Mehrangarh Fort holds the pride of place in Jodhpur because of its splendid architecture and the diverse history associated with it. Considered as one of the most formidable and magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The fort is spread over an area of 5 km and is built on 125 m high hill in the outskirts of Jodhpur city.
There are seven gates, which can be used to enter the Mehrangarh fort. These 7 gates are made by different rulers, and are built in honour of victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.
One can see the panoramic view of the Jodhpur city from this fort, which seems like a blue carpet laid at the foot of a hill. Every ruler of Jodhpur has contributed in the making of this fort. Within the fort one can see the magnificent palaces. The main palaces located in the Mehrangarh Fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Dude, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. There are also two temples located inside the fort – Chamundi Devi Mandir and Nagnechiaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Kuldevi respectively.
Mehrangarh Fort History
Jodhpur derives it name from king ‘Jodha’. The suffix ‘pur’ indicates that the city was founded by a Hindu king. It is located in the Marwad region, ruled by the Rathore clan for centuries.
In 15th century there was a big revolution that changed everything across Asia and Europe. Jodhpur was no exception. The epic pivotal moment was the invention of gun powder! It quickly became the weapon of choice for the powerful seeking to expand their kingdoms. Thereafter, it was no longer possible to protect kingdoms with arrows, swords and the like. Kingdoms and particularly their capitals needed thick walled forts. Like kingdoms everywhere else, Jodhpur had to build the fort where the administration, royal family and important people lived. Thus the fort’s construction started in 1459.
Just has castles and forts came in vogue, they quickly went out of style with the advent of aviation, Air Force and modern warfare. Mehrangarh, which was home to the royal family until 1880, was no longer needed so the family moved to more modern and western palaces in Jodhpur. The fort is now managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, founded and led by H. H. Maharaja Gaj Singhji, the current beloved, honorary king of Jodhpur.
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