Mehrangarh
Fort
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest forts
in forts. It is also the most magnificent fort in
Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort
is amongst the popular tourist places in India.
It is situated on a 150 m high hill. It was founded
by Rao Jodha in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort can be
reached from the city, 5 kms below, through a circular
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Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort. The
gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought
in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness
to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during
wars. One of the gates is Jayapol, meaning victory.
It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his
victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate,
Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja
Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.
Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include
several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling
and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The
Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne
of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki. The fort also has galleries,
temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is
the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the
spot where he fell while defending the fort against
the armies of Amber.
The Mehrangarh Fort, with its beauty, is the living
proof of the hard work and skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
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