Mehrangarh Fort

This will be our last past regarding our recent trip to Jodhpur. While we were there we spent one afternoon at Mehrangarh Fort; it was the most impressive structure that we have seen anywhere in the world.

The fort was founded in 1459AD by Rao Jodha, the 15th of the Rathore dynasty, that was in control over the entire Marwar region (also known as "the land of death"), from the 13th century through the 20th century.

Mehrangarh Fort is constructed from burnished red sandstone and sits atop a mountain surrounded by perpendicular cliffs 400 feet above the city. The fort covers the entire summit of the mountain which is about 3 square miles. The walls of the fort are up to 118 feet high and 69 feet wide. It is not only beautiful and impressively built but it is impenetrable; since its construction in 1459AD, the fort has never been conquered (even by the fierce and powerful Moghul invaders). This is something that no other fort can boast in the surrounding regions of the country.

Mehrangarh Fort was the official residence of the royal family until the mid-20th century when they moved to their new residence on the outside of the city; their new home is called Umaid Bhawan Palace.

View of Mehrangarh Fort looking over the city of Jodhpur.

The brown circles on the wall show where cannon balls struck during the battle with Maharaja Jagat Singh of Jaipur in 1808AD.

In 1459AD when the fort was constructed, the Maharaja Rao Jodha took the extreme step to ensure the new site; he buried a man alive in the foundations. The man was Rajiya Bambi (Meghwal) and he was promised that in return his family would forever more be looked after by the Rathores. This plaque marks the spot where Rajiya Bambi (Meghwal) lies buried in the wall.

This is just inside the sixth of seven gates to the fort, it is known as Loha Pole. This is where the hand prints of the late Maharaja Man Singh's widows were left as they exited the fort for the last time. This plaque in the wall is one of two which commemorate their sacrifice. They voluntarily ended their lives in 1843AD when they let themselves be burned alive on top of their late husband's funeral pyre. This was done despite the law which the British passed in 1829AD banning this ritual known as "sati". There are small red hand prints visible around the area from the late wives.

This is the view from one of the many courtyards within the palace complex. It is awes inspiring to see the intricate carving out of solid stone. It is a truly amazing experience to visit Mehrangarh Fort and try to imagine what has transpired within the walls of this magnificent fort over the last five centuries. Imagine being within its thick walls when the fierce and undefeated Moghuls were attacking. What would it have sounded like to hear the dozens of canons on the surrounding walls fire; the sound echoed off the courtyards within? What would it be like to be the young maharaja and be able to grow up running within and exploring the sprawling fort?