Rajasthan, land of royals, has a rich past and magnificent heritage. Great personalities ruled various regions of Rajasthan and left marks of bravery, grandeur and valor. Rajasthan forts are the reminders of the great ancient culture and heritage. Every city of Rajasthan has forts be it Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur or Bikaner. Forts here are the magnificent marvels of architecture and were generally built over hill tops, in the deserts or inside the jungles
Forts are the identity of Rajasthan and it is not Rajasthan without its array of forts. Every part of Rajasthan has several timeless and magnificent forts having its own history and tales about the bravery of its occupants.
Jaigarh Fort
The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh Fort is also known as the fort of victory. The display includes a collection of canons, many of which are exquisitely decorated and were used in the Mughal campaigns led by the Rajput King, Raja Man Singh.
The Jaisalmer Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.
The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol and hava Pol. Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main market place outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous havelis.
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh fort is about 5km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it over looks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone.
|
