Gagron fort is amongst the best-known hill forts of Rajasthan, India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort built on the confluence of 2 rivers namely Kali Sindh, and Ahu. Its location provides a tranquil backdrop and makes a stunning sightseeing option, worth cherishing for any tourist visiting the fort for all through the life. Located in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, Gagron Fort is a great example of Rajput architecture.
India’s only fort built without foundation, Gagron fort is built on a hilltop offering a mesmerizing 360-degree view of the landscape below. The fort is built on Mukundara Hills. The massive hill on which the fort sits, itself is the foundation of the fort. Besides the fort gates, there is a mausoleum of Sufi Saint Mitthe Shah. The saint is highly revered by the locals and every year during Muharram a fair is held near the fort as a mark of respect towards him.
There is another Dargah of Khwaja Hamid Uddin Chishti; alongside a mosque. The gigantic entrance gate of Dargah is called Buland Darwaza. There is also a monastery of Hindu Saint Pipaji across the confluence of Kali Sindh, and Ahu rivers.
In June 2013, Gagron Fort was inducted in UNESCO World Heritage Site list at the 37th meeting of World Heritage Committee in Phnom Penh. Gagron Fort was originally built by Bijaldev Singh Dod, a Rajput king in the 12th century. Later, the fort came under the control of Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri and Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort earned the name of Jaladurg, as it is surrounded by water on 3 sides and a moat on 4th side.
Gagron fort was constructed during the 12th century by the King Bijaldev Dod of the Khinchi kingdom which ruled over the fort for 300 years. The last Khinchi ruler of the fort reportedly was King Achal Das Khinchi. The exact date on which the fort was constructed remains a mystery; however, historians estimate that the fort may have constructed anytime between the 7th century to the 14th century.
In the 14th century Muslim rulers of Malwa, regularly attacked Gagron fort. The fort has been witness’ to numerous siege and battles. Historians reportedly say the fort witnessed 14 battles and 2 Jauhar by women inside fort. The last Jauhar happened, when Sultan Hoshang Shah attacked Gagron fort in 1423 with a massive army.
King Achal Das Khinchi, despite realizing that his defeat is imminent, didn’t surrender and in accordance to Rajput tradition; fought against a far superior enemy, till he lost his life. After his death, his queens and many women inside the fort performed Jauhar (burning themselves alive); to avoid being taken captive by the Sultan Hoshang Shah’s forces. The fort has also been conquered by Sher Shah and Mughal Emperor Akbar.
A story goes that the Sultan Hoshang Shah, after history as mark of respect towards King Achal Das Khinchi, gave orders to his men to not touch any personal belongings of the king, including his bed. As per folk tales, every night the spirit of King Achal Das Khinchi would come and sleep on his bed. At night, many people claimed to have heard the noise of someone smoking sheesha/hookah from his room. The king’s bed remained at the same place till 1950.
Emperor Akbar used this fort as a military headquarter for Rajputana and later gifted it to King Prithviraj of Bikaner. The fort boasts three ramparts as against only two that is found normally in forts. The forts’ towers are blended with Mukundara Hills of the Vindhya Range. The Gagron fort also has two main entrances. One gate leads to the river, while the other gate leads to the hilly road. the fort famed for its glorious history and awe-inspiring architecture.
Situated just 12 kms away from the city of Jhalawar, the most important sites inside the Gagron fort that are worth visiting by tourist are Ganesh Pol, Nakkarkhana, Bhairavi Pol, Kishan Pol, Selekhana, Dewan-i-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Janaana Mahal, Madhusudan Mandir, and Rang Mahal. Another tourist attraction are a number of peacocks and parrots, who can be seen in the trees and structures around the fort premises.
These parrots often referred to as Hiraman parrots are considered to be twice the size of the normal parrots. Their dark color and black stripes on neck, distinguishes them from normal parrots. They are also experts in mimicking human voice. Besides these other attractions in the fort are temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Devi Durga. The entry to the fort is from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM, 7 days a week. The entry fee is INR 50 for all.
The fort is huge, and takes around 3 hrs to complete the tour. So, its’ best to take a guided tour of the fort; with help of a tourist guide. Tourists are advised to carry food and water while touring the fort, as there are no food joints nearby. The main highlight of Gagron Fort spread over an area of about 4 sq.km; is a watch tower that allows person standing at the top a commanding view of the surrounding areas.
This makes the watch tower a photographer’s delight. The fort located around 13 kms north east of Jhalawar city, is difficult to reach as there are air or rail link available. The nearest railhead is Bhawani Mandi 65 kms away. Gagron Fort located on National Highway 12 can be visited by hiring a car or taxi from Bhopal or Kota city.
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plag report-2373a2d5
plag report
plag report
