Mehrangarh Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest historical forts in India, is located in the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Situated on a hilltop, about 400 feet above the city, the fort is included in the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mehrangarh Fort, enclosed by magnificent walls, boasts of several elaborate palaces and extensive courtyards with rich architectural value.

The fort was built in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth ruler of the Suryavanshi Rathore clan. Jodha came to power in 1458 and was shortly advised to move the capital from Mandore to a safer location as the Mandore fort, being over one thousand years old, was gradually deteriorating. He then laid the foundation for the Mehrangarh Fort on the 12th of May, 1459, on top a high hill known as the Bhaurcheeria (mountain of birds).

According to legends, Jodha had to displace a hermit named Cheeria Nathji, who was the only human living in the Bhaurcheeria hills, in order to build the fort. It is said that Cheeria Nathji, unwilling to leave his dwelling, cursed the place for ever of suffering scarcity of water. Some people believe this curse to be still effective, bringing on a drought in the area every 3-4 years.

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort Images

Mehrangarh Fort Pictures

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort at Night

Mehrangarh Fort at Night

Night View of Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort Museum

Elephant Seat Mehrangarh Fort Museum

Hathi Howdah at Mehrangarh Fort Museum

Mehrangarh Fort Museum Swords

Wooden Palanquin at Mehrangarh Fort Museum

Mehrangarh Fort Inside

Gold Filigree Work Inside the Palace at Mehrangarh Fort

Inside of Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort Inside Images

Mehrangarh Fort Inside Pictures

Mehrangarh Fort Inside

There is a series of seven ornate gateways for entering the fort, with the most notable ones including “Jai Pol” (the gate of victory), “Fateh Pol”, “Dedh Kamgra Pol” and “Loha Pol”. The ornately crafted palaces and constructions located inside the fort include the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesha Mahal, Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. The Chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who gave his life on the very spot while defending Mehrangarh, is located at the left of the fort and is one of the attractions of the place.