Meherangarh Fort Travel Guide
Most Magnificent Fort in Rajasthan?
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Perched on a 150m high hill the sprawl of Meherangarh or Great Fort makes it is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. A meandering road leads up through the gates, past sati handprints and into the palace within. Views are, as you would expect, stunning, over the vivid blue city below.
Rao Jodha founded the fort in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads from the city some 5kms below. Battle scars by the attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate whilst on the left is chattri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol ‘Victory Gate’ built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also means Victory Gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of Mughals. The palm imprints of satis still attract devotional attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil.
Attractions in Meherangarh Fort
Inside the fort can be found one of the finest museums in Rajasthan and certainly the best laid-out. An audio guide takes you around and is well worth the fee.
The grandest of Meherangarh’s period rooms, the Phool Mahal, was in all likelihood private for the Maharajah to enjoy dancing girls under a ceiling rich in gold filigree. Created by Maharaja Abhaya Singh (1724-1749) the gold came from Ahmedabad in Gujarat as war booty after his famous victory over the rebellious Mughal governor, Sarbuland Khan. The paintings and royal portraits came much later, in the reign of Jaswant Singh II.
In the palanquin section of the fort museum, you can see an interesting collection of old royal palanquins including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.
The Jhanki Mahal, from where the royal ladies watched the official proceedings. Today it houses a rich collection of royal cradles. The cradles are decorated with gilt mirrors and figures of fairies, elephant and birds. There are howdah’s (elephant seats), coloured windows casting a beautiful light on sumptuous interiors, rooms with class ceilings, temples and much more to enjoy in this wonderful museum.
Activities in Meherangarh Fort
Allow at least a half day to explore. A guide is not necessary if taking the audio tour.
Relaxing
Enjoy lunch in the Café Mehran or dinner in the Mehran Terrace Restaurant
Getting Around
Taxis will be more than happy to drive you to the fort and wait whilst you to visit, though most people arrive as part of a tour.
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