The gigantic historical edifice that is situated on a steep hill spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, standing magnificently 400 feet above the horizon of the city presenting the majestic and awe-inspiring views. Jodhpur The city is name on Maharaja Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler, who constructed it in 1959 A.D. This invincible fort is one of the largest forts in India furbished and buffed red sand stone carved out as the finest living examples being one of the most spectacular formations by thick walls, intricate carvings, stupendous courtyards in all Rajasthan.
It was built on the advice of a saint to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels elaborately adorned windows and walls of different Mahals. Hopping through the Fort, the beauty and the grandeur of the stunning style of architecture represents various palaces, galleries, temples along with the replete museums with a selection of old royal palanquins including a complicatedly embellished and gilded Mahadol palanquin narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
One of the highlights is the museum which exhibits the tradition of Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings along with outstanding collection of fine and applied arts from the Mughal period of Indian history and decorated period rooms, one of which is Phool Mahal (Flower Palace). Also, the ramparts are lined with antique artillery that sings the glory of lore and their tales which are home to not only several excellently preserved old cannon like the famous Kilkila but also offer a breath-taking panoramic view of the city. This is the highest hill of Jodhpur from where city looks blue. You may hear few Banajara singing heart touching traditional songs as well.
Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Period Rooms (inside the fort):
1) MOTI MAHAL (The Pearl Palace):
Moti Mahal is the largest period room of the Mehrangarh Museum. It was built by Raja Sur Singh. Moti Mahal was where the king used to sit on his throne and meet all his subjects. The palace has the Sringar Chowki, The Royal Throne of Jodhpur. The Moti Mahal has five alcoves leading to hidden balconies. It is believed that the balconies were built for the five queens of the Maharaja to enable them to listen in on court proceeding.
2) SHEESH MAHAL (The Hall Of Mirrors):
Sheesh Mahal of the Mehrangarh Fort is a typical example of a Rajput Sheesh Mahal. It has beautiful mirror-work. It is superimposed by the mirror-work of brightly painted religious figures made in plaster.
3) PHOOL MAHAL (The Palace Of Flowers):
Maharaja Abhaya Singh built the Phool Mahal. It is one of the grandest Mehrangarh Fort period rooms. It is believed that the Phool Mahal was a private and exclusive chamber of pleasure. Dancing girls are believed to perform here for the pleasure of the Maharajas. The gold for the Mahal came from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The paintings, royal portraits and the ever-popular raga mala of the Mahal came during the reign of Jaswant Singh II.
4) TAKHAT VILAS (Maharaja Takhat Singh’s Chamber):
Maharaja Takhat Singh built Takht Vila. It served as his residence during the time of his reign. The Maharaja was the last ruler of Jodhpur to reside in the Mehrangarh Fort. Takhat Vilas is an interesting blend of styles, both traditional as well as modern (relating to the time of the British). The beautiful paintings on the walls and on the wooden beams of the ceiling, scenes from the religious Krishna Leela to the Rathore sport of pig sticking, are still in good condition.
5) JHANKI MAHAL (The Peeping Palace):
The royal ladies watched the official proceedings, going on in the courtyard, from the Jhanki Mahal. It houses a rich collection of the royal cradles, decorated with gilt mirrors and figures of fairies, elephant and birds.
6) CHOKELAO MEHRAN TERRACE (Terrace restaurant): Enjoy spectacular views of Jodhpur city at this romantically lit restaurant high up within the royal Mehrangarh Fort. Notable more for its ambience than the food or the length of its menu, this touristy outdoor eatery is as good an option as any within the Old City, and it’s specially fitting after an evening tour of the fort. Try the traditional Rajasthani food with tasty elegant and thalis, as well as standard tandoori favorites like paneer tikka. On monsoon days they indoor a/c dining areas. It opens at 7pm usually.
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