Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The land of royalty, Jodhpur is often called “The Blue City”. The golden sand dunes in the deserted landscape add to the mysticism of the city of palaces and forts that rise almost like a mirage. Jodhpur was the capital of Marwar state founded by Rao-Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. It is circumscribed with a high wall of 10 km long with 8 gates and many citadels. The city is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert and has ancient legends and stories linked to it. The Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is situated on the top of the hill that looks magnificent. The Mehrangarh Fort is a spectacular architectural splendor. Built on the sandstone hill the fort seems a continuation of the hill. The fort has seven gateways set at an angle, unapproachable by the attacking armies. On examining the gates one can study the marks of siege the attacking armies engraved on the gateways. One is gripped by a feeling of awe as it sets one to wonder the immense strength of an army that thought of invading the 17 feet thick wall and 68 feet high wall. The palace within is breathtaking. Across the huge courtyard are set of palatial apartments built over five centuries. Tourism at its height in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort always features in the itinerary.
The Mehrangarh Fort is situated on the top of the hill that looks magnificent. It is managed as a museum by the royal trust and is open to visitors. The Fort has an array of Mahals. Moti Mahal has intricately designed screen windows overlooking the throne, the Sringar Chowki. Jhanki Mahal is the hall from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events while Chandan Mahal is where the affairs of the state were discussed and Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his zenana. Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas are other noteworthy apartments of the Fort. Rajput miniature paintings can be seen in Umaid Villa while royal costumes and musical instruments are exhibited in the Ajit Villa. The Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace displays paintings of different musical moods and also houses the Jodhpur Coat of Arms. The armors of the kings and generals are displayed in the tent room of Maan Villa.
Ajanta Ellora Caves :: Charminar Hyderabad :: City Palace Jaipur :: Fatehpur Sikri Agra :: Gateway of India Mumbai ::Gol Gumbaz Karnataka :: Hamayun Tomb Delhi :: Hawa Mahal Jaipur :: India Gate Delhi :: Khajuraho Temples ::Konark Temple :: Lake Palace Udaipur :: Matancherry Palace Kerala ::Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur :: Mysore Palace Karnataka ::Qutub Minar Delhi :: Red Fort Delhi :: Rockfort Temple Tamilnadu :: Taj Mahal Agra ::Umaid Bhawan Jodhpur