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Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur enjoys the distinction of being the
largest fort in India. Initially named the Chintamani Fort,
it was constructed in 1459 by Jodhpur's founding father, Rao
Jodha. Mehrangarh Fort stands as a testimony to the grandeur
of the days gone by. The beauty and splendor of the innumerable
palaces housed within the fort narrates a saga of the intractable
sandstones giving in to the chisels of the mastery of the
Jodhpur sculptors.
In order to gain entry into the premises of the Mehrangarh
Fort Jodhpur, you have to cross seven gates some of which
still bear the imprints of the attacks that these gates have
withstood. The poles or gateways to this fort must have been
a forbidding site to the invading army with its maze of imposing
towers at frequent intervals. The fort walls at some places
are 17 feet thick with a height of about 68 meters. It must
have been very intimidating to the invaders.
The Mehrangarh Fort incorporates a number of palaces that
are renowned for their intricate and exquisite carvings and
sprawling courtyards. Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace was constructed
during the reign of Maharaja Sur Singh. It was the place where
the king used to meet his subjects and lend ear to their grievances.
Moti Mahal sports a delicately carved stone screen and treasures
the Sringar Chowki the royal throne of Jodhpur. Umaid Villas
houses a gallery of miniature paintings belonging to the Jodhpur
school of art. The major highlight of the Umaid Villas is
the painting of the Maharaja Pratap Singh by the Jodhpur artist
Amar Das. The Ajit Villas showcases musical instruments and
the royal costumes. Both the villas are linked by a beautiful
mirror room.
The Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace houses the Jodhpur Coat
of Arms. The walls of this palace are adorned with paintings
that portray various musical moods. The Jhanki Mahal was constructed
specially for the women of the royal household. The latticed
screens enabled them take a glimpse of the outside world without
being observed. While the Moti Villas are known for their
intricately carved latticed screens, the Sardar Villas impress
with their wonderful woodwork.
TouristPlacesRajasthan.com
is a travel site with a repository
of information on Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur and on visiting
other exotic places within Rajasthan.
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