Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort
Located atop 150 m high hill, the impressive Mehrangarh Fort overshadows the other attraction of Jodhpur. The name Mehrangarh itself means ‘majestic fort’ and as such tourists visiting this fort are mighty delighted with its grandeur. The fort was initially built in the year 1459 by the founder of the city, Rao Jodha after he shifted his capital here from Mandore. However, much of what stands today date back to the 17th century, a time when Jaswant Singh held the reins of Jodhpur.
Fort view
As with many other forts and palaces of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh too, encloses within its heart a legend that took birth during its construction. It is believed that to build a fort, a sage had to be forced out from the hill. Enraged, this sage cursed that the construction of the fort will see severe problems relating to water availability. To ward off the ramifications of this curse, a man offered to bury himself alive in the foundation of the fort.
Today, this story has little credibility amongst tourists, though what is quiet obvious is that Mehrangarh Fort reminds them of the royal past of the Rajput. It is a legacy of the courageous denizens who once inhabited the fort.
Main Attractions of Fort
The area within the fort is covered with beautiful palaces and spacious courtyards. The palaces, like the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), today serve as a museum.
* Takhat Vilas
Takhat Vilas is an interesting blend of styles, most traditional, but some, like the glass balls on the ceiling, testifying to the modern age which arrived with the British. The beautiful paintings on the walls and on the wooden beams of the ceiling, scenes from the religious Krishna Leela to the folk Dhola Maru to the favorite Rathore sport of pig-sticking, are in good condition. The large cloth Punkah or fan is of considerable interest as is the floor painted like a carpet.
* Phul Mahal
Phool Mahal was the palace where traditional dance performances regaled the audience. The gold plated ceiling has images of various Maharajas of Jodhpur around it. The paintings that adorn the walls of the palace are the work of a single artist who, unfortunately died before completing his work. The regality of this palace is enhanced more so because of the stained glasses that seem to preserve the glitter of the gold platings.
* Oil Painting
* Moti Mahal
The Moti Mahal has five alcoves along the west wall. Other small alcoves on the walls were meant to hold oil lamps. The ceilings are radiant with glass tiles and gold paints.
* Cannon at roof
* Jarokha
The intricately carved wooden lattice work from the interior of this majestic fort – the windows look out over the ‘blue city’ of Jodphur
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