Approximately 400 feet above the ancient town below, on a hilltop, sits Mehrangarh Fort. A meandering path departs from the city and reaches the fort, whose walls reach a height of 120 feet. Some of Rajasthan’s most stunning palaces and cultural artifacts are safe behind these fortifications.
History
Rao Jodha had the fort of Jodhpur Mehrangarh laid during his rule in 1459. It was during his relocation of the capital from Mandore Fort to Bhakurcheeria, a rocky hill which means “the mountain of birds” in Hindi.
Folklore has it that Rao Jodha had to coerce the hermit Cheeria Nathji into leaving his home on this hill. In order to do this, Rao Jodha sought the assistance of Karni Mata, a saint who had more power. Cheeria Nathji stayed on the mountaintop till Karni Mata urged him to go. However, he accomplished so while simultaneously cursing the kingdom to never prosper.
The foundation stone of the Mehrangarh Fort was placed by Karni Mata after Cheeria Nathji withdrew.
Rao Jodha buried a man named Raja Ram Meghwal to lessen the curse’s impact, according to Jodhpur mythology. In those days, the rite was seen as a lucky charm. Supposedly, Raja Ram Meghwal acted freely in this matter. In exchange, he was assured that his family would be well taken care of.
To make it even more secure, Rao Maldeo fortified the gates and walls about a hundred years after the fort was built. After that, the Rathores and the Mughals each had their turns owning Mehrangarh Fort.
After the Mughals were expelled in the 18th century, Maharaja Ajit Singh became the new master of the fort. Fixing it was an absolute need. Maharaja Ajit Singh also constructed the Fateh Pol victory gate and other imperial rooms.
Eventually, the fort served several functions. In addition to serving as a military outpost and cultural hub for the surrounding area, it served as a residence for the kings. It served as a house of worship as well.
The royal family relocated to the more suitable, recently constructed Umaid Bhawan palace when the turn of the century occurred. The Mehrangarh Fort was deserted for a considerable amount of time after that.
Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the present Rathores chief, controls the fort. He transformed it into a museum and welcomed visitors.
Architecture
Mehrangarh Fort has been constructed in a variety of styles by its several owners from its establishment in the mid-15th century. So, depending on its stage of development, it has a wide variety of architectural styles. The design of Mehrangarh Fort is an eclectic mix of styles.
There is no obvious separation of architectural types inside the interiors. Some sections evoke the Rajputana style, while others hint at Mughal influence. The inside of Mehrangarh Fort has a number of other variants.
The fort was improved and enlarged by each king who took control of it.
Palaces
Sheesh Mahal
Once upon a time, Maharaja Ajit Singh’s private residence included Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. Stunning mirrors and glass sculptures adorn the walls of this area. On top of that, the hardwood ceiling is adorned with a European glass chandelier.
Jhanki Mahal
Lattice windows are a distinctive feature of Jhanki Mahal. It was once the residence of Jodhpur’s royal family. It was built during the reign of Maharaja Takhat Singh.
Phool Mahal
A chamber bursting with color, Phool Mahal is also known as the Palace of Flowers. Maharaja Abhay Singh constructed the chamber for the exclusive use of his court. There is a regal luster to this space thanks to the carpeting, high ceilings, and glasswork windows.
Dipak Mahal
In the past, Dipak Mahal served as the nerve center of the fort’s administration. Officials such as the Diwans utilized it to keep tabs on administrative tasks and more. Both Maharaja Ajit Singh and Maharaja Takhat Singh were involved in its construction and subsequent renovations.
Takhat Vilas
The former master bedroom of Maharaja Takhat Singh is now known as Takhat Vilas. From ceiling to floor, the space is adorned with paintings on a diverse range of topics, a testament to his vast patronage of the arts. The floor carpet has also been painted.
Moti Mahal
The biggest and one of the oldest chambers in the fort, Moti Mahal is also known as the Pearl Palace. It was constructed by Sawai Raja Sur Singh and served as a venue for the monarch to hear the opinions of commoners and other distinguished visitors.
Sardar Vilas
Beautiful and embellished with intricate woodwork, the Sardar Vilas is a chamber in the palace. Wooden doors and windows complement the room’s exquisitely gilded woodwork.
Museum
Palanquin Gallery
The Mehrangarh Fort’s Palanquin (or Palki) Gallery showcases a variety of palanquins crafted from various materials. The royal family’s most luxurious sofas and palkis are housed there. These were adorned with stones, ivory, or gold and constructed of metal or wood. Aesthetically pleasing coverings kept them concealed.
Textile Gallery
Pristine royal tents and furniture are on show at the Mehrangarh Fort Museum’s Textile Gallery. Embroideries, velvets, and carpets of varying colors abound.
Howdah Gallery
Elephant chairs are on exhibit at the Howdah Gallery. It is home to a number of important cultural and historical seats. There is nothing more valuable than a Shahjahan howdah.
Daulat Khana Gallery
Among the finest collections of art from the Rajput and Mughal eras, the Daulat Khana Gallery is among the most well-preserved. The assortment is an exquisite synthesis of woven goods, ornamental arts, and visual art. Additionally, it contains texts, headgear, and displays of arms.
Arms Gallery
Each ruler’s artifacts from the military are displayed in the Arms Gallery. It showcases an array of military gear, including helmets, armor, swords, and more.
Painting Gallery
Miniature paintings by Marwari artists are on exhibit at the Painting Gallery. On exhibit are themed artworks that evoke the regal lifestyle.
Entry fee and timings
The hours of operation for Mehrangarh Fort are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s open every single day of the year. Visitors are welcome at Mehrangarh Fort at any time of day or night. Plus, the Mehrangarh Fort offers free admission on Jodhpur Foundation Day (May 12 each year).
Participate in the guided night excursions to see the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort after dark. These night excursions are available from either 6 to 7 or 7 to 8 in the evening.
For citizens of India, the entrance cost to Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort is ₹100. Tickets may be purchased for ₹50 for paramilitary personnel, students, and senior persons. Spend ₹180 on the audio guide. Additionally, tickets for still cameras cost ₹100, and tickets for video cameras cost ₹200.
Each individual from outside the country will need to pay ₹600 for the entrance fee, which includes the audio guide. The price for students is ₽400.
How to reach
By auto-rickshaw
The majority of visitors visiting Mehrangarh Fort use auto-rickshaws. You may find them all across Jodhpur, in both the ancient and new parts of the city.
By taxi/cab
Getting to the fort in style and luxury is best accomplished by hiring a taxi or a full-day cab. The best automobile rental agencies in Jodhpur also provide taxi services, so you may book one for your whole vacation. They make seeing the fort and other must-see attractions in the Mehrangarh Fort area a breeze.