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Situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh
Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of
the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are
the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol
or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol
or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja
Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre
in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can
see the strategically located cannons. Inside the fort,
a series of courtyards and palaces greet the visitor. The
palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings
of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of
tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery
system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view
of the city from the fort.
Magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts, looks
down protectively over the city, from the hilltop. The fort
is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread
over an area of 5 sq. km with seven gates. One could drive up
or walk to the top of the small and not so steep hill. Driving
or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall
and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed.
In front of the mammoth gate of Mehrangarh Fort, you can
find a bearded Jodhpur resident, dressed in traditional threads,
complete with turban, sword, shield and hookah welcoming the
tourists. You can also find a couple of local musicians singing
to the local tunes. I bought the requisite tickets and set
off to explore the palaces, hallways and set off to explore
the palaces, hallways and courtyards of Mehrangarh.
It is a royal treat, as one passes through the carefully
preserved regalia and regal artefacts. Phool Mahal, Sukh Mahal,
Moti Mahal. Exquisitely decorated ceilings and walls, with
delicate latticework on the windows. Large and unusual wooden
statues, painted bright, adorned a palace section amongst
an assortment of princely cradles. It is a labyrinth of wonders,
not knowing what the next doorway might lead to.
Through the various avenues and routes of this sprawled complex,
you will reach the fort roof, overlooking the entire city
of Jodhpur, from over rows of medieval cannons. What a commanding
view! The thousands of white houses chequered with ones painted
blue.
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