodhpur, as the thousand-year-old Mandore fort was no longer considered to provide adequate protection.

With the reliable assistance of Rao Nara (son of Rao Samra), the Mewar army was subdued at Mandore. Along with this, Rao Jodha gave the title of Diwan to Rao Nara. The foundation of the fort was laid by Jodha on 12 May 1459 on a rocky hill 9 kilometers (5.6 mi) south of Mandore with the help of Rao Nara. This hill was known as Bhakurcheriya, the mountain of birds. According to legend, to build the fort they had to displace the hill’s only human inhabitant, the lord of birds, a sage named Cheriya Nathji.

Chiriya Nathji was a man who had a following among the local people and hence was influential in the region. When he was requested to step down, he flatly refused. This happened many times. Rao Jodha then took the extreme step and sought help from an even more powerful saint, Karni Mata of Deshnoke, a Hindu warrior saint born in the Charan caste. On the request of the king she came and asked Chiriya Nathji to step down immediately. Seeing a superior force he immediately left but cursed Rao Jodha “Jodha! May there ever be a shortage of water in your fort!”

Rao Jodha managed to please the sadhu by building a house and a temple in the fort. Karni Mata laid the foundation stone of Mehrangarh Fort. Today only the forts of Bikaner and Jodhpur remain in the hands of the Rathores, the foundation stone of both was laid by Shri Karni Mata. All other Rajput forts in Rajasthan were abandoned by the respective clans for one reason or the other. Till date only the Rathores of Jodhpur and Bikaner have the forts in their possession.

Local people consider this fact as a miracle and attribute it to Shri Karni Mata. Rao Jodha also gave the villages of Mathania and Chopasani to two Charan Sardars who were sent by him to request Maa Mehai to come to Jodhpur. To ensure that the new site proves to be compatible; He buried alive in the foundation a person of Meghwal caste named “Raja Ram Meghwal” who had volunteered his services as it was considered auspicious in those days. “Raja Ram Meghwal” was promised that in return his family would be looked after by the Rathores. His family was given land and even today his descendants live in Raj Bagh near Sur Sagar.

Although the fort was originally built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, much of the fort as it stands today dates back to the reign of Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1638–78). The fort extends for 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) on top of a high hill in the center of the city. Its walls, which are 36 meters (118 ft) high and 21 meters (69 ft) wide, protect some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan. Khandwalia community, one of the old traditional communities, knew breaking big stones and they along with others built this fort.

Entry to the fort is gained through a series of seven gates. The most famous of the gates are:

1. Jai Pol (“Gate of Victory”), built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to celebrate his victory in a war with Jaipur and Bikaner.
2. Fateh Pol, built to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707;
3. Gopal Pol, it is the second Pol after Fateh Pol.
4. Dedh Kangra Pol, which still bears the scars of bombardment by cannonballs;
5. Amruti Pol, it is in between Dedh Kangra Pol and Loha Pol.
6. Loha Pol, which is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex. Immediately to the left are the handprints (sati marks) of the ranis and some princesses, who had committed Sati over the years after death of their husband.
7. Suraj Pol, inner most gate which provides access to palace complex and Daulat Khana Chauk.

There are many brilliantly designed and decorated palaces within the fort. These include, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. The museum has a collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The fort’s ramparts preserve old cannons (including the famous Kilkila), and provide a commanding view of the city.

Conclusion

A visit to Mehrangarh Fort is a transformative journey through time and Rajasthan’s vibrant history. The fort’s towering walls, intricate architecture, and strategic positioning atop a hill offer not just panoramic views but also a deep dive into the region’s past. Exploring its well-preserved palaces, galleries of artifacts, and experiencing the cultural performances within its walls provides a profound insight into the valor, artistry, and grandeur of Rajasthan’s rulers. Mehrangarh Fort stands as a living testament to the heritage and resilience of the region, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural treasures. 

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Phone – 0291 254 8790
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Timimgs: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Open on all days
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Address: The Fort, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342006, India

Jodhpur Sightseeing Places: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ghantaghar Tower, Machiya Safari, Rao Jodha Park, Kaylana Lake, Bal Samand Lake, Mandore Garden, Jaswant Thada, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Toorji Ka Jhalra, & Ganesh Temple. So Contact Rihanshu Dhawan at +91-9588208746 to book the Jodhpur Sightseeing Taxi Tour or Jodhpur Sightseeing by Self Drive Car.

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