Mehrangarh Fort is a massive hill fort built by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur on 12 May 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Mehrangarh literally means ‘Fort of the Sun’, and is one of the largest forts in India and also the most visited place in Jodhpur.
The fort is built on a rocky hill known as ‘Bhakurcheeria’, the mountain of birds. Mehrangarh Fort covering an area of 1,200 acres is located on a hilltop around 122 meters above the surrounding plains.
The historic fort is a treasure trove of monuments, offering a 360-degree view of the blue city of Jodhpur. Access to the fort is via a winding road from the city below. For the Rathore royal family, sun god is considered the most superior of all gods. Hence, they named the fort ‘Mehargarh’, by joining two words ‘Mihir’ that stands for Sun and ‘Garh’ for Fort. Over time as per local dialect, Mehar-garh became known as Mehrangarh. Enclosed by 120 feet high and 70 feet thick walls, most of the existing structure found today inside the fort are from the 17th century built during the period of Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1638–78).
The fort has several palaces built inside it, which include Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Daulat Khana. The palaces are famed for their intricate carvings on the walls and expansive courtyards. In particular, Moti Mahal or Pearl Palace is one of the most prominent palaces of the fort, that houses the royal throne of Jodhpur known as the Sringar Chowki. Today a large part of the Mehrangarh Fort has been converted into a heritage museum. The fort is located at the centre of Jodhpur and the city has developed around it.
The fort has 7 massive gates, which includes the 1st gate, Jai Pol (meaning ‘victory gate’), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over the Jaipur and Bikaner armies in 1806. The Fatteh Pol (also meaning ‘victory gate’), commemorates the victory of Maharaja Ajit Singh over the Mughals in 1707. Gopal Pol, it is the 3rd Pol after Fateh Pol; imprints of impact of cannonballs fired by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. Dedh Kangra Pol, the 4th gate also bears scars of bombardment by cannonballs.
Amruti Pol, between Dedh Kangra Pol and Loha Pol, is 5th pol. Loha Pol, which is the 6th gate and final gate for entry into main part of the fort complex. Suraj Pol, 7th and inner most gate provides access to the palace complex and Daulat Khana Chauk. Immediately to the left of Loha Pol are the handprints (sati marks) of the ranis and some princesses, who committed Sati over the years after death of their husband. Its walls, which are up to 36 mtrs high and 21 mtrs wide.
According to legend to build the fort Rao Jodha had to displace the hill’s sole human occupant, a hermit called Cheeria Nathji, an influential man. When requested he categorically refused to move. Rao Jodha then sought help from the female warrior sage of Charan community, Shri Karni Mata. On request of Rao Jodha, she came and asked Cheeria Nathji to quit immediately. Seeing her superior power, he left the place but cursed Rao Jodha saying ‘Jodha, may your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water’. Rao Jodha, built a house and temple for him in the fort to appease him.
On seeing the influence of Karni Mata, Rao Jodha then invited her to lay foundation stone of Mehrangarh Fort. Today only the Bikaner and Jodhpur forts, remain in the hands of Rathores, both had their foundation stones laid by Shri Karni Mata. Most other forts were either abandoned or owners lost their possession due to some reason. Another legend says that, Rao Jodha buried a man “Raja Ram Meghwal”, who offered his services voluntarily, alive in the forts’ foundations. He was promised that his family would be looked after by the royals. The royals duly granted duly his family large swathes of land
One of the biggest attractions of the best preserved and most impressive fort is the museum. The museum contains numerous historical and valuable artifacts belonging to Jodhpur royal family across 6 galleries. These include elephant’s howdahs, numerous palanquins (palki), Daulat Khana (Mughal era treasures), armoury, paintings, turban gallery, and Shahi Lal Dera (tent). Mehrangarh Fort has been recently declared as a National Geological Monument by Geological Survey of India, to boost geo-tourism in India.
Other attractions include the Nagnecha Mataji Temple, and the Chamunda Mataji Temple. Deity of Chamunda temple is worshipped by royal family and locals alike. Huge crowds throng the fort to visit the temple during annual Dussehra celebrations. Other notable festivals that take place in the fort are Rajasthan International Folk Festival and World Sacred Spirit Festival. Tourist visiting the fort can also visit Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, next to the Mehrangarh Fort.
Spread over 72 hectares, it contains a collection of ecologically restored desert and arid land vegetation. Interested tourist can also try zip lining from the fort. Mehrangarh Fort has been the filming location for several films, including Hollywood films like Disney’s live-action film ‘The Jungle Book’ (1994), ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012); Bollywood films like ‘Awarapan’ (2007), ‘Thugs of Hindustan’ (2018). Mehrangarh fort is open for visitors daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entry fees for foreign tourists is INR 600, and domestic tourists is INR 100. Photography charges for still camera is INR 100, and video camera is INR 200.
Those who wish to use the one-way elevator, charges are INR 50. Best time to visit the Mehrangarh Fort is during winter season between October and March, the weather across Rajasthan remains cool and pleasant with strong breeze keeping temperature down. Tourist can reach the fort easily from anywhere in city that is well connected by road, rail and air.
