Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the greatest strengths of the strong. It is also the most beautiful fort in Jodhpur, in fact, the entire Rajasthan. The fort is a popular tourist places in India. Situated on a hill 150 m high. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort can be reached from the city below 5 km, through a circular path.
There are seven gates, which comprise Jayapol meaning victory constructed by Maharaja Man Singh to honor his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. The gates still bear the marks of the different battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars. One of the gates is Jayapol, significant victory. It was constructed by Maharaja Man Singh to honor his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Some other gate, Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was constructed by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.
Khabka Mahal
Located above the Taj Khabka, literally sleeping palace. It has two bedrooms, the Taj Dipak built by the then Prime Minister of Jodhpur and Chandan Mahal, which was the council chamber of the rule, where he discussed state affairs with his ministers and met with visiting dignitaries. A cadre of itinerant painter Müller AH represents the great hero of Jodhpur in the 17th century Durga Das, Ajit Singh taking the child (which would be the future ruler of Jodhpur on security) to protect it from being slaughtered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb .
Jhanki Mahal
The Palace of Glimpses, as this palace is commonly known, is next door to Khabka Mahal. So called because it was from where the women of the royal household to have a look to the outside world. Purdah was strictly enforced by the Rajputs in medieval times and the women's quarters were deliberately equipped with latticed screens to allow real women to look outside themselves unobserved. Like the Moti Vilas (mentioned below), the sandstone jalis (lattices) were as fine lace-like from a distance.
The Taj Jhanki is almost covered with mirrors, where no doubt attended the royal ladies themselves. Another interesting aspect of the palace is the real number of media you will find here, all exquisitely decorated. One of the cradles is actually the propulsion engine and was presented to the Maharaja of Jodhpur in 1948.
Phool Mahal
The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace is located right next to the Moti Mahal is a newer building, built by Abhay Singh (reigned from 1730 to 1750) and was awarded more between 1873 and 1895. The best part about the palace is the mural, which on close review reveals a distinct European influence. It is not surprising since these decorations were carried out during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh, that much was an Anglophile. The Phool Mahal was used as a private courtroom, representing the many classical ragas (a pattern of notes of the melody and rhythm) of Indian music on their walls.
Daulat Khana Palace
Just below the Phool Mahal is the place Daulat Khanaa of great historical interest. The curious mind comprise strong locks, liquor bottles wrapped in damp cloths for warriors drank to fortify themselves before an impending battle, boxes of coins, weights, carpets, pictures of real women's vanity and ornately decorated water pipes (long snuff pipe smoking). But what really stands out in the Daulat Khana is the tent made of red brocade silk and gold, which was made by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, but his son Aurangzeb captured by the Raja Jaswant Singh in the second half of the 17.
Moti Vilas & Sardar Vilas
The next 2 palaces you come across are the Moti Vilas and the Sardar Vilas. The exclusive feature of the Moti Vilas is its wonderfully carved latticed screens. The particularization is so well that from a distance you could be forgiven if you mistook the jalis (latticed screens) to be constructed out of lace. Neighbouring the Moti Vilas is a zenana court, constructed in 1640 and consisting of delightfully chiselled stonework. The Sardar Vilas situated nearby is primarily characterised by its beautiful woodwork. The doors and the panelling in the insides of Sardar Vilas are marvellous to behold. Much of the woodwork is gold-plated and decorated with ivory. It also houses a marvelous marble table, which was presented to it by the king of Kabul.
Umaid Vilas
Beside Sardar is the Umaid Vilas Vilas, who has a gallery of miniature paintings, mainly belonging to the school Jodhpur. Previously, Jodhpur school was heavily influenced by the Jain art, but later with Jodhpur establishing close ties with New Delhi Mughal influence began to dominate. The Umaid Vilas magnum opus is a painting of Maharaja Pratap Singh, painted by an artist named Amar Das Jodhpur. Is also a portrait of Jaswant Singh of Jaisalmer Maharawal here. There are plenty of images of Rajas playing Holi (the Hindu festival of color) to their consorts, splashes of color itself.
Takhat Vilas
The Takhat Vilas is situated above the Sardar Vilas and was further to the fort by Maharaja Takhat Singh who ruled between the years 1843 and 1873. The whole palace is laced with images painted on wet plaster depicting stories from the Krishna-Lila (the life and times of Lord Krishna the blue-god) and the legend of Dhola and Maru which is well known all over Rajasthan.
Other Attractions
The palaces of utmost importance to Meherangarh fortare the Sheesh Mahal and Rang Mahal. Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace as the name suggests is resplendent with mirrors. Although not in the same league as the Sheesh Mahals is in Bikaner and amber, but still wotrh out. The highlights of the palace are the mural paintings are of various Hindu deities. The finest paintings are those representing Krishna, Shiva, Parvati, Rama, Sita and Hanuman, Ganesh, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga. The Taj position is also tied with mirrors and ornaments with mirror work well.
Sileh Khana
Another place worth seeing while you are visiting the fort is the Sileh Khana or the inventory. Rajputs individual a warrior tribe loved their weapons and they took great care of them. The Sileh Khana is collapsing at the lines with all kinds of very old guns, maces, shields and beautified swords. The armoury is similar to the Sileh Khana at Jaipur as far the form of weapons go. The items comprise the sword of Rao Jodha called Khanda weighing over seven pounds. Also nearby are swords utilized by Tamerlane, the root of the Mughals who sacked Delhi in 1398.
Fort Temples
Nagnechiji Temple
Far right of the fort complex is the temple Nagnechiji, the family temple of the Rathore dynasty. The idol was carried Nagnechiji Marwar in the early 14th century by Rao Dhuha, and after Meherangarh built the idol was placed there.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Nearby to it is a temple consecrated to Goddess Durga, called the Chamunda Devi Temple. The idol of Durga was brought by Rao Jodha (the founder of Jodhpur) himself, but it was ruined in a gunpowder explosion in 1857. It was rebuilt by Takhat Singh who reigned between the years 1843 and 1873.
The enclosure of the house two tanks strong as well, which was the main source of water for residents of the complex. The Gulab Sagar or Ocean Rosa "Water is the largest of the two and south of the composite. The other tank is called the Rani Talao or Lake of the Queen, as suggested by the name reserved for the ladies of the zenana (real women).
The Mehrangarh Fort, with its exquisiteness, is the living proof of the hard work and acquisition of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
