subject: The Nahargarh Fort- A Silent Reminder Of Jaipurs Past [print this page] India is a nation that is awash with cultural symbolism, history and numerous religious practices. In the historic Pink City of Jaipur, which has seen a turbulent and sometimes violent history, the Nahargarh Fort stands as a silent reminder of the resilience of the Indian people.
The city of Jaipur was founded by a regional Mogul ruler known as Jai Singh II who ascended to the throne in 1699 at the tender age of 11. The capital of his occupied territory was previously located at Amber, 11 kilometers away from Jaipur. But with the influx of immigrants from neighboring states and the perennial scarcity of water, Jai Singh decided to shift the capital to its present location.
The city of Jaipur was heavily fortified, since the king took a special interest in the security of the area due to his regular skirmishes with the Marathas, who were a powerful empire based in the Deccan region. With the objective of providing security for his people, King Jai Singh II began construction of the Nahargarh Fort in the year 1734. The fort was expanded in subsequent year and played a significant role in battles that would take place in the region. Though the fort was intended to provide safety to the Moguls, in later years it would serve as a hiding place for Europeans, as Indians rose up against the colonial Raj.
The fort is believed to be named after a Mogul Prince whose spirit is said to haunt it. Though it was primarily built for the purpose of waging war, in certain parts of Nahargarh the walls are adorned with beautifully painted frescoes depicting the prowess of the Mogul Empire. Located above the city, it allows for wonderful views of the cityscape.
