Meharangarh
Fort is balanced on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most
formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded the
fort but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added to it over the
centuries. A meandering road leads to the from the city 5 kms below.
Battle
scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be
seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is chhatri of Kirat
Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh
fort.
The part of palace and buildings inside the fort
complex is converted into a museum- Mehrangarh museum. The Moti
Mahal has stained glass windows that create a colorful mosaic with
the play of light and shade. Chandan Mahal, Darbar Takhat or Throne
Room, Rang Mahal and Umaid Vilas are the major attractions for
tourists.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol
meaning victory built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his
victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also meaning
victory gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of
Mughals. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention and
are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil.
The
Jhanki Mahal, from where the royal ladies watched the official
proceedings, in the courtyard, today houses a rich collection of the
royal cradles. The cradles are decorated with gilt mirrors and
figures of fairies, elephant and birds.
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