The Majestic Mehrangarh fort at Jodhpur, Rajasthan is a living testimony to the architectural brilliance and acumen of ancient Indian builders, artisans and workers
Mehrangarh is derived from the Sanskrit word Mihir which means Sun and ‘Garh,’ which means Fort, hence called the Sun Fort. The fort was founded by Rao Jodha, the ruler of Jodhpur, in 1459
The fort is situated on a steep hill, rising 410 feet above the city. Its walls are up to 36 meters high and 21 meters wide and have never been breached by an enemy force
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The fort comes alive during events like the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. These events showcase traditional music and dance against the backdrop of the fort's magnificent architecture
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The Fort has seven gates built to commemorate the victory over the forces of Bikaner and Jaipur. The Dedh Kamagra Gate still bears the traces of cannonballs fired by the Jaipur army
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The fort houses several palaces, including Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), each with its unique architecture and historical significance
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The Moti Mahal, also known as the Pearl Palace was once the residence of the Maharaja and is adorned with a stunning ceiling made of finely carved stone
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The Phool Mahal, or the Palace of Flowers was built as a private chamber for the Maharajas and is embellished with intricate mirror work, colorful glass mosaics, and lavish gold leaf decorations
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There's a hidden, narrow pathway in the fort known as the "Rajmata's Needle". It's said that only one person can pass through at a time, making it a strategic escape route in times of danger
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The museum within the fort showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, weaponry, royal palanquins, miniature paintings, turbans, swords of famous rulers like Rao Jodha, Timur and Akbar
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The fort has Chamunda Mata temple built by Rao Jodha in honour of his Kul Devi. The Goddess is revered by all the citizens of Jodhpur and visited by devotees throughout the year
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A desert rock park called the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park has also been built adjoining the fort complex to restore the ecological properties of the desert region and its vegetation
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