MAHRANGARH FORT

MAHRANGARH FORT

AT

JODHPUR

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in forts. It is also the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort is amongst the popular tourist places in India.

Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort History is related to Rao Jodha. He became the fifteenth Rathore ruler in 1458. One year after his accession, Jodha was advised to move his capital to a safer place.

The one thousand years old Mandore fort was slowly and gradually deteriorating. This led to the foundation of Mehrangarh Fort.

Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars.

One of the gates is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.

Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Museum is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan. It is beautifully laid out. It has a palanquin section where you can see a wide collection of old royal palanquins.

The palanquin section of the museum of Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India also includes the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730.

The heritage of the Rathores, including arms, costumes, paintings, decorated period rooms, etc, is exhibited in the museum. The museum gives us an idea of the grandeur of the royal families of the past.

The "Elephant Howdah" was a kind of two-compartment wooden seat fastened on to the back of an elephant.

Daulat Khana gallery are displayed some best preserved collection of fine arts of the Mughal period, during which the Rathores maintained close links with the Mughal emperors

Armoury gallery displays a rare collection of Armour from every period in Jodhpur. Also displayed are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhine horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls, guns with gold and silver work on barrels.

The personal swords of some emperors are also displayed. They include The Khanda of Rao Jodha, The sword of Akbar the Great and The sword of Timur the Lame. 

Paintings gallery displays colours of Marwar-Jodhpur, the finest example of Marwar paintings. 

There is Turban Gallery in the Mehrangarh Museum also. In it are preserved and displayed many different types of turbans once prevalent in Rajasthan. 

The Folk Musical Instruments Gallery are a number of different types and kinds of folk musical instruments, some particular to a group or community, and some to a region. A recorded rendition accompanies the display of the instruments here.

By Air

 The Jodhpur Airport is 5 km from the city center. Regular flight services connect the city with other major cities in and around Rajasthan. There are daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

By Train

 Jodhpur is well connected by railway lines. Trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are easily available. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this city of royal splendor.

By Road

 Another convenient mode of transportation to Jodhpur is by road. The main highway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is via Agoli and Pokaran. The highway is well connected with Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur by bus.