RAHUL AWASTHI
Mehrangarh, known for its beautiful architecture, formidable walls, and cultural heritage, is one of the most magnificent forts in Rajasthan, India.
The Fort of Mehrangarh was built in 1438 by Rao Jodha, after whom the entire city of Jodhpur is named. The name of the fort is derived from two Sanskrit words, ‘Mihir’ which means the Sun god and ‘Garh’ meaning Fort. The massive walls of the fort with the height of 118 feet are spread over an area of 65 feet to protect the fort from invasions. On the inside of the wall you can see some intricate Rajasthani carvings and designs that gives it a separate identity. In some places, the walls of the fort rise upto a height of 120 feet, which adds to its formidable structure. There are seven beautiful gates adorning the fort walls, built at different points of time for different reasons. The fort complex also features a number of exquisitely decorated palaces and temples.
Apart from the spectacular palaces and expansive courtyards, the fort also houses a grand museum and an in-house museum shop. The museum beautifully represents the ancient Rajasthani culture and is a superb example Rajput architecture. Inside the museum, one of the two galleries of Daulat Khana Chowk displays textiles, paintings, manuscripts, headgear and the curved sword of the Mughal emperor Akbar; the other gallery is the armoury. Upstairs is a fabulous gallery of miniature paintings from the sophisticated Marwar school and the beautiful 18th-century Phul Mahal (Flower Palace), with 19th-century wall paintings depicting the 36 moods of classical ragas as well as royal portraits; the artist took 10 years to create them using a curious concoction of gold leaf, glue and cow’s urine.
Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors, Maharaja Ajit Singh’s bedroom that is intricately decorated with glass work.
Phul Mahal or the Palace of Flowers, an ornate reception room built by Abhay Singh that dates back to the mid-18th Its architectural style matches those of Shah Jahan’s palaces.
Moti Mahal or the Palace of Pearls, a beautiful chamber displaying the luster of the pearls. Here the queens would sit unseen and listen to the court proceedings.
Other than that, Folk dance and cultural performances take place almost every day within the fort.
The best way to get to Rajasthan would be to take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Jaipur which will take approximately 5 and a half hours to reach. But if you prefer to travel by bus, you can go to Gongabu Bus Park and take a bus to Krishnanagar, India from where you will have to take a train to Lucknow, and from Lucknow, you will have to take another bus which will get you to Jaipur, Rajasthan. This way it can take up to 22-24 hours to reach, so the first alternative would be recommended.
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