### Mehrangarh Fort: The Goliath Guardian of Jodhpur

Located at an elevation of 410 feet from the flat surface of Jodhpur City, Mehrangarh Fort serves as one of the bulwarks with respect to the resplendent architecture as well as the history of Rajasthan. Also known to be one of the biggest and the most beautiful forts in India, the fort of Mehrangarh is a work of architectural ingenuity, and contains stories that will captivate every person present. With its walls that are thick, its exquisite palaces and carvings, and the scenic view that the fort offers, the fort not only commands the skyline of Jodhpur, but also intrigues the mind of any individual who visits it.

#### The Origins of the Construction of the Fort Mehrangarh

In 1459 Rao Jodha the 15th Rathore king and the founder of the city of Jodhpur built the Mehrangarh Fort when he thought it best to build a more effective fort than the one at Mandore. As the legend has it, to build the fort Rao Jodha had to displace Cheeria Nathji, who was a hermit residing there. After being evicted however, Nathji placed a curse on the fort stating there would always be a shortage of water, which many say did exist for many ensuing years. In order to satisfy the sage and nullify the curse, Rao Jodha constructed a residence and a shrine for him within the Walls of the Fort.

#### Architectural Grandeur

Spanning a length of 1,200 acres, the Mehrangarh Fort is a work of art that shows both elaborate detail and stout design. The fortifications of the Barrett’s wall, 120ft in height and 70ft thick, protected against the impact of cannon firings. Beyond the seven grand gates of Mehrangarh Fort which bear historical worth, one can appreciate the extent of the fort and its strategic significance.

1. Jayapole (Victory Gate): Constructed by Maharaja Man Singh in honour of his military conquests against the kingdoms of Jaipur and Bikaner, Jayapol gate is richly decorative and a tribute to the impregnable nature of the fort.

Fatehpol (Victory Gate): Fatehpol is one more proof of the martial history of the fort as it was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh in order to honor his conquest over the Mughals.

Dedh Kamgra Pol and Loha Pol: These gates show physical damages due to cannonball attacks giving an idea of the intense conflicts that occurred here. The Loha Pol has also photographs of hand prints of the royal widows who practiced sati on their husbands funeral pyres which is a heartbreaking story from that fort.

Palatial Splendor

Crowning the thick Fort walls are series of Palaces that define the craftsmanship and splendour of the Rathore dynasty. The palaces are rich and elaborately decorated with statues, beautiful designs and captivating architecture which are typical of Rajputana way of life.

Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace): The most spectacular and beautiful of all palaces, Moti Mahal was the private audience hall for the rulers. Its literally translating as ‘a palace with white walls resembling pearls’ the Moti Mahal is patterned with delicate art of mirrors, stained glasses and wall paintings. There is this Royal throne which is known as the Sringar Chowki which is also erected in this palace.

Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace): This is another gorgeous palace with lots of mirror decorations. Ceilings and walls of this palace are covered with beautiful glass mosaics. Sheesh Mahal is interesting though as with the mirrors, light creates this effect, which clicks for many.

Phool Mahal (Flower Palace): The Phool Mahal was the leisure palace of the Maharajas wherein they hosted private events and some fun. The walls of the Palace are embellished with striking gold foliage decorations and assortments of frescoes portraying different aspects of royal existence.

Takhat Vilas: This exquisite residence in Jodhpur was the abode of Maharaja Takhat Singh, the last ruler who resided in the Mehrangarh Fort. Takhat Vilas offers a striking juxtaposition of Rajput and Victorian architecture, visible from its colourful paintings, decorated wooden ceilings, and furnishings that are typical of Europe.

The Fort Museum

Mehrangarh Fort boasts of a rich museum which is one of the best sas maintained museums in the whole of Rajasthan. It exhibits so many things related to the culture and history of Jodhpur. There is a huge range of the museum collection consisting of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes, and arms.

Palanquin Gallery: This gallery presents Desi palanquins of royalty’s use in a skilled manner. Also included in the collection is the Mahadol palanquin which was taken from the governor of Gujarat during a war.

Elephant Howdah Gallery: This gallery houses a magnificent collection of howdahs, the seats placed on the back of elephants for the Maharajas in processions and during hunting. The howdahs have beautiful silver work and are even covered in velvet.

Daulat Khana (Treasures of Mehrangarh): This gallery illustrates out myriad of crafts and art, from textiles and paintings to manuscripts and weaponry, depicting all the riches owned by the Rathore rulers.

Armory: The armory contains an excellent curated selection of Rajput warrior’s swords, shields, and other weapons. Some of the examples shown are among the best Rajputana arms which are rich in detail and craft.

Cultural Importance

More than a simple Rajput fort, Mehrangarh Fort is a center for culture as well. It organizes many cultural programs and festivals for artists and performers from all parts of the country. Two such events showcasing the musical and cultural diversity of the region are Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) and World Sacred Spirit Festival.

The Myths and the Tales

There are some myths and folktales surrounding Mehrangarh Fort which contribute to its appeal. One such myth relates to the construction of the fort and tells of a man named Raja Ram Meghwal who committed suicide. It is said that in order to make sure that this fort would stand firm, Raja Ram Meghwal was buried deep within the foundations of the fort. His descendants survival was however conditioned on them being given land and other advantages which are maintained up to date.

The Fort and City

Situated atop the towering walls of Mehrangarh Fort is a sweeping view of the blue city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is the city which is also known as the blue city due to the houses in the city most of which are painted blue, a practice said to have begun to mark the house of Brahmins. The view from the fort especially at dawn and dusk is out of this world as it gives a breathtaking view of how the city and its buildings are arranged.

Preservation and Protection

As times has progressed, a lot of restoration and conservation measures have been taken on the Mehrangarh fort so as to keep its glory and significance in history intact. These efforts are spearheaded by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, which was founded by the royal family of Jodhpur. The trust strives to protect both the architectural fluff and the ethnographic heart of the region by organizing and coordinating many functions and activities for promoting the fort.

Exploring the Mehrangarh Fort

In all seriousness, a trip to Mehrangarh Fort is likely to be one experience that any tourist will never forget and even cherish for the entire duration of his or her life as it takes one back into the past when Rajputana was at its prime. The historical importance and the stunning architecture of the fort certainly rank it among the places in Rajasthan that one cannot afford to miss. The wonder wraps an incredible scale of beauty and architectural perfection as one wanders within the fort’s intricate palaces, museums, and walls.

There are periodically organized traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances within the fort.

In addition, the fort's restaurants and souvenir shops serve some local food and arts and crafts which enhance the enjoyment of the tour.

A Personal Reflection

Inside the walls of Mehrangarh fort. it is like history lingers in the corridors and courtyards. The imposing structure, as well as unblemished beauty of the fort, is a tribute to the foresight and dedication of the Rathore dynasty. It remains an integral part of Jodhpur’s history and a stain that will never fade away. It is a place that gives an insight into the lives of the Rajput kings and the families of the kings.

Conclusion

Mehrangarh Fort is not only a historical structure but also surrounded by living architecture, rich culture, and gallant history of the Rajput emperors. Its high walls, glory of palaces and large museums open to all the visitors the history and culture of Jodhpur. Every time you are in a fort, you not only see the splendor of the past but also relive the spirit of Rajasthan that has no bounds.