Mehrangarh Fort The Stronghold Of An Ancient Dynasty

Jodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan, India

, after Jaipur. Situated on the fringes of the Thar Desert, it bears the names Gateway to Thar and the Sun City. The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the chieftain of the Rathore Rajputs. Also known as the Blue City, due to most of its buildings being painted in shades of blue, this historic city in the site of Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Within its walls is enclosed a vast city of palaces and temples and mansions which still teem with the rich colors and traditions painting a vivid cultural tapestry.

Rao Jodha laid the foundations of Mehrangarh on a rocky hill called Bhaucheeria, the Mountain of Birds. Legend has it that in the process, he had evacuated a hermit who lived on the site. In his wrath, the hermit had cursed the city with a scarcity of water. Though the Jodha had appeased him by building him a new abode, the city suffers periods of draught to this day.

Towering 400 ft above the city and fortified with walls 6 meters thick, history has proved the proud fort to be completely impregnable. Certainly, Rao Jodha went to every possible measure to ensure it would be so, including entombing one his subjects alive within its walls so that his spirit would stand protective vigil over the fort.

The fort has seven gates, each commemorating victories won by the various Maharajas over their enemies. Poignant memorials to past sacrifices are found in the chhatri of a soldier who fell defending the fort and in the palm prints of the queens who were thrown into the funeral pyre of their Maharaja in sati pooja.

The true jewels of the fort reside within its canon-battered walls; there are exquisitely adorned palaces and vast courtyards of which the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Daulat Khana and Sileh Khana, are most prominent. The fort also houses one of the finest Rajasthan museums which exhibit grand collections of royal relics and spoils of war.

Visitors searching for a quality accommodation while they discover the delights of this ancient city need look no further than The Gateway Hotel Jodhpur, a beautiful hotel in Jodhpur reflective of the richness and comfort of the Rajasthan palaces.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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