Mehrangarh Fort And Museum
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated 410 feet about the city, which is enclosed by thick walls. It was built around 1459 by Rao Jodha, after whom the city of Jodhpur is named. The walls of the fort are 118 feet tall and 69 feet wide. The area of the fort is around 5 kilometers – 26 acres.
About Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
The name ‘Mehrangarh’ is derived from Sanskrit words: ‘Mihir’ meaning ‘Sun’ and ‘Garh’ means ‘Fort’. The families which lived in this fort were believed to have their origin from the Sun God according to the Hindu mythology. Jodhpur was the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. Marwar (Marward) was ruled by Rathod clan (decident of Sun god), although they did not belong to Marwar. They were the refugees who came from Central India, Kanoj 800 years ago. Rao Siyyaji was the founder of this dynasty. These paintings can be seen in the museum.
The Fort was built on a mountain called ‘Bhaurcheeria’ (mountain of birds) which is a mountain made of inactive volcanic rocks. ‘Khandwaliya’ were skilled rock cutters who cut these Volcanic rocks, ‘Chouwaliyas’ were skilled in carrying heavy stones who engineered the rocks to the heights by carrying them with simple chains and rods.
Gateways to Mehrangarh Fort
There are seven gates to the Fort which are named with specific importance.
JAIPOL – The main entrance to the Fort was built by Maharaja Mansingh in the 17th century (1806) to symbolize his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner armies.
FATEH GATE – This gate was the symbol of victory. It was made of spikes and barbicans to counter attack the enemies. This was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707.
DEDA KANGRA POL (gate) – here we see the scars of bombardment by cannonballs during the war between the Rathods of Marwar and the Jaipur kings.
LOHA POL – It is the last and the 7th gate which leads to the main part of the Fort complex. On the left side we see right hand prints of the Ranis (who performed ‘Sati’) in 1843 and immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Mansingh.
There are 3 more gates : Gopal gate, Bhairon gate and Toati gate which are now guard rooms.
History of Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Mehrangarh was earlier called ‘Miheer Ghad’, Sun Fort as the Fort is very high and the first rays of the sun falls on it in Jodhpur. According to ‘Kundali’ (astrology) this Fort was called ‘Chintamani’. It is also called ‘Mayurdwaj Durg’ because it has a shape of Mayur Punk – peacock feather. Rao Jodha lost his empire after the death of his father, Rao Ranmal. During the rule of Rao Ranmal, the governance of Mewar was in his hands. As all the power was in his hands, the provincial chiefs of Mewar were unhappy, and they complained against him to the King of Mewar, Raja Maharana Kumbha and his mother Soubhagya Devi. In 1458, Rao Ranmal was brutally murdered in his deep sleep.
The army of Mewar attacked Mandore with the leadership of Rawath Chuda, where Rakhawath and Marwad was captured. Rao Jodha who was one of the 24 sons of Rao Ranmal, became the 15th ruler of Jodhpur. One year after taking the charge of the throne he felt that the ort of Mandore was not safe, so he thought of constructing a new Fort on a hill 9kms away from the original Fort. This place (hill) was called ‘Chidiya Boar’ or ‘Chidiya Tuk’ as there were many birds habited on this hill. He started construction of the fort on 13th may, 1459.
THE CURSE OF CHIDIYANATH BABA
There was a stream on this hill next to which lived a yogi (Hermit) by name Chidiyanath Baba. The yogi was informed that the King was planning on building a Fort here and was asked to vacate the place. When the yogi disagreed, he was forcefully vacated and the construction of the Fort began. The yogi cursed King Rao Jodha for breaking his penance saying that the King would never be happy as he would not get water there (at Jodhpur). Since then there was no water on the hill, so the Raja got a ‘Kund’ and ‘Shiv temple’ built in the place of the hermit’s hut.
- Palaces Inside Mehrangarh Fort
- Phool Mahal (Flower palace)
These were huge halls used for leisure activities of the royal family. There was a private room for the Raja.
- Sheesh Mahal (Mirror palace)
The roof of the mahal is decorated with multiple reflective mirrors. This was the bedroom of Maharana Ajit Singh.
- Jhaki Mahal
This palace was used to see the administration of the King. The ladies used to stay in this palace and also watch the ceremonies happening outside. In 1860, Maharaja Takat Singh got this constructed. Here we also see the palanquins used during the 19th and 20th century.
- Moti Mahal
This was constructed by Sawai Raja Sur Singh between 1595 – 1599. There are beautiful glass doors and small windows.
- Dawlat Khana
This was a treasury during the period of the kings, where precious royal jewellery and royal regales were kept. Now it is a museum where old valuable swords and other articles are displayed.
- Zanana Deodi
This is the mahal on the 1st floor from where the Queen and the ladies would observe the everyday happenings of the King from decorated windows without being seen from outside. Those days they practiced Pardah system. The mother (Queen) was not allowed to take part in ‘Raj tilak’ (Coronation). - Chamundamatha Mandir
Rao Jodha was a devotee of ‘Ma Chamunda’, the ‘Kul Devi’ of Jodhpur rulers. Rao Jodha constructed this temple in 1460. Local people were also allowed to visit the temple. Even now during navratri, special poojas are performed.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
- Jhankhi Mahal
Here we see the exhibits of palanquine used during the 19th and 20th century. - Moti mahal
The throne and armour used during those days are displayed here.
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Entry Fees
Indians: ₹70/-
Foreigners : ₹400/-
Elevator charges: ₹150/-
12th May – Jodhpur foundation day
Free entry for students with ID card
Camera fee: ₹100/-
Guide charges: Indians: ₹600/- ; Foreigners: ₹1200/-
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Timings
Monday to Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Best time to visit Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
October to March,
Summer are very hot.
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Website
mehrangarh
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Email
info@mehrangarh.org
Minimum time required to see the fort
2 hours – 2 hours 30 Min
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Phone Number
Landline +91-291-2548790
Landline +91-291-2548992
Landline +91-291-2541447
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Address
P.B # 165, The Fort,
Jodhpur 342006,
Rajasthan
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Accommodation
There is no accommodation inside the fort, there are a few Boarding & Lodging options near the fort.
However if you are looking for Royal Accomodation (Heritage Properties) you can check – Heritage
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Distance
From Jodhpur City – 13 kilometres
From Ajmer- 207 kilometres
From Jaipur – 336 kilometres
From Udaipur – 259 kilometres
From Sirohi – 191 kilometres
Places to Visit Near Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jaswant Thada
Mandore Gardens
Kaylana lake
Rao Jodha desert Rock Park
Chamunda Mata temple
Balsamand lake
Clock Tower
How to reach Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
RSRTC (Bus)
Direct buses to Jodhpur are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Sirohi and Jaisalmer.
On Reaching Jodhpur City You can take Government Buses or take shared auto rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk) to the Fort which is 12 kilometres, ₹10/ Person
Private auto rickshaw – ₹150/One way, ₹280 both ways
ISRTC(Train)
The city is well connected from all sides, you can take auto rickshaw or taxi from Jodhpur Junction railway station. Mehrangarh Fort and Museum is 2.1 kilometres from here.
Air
Nearest Jodhpur International Airport (International / Domestic Airport) is 8.5 kilometres from Mehrangarh Fort and Museum with a drive-time of approximately 20 Min
Bike / Car
Sushil Nagar – Ratanada – Jodhpur Circuit House – Jaswant Thada – Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
NOTE – Information mentioned above is completely based the information that i received from the tourist guide