The moment you set your foot on the royal land of Jodhpur, Rajashtan, in India your gaze will automatically turn to the towering fort that seems to overshadow everything else in sight. It is the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur, a structure that appears to have organically risen from the 410 ft high rock base and is standing like a guardian angel over the entire city. “A creation of angels, fairies and giants.” With Rudyard Kipling’s words in mind you tread on.
The Mammoth Fort, courtesy pavangupta from Flickr
History
Long long time ago when the Maharajas still ruled the kingdom of Rajasthan, Rao Jodha a king of the Rathore clan, moved his capital to this place in 1459 and renamed it Jodhpur. He placed the foundation of the fort but it was later rulers who made additions mostly between 17th and 19th century to build a magnanimous structure that even today regales tourists with its royal charm.
The fort tour
It is through little alleyways of the old town of Jodhpur that you can reach the base of the fort and if height is not something you fear, it is quite a treat to look down and watch the same little alleyways connecting communities, colonies and a town from the high rock base. Most houses of the streets have been painted blue as per an old tradition and it looks absolutely like a cityscape painting from that height.
Once inside the fort, you are again pleasantly surprised to find the contrasting characters of the exterior and the interior. While the ramparts of the fort look overpowering with their giant structure, tough looking sandstone bastioned walls and cannons, the interior is an architect’s delight.
On guard. courtesy eramalingam from Flickr
With huge rocks as canvases the royal apartments have been carved, painted, decorated in true regal style, with each area of the fort asking for attention and appreciation.
Some highlights of the fort are,
Jaipol – The main entrance door, it is one of the seven fortified gates to the fort.
One of the seven gates. courtesy Andifeelfine from Flickr
Nagnechiaji Mandir – A 14th century temple with an image of the goddess, the family deity of the rulers.
Shringar chowk – The courtyard with the coronation throne, every ruler after Rao Jodha was crowned on it.
Phool Mahal – The fort’s most opulent chamber, richly gilded and painted, used for royal celebrations.
Takhat Mahal – The favorite area of Maharaja Takhat Singh who had 30 queens and numerous concubines.
Moti Mahal- The private meeting place of kings and ministers, its ceiling is decorated with mirrors, gold leaves and crushed sea shells to give a lustrous sheen.
Royal Chambers. courtesy proxyindian from Flickr
Sileh Khana – Exceptional collection of weapons including damascened Mughal daggers, gem-studded shields, and special armors for war elephants.
Chamunda Devi Mandir – Temple of Goddess Durga.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
Quoted as one of the best museums of Indian royalties, this fort museum will offer you great architecture, high-quality artifacts and an array of collection that reveal the life of emperors of India. Its rich and varied collection includes a golden throne, miniature paintings, traditional costumes and innumerable weapons. A major attraction is a 17th century elephant seat called a howda that was gifted by Mughal emperor Shajahan and is made of solid silver. Another treasure is a palanquin covered in gold leaf.
Do spare an hour to visit the museum and you will surely comeback bedazzled with the royal splendor.
The city
Jodhpur city is much like the rest of India. Here modern life comforts have definitely found a place but traditions still linger on like the steadfast roots of a tree that can grow and reach out with its branches as much as it wishes, but seeks strength from the same roots. The city will engulf you with its colorful old world charm. There are the bright turbans, the coveted moustaches, women with flowing ghagras and odhnis, The alleyways and the spacious auto rickshaws (three wheeler public transport), the courtyards and the famous blue painted homes, they present such a vibrant picture of a blissful town that it is natural to chuck away the inhibitions and open your heart to the generous smiles of young and old.
Take back
- The city today is the den of Indian handicraft. There are numerous emporiums and street shops that sell some of the most ornate handicraft items from small keepsakes to huge doors, palanquins and even complete rooms!
- Antiques too sell like sea shells in Jodhpur with a priced item that you may not find anywhere else in the world, easily available at throw away prices.
- For those who love their shoes, there are the eminent Mojris that come in every shape size and color.
The Royal Mojris. courtesy Colchester from Flickr
- You can also buy yourself the famous leheriyaa sarees or odhnis that can be used as stoles.
- If riding is your passion, do not forget to order yourself a custom-made riding breech known the world over as jodhpurs that were actually designed here.
Jodhpur has many other attractions worth a visit and a two day tour gives ample time to do so. I will surely be cajoling you to visit this land of royalties with more post on its other hotspots. Till then let this image of the Mehrangarh fort and the old city, tempt you to visit Jodhpur, India.
The Blue City. courtesy xhunter83 from Flickr
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great..!!! this reminds me of “Shonar Killa” of Jaisalmer, where I used to spend a lot of time for my novel.
I wish if you could write about “Shonar Killa”.
I believe Arijit was posted there for some time…then he should have some photos of the place….otherwise good
Great Atula – you have presented the history in a simple and lucid manner, but having seen Satyajit Ray’s Shonar Kella as a child, I was looking for a mention of the famous movie named after the fort. However, you have covered it very well – feel like visiting the place.
Hi thanks for dropping by…the Shonar Kella movie is based on the Jaiselmer yellow sandstone fort. Although the Mehrangarh fort is shown in the movie, the actual story revolves around the Jaiselmer Fort, which I will surely write about in one of my future posts. Do keep reading.