A Glimpse of Forts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is home to more than 250 forts which served as shelter house for Rajput rulers also included in their expansionist policies of Rajput and Muslim rulers.

In Rajasthan fort architecture has been found in Kalibangan civilization.

Types of forts:

1. Auduk Fort: It is also called a water fort. surrounded by water example Gagron Fort

2. Hill Fort or Giri Fort: It is situated on a high mountain, most of the Rajasthan Fort falls under this category.

3. Dhanvan Fort or desert Fort: It is surrounded by desert or sand dunes example Jaisalmer Fort

4. Van fort or forest fort: It is situated between the forest or surrounded by dense canopy example Siwana Fort

5. Airan fort: It is inaccessible due to the difficult terrain, deep digs, thrones,stones.. Example Chitor and Jalore Fort

6. Pareek Fort: This Fort is surrounded by Deep Trench around the wall example Bharatpur Junagadh of Bikaner

7. Parridh Fort: it is surrounded with the big walls example: Chittoor and Jaisalmer forts

8. Army Fort or Sainya Fort: Where the soldiers are held for planning and strategy of War example Magazine fort of Ajmer

9. Sahay fort: Where people live due to their bravery and cordial relations.

UNESCO Forts

1. Jaisalmer Fort: Located in Trikut hill made in yellowstone, Jaisalmer Fort is also called Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. This fort is situated far in the desert that is why it is called that one needs iron feet to reach there. Built by Bhati Ruler Rao Jaisal in 1155 AD. From a distance it appears like an anchored ship in the desert. It is made of wooden roof, without lime. It is famous for its Dhai Saka.

   1. Architectural Building: Rang Mahal, Moti Mahal, Gaj Vilas and Jawahar Vilas.

2. Chittorgarh Fort: located on Mesa Plateau fort has strategic importance due to its location on Delhi to Malwa and Gujarat route. According to Vir Vinod the fort was built by Muarya King Chitrang and named as Chitrakoot. In later years Bappa Rawal of Mewar defeated Maurya Maanmori and captured the fort. Alauddin Khilji named it Khizrabad. 3 sakas: 1303 During Alauddin khilji or Rani Padmini’s Johar, 1535 During Bahadur Shah of Gujrat and in 1568 during Akbar.

   1. Architectural building: Among the buildings in the fort, Tuljamata Temple, Navlakha Bhandar, Bhamashah Ki Haveli, Srinagar Chanvre Palace, Tripolia Gate, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Somdev Temple, Vijay Stambh erected by Kumbha, palace of queen Padmini, palace of Gora Badal, Chitrangada Mori Pond, and Jain Kirti Stambh are worth mentioning.

3. Amer Fort: This building is the largest of its kind in Jaipur. Interestingly, this fort remains a prominent testament to the cultural intermingling prevalent in India. For instance, the fort derives its name from the Hindu temple of Lord Shiva. On the other hand, its architectural build – especially for its mirror palace or Sheesh Mahal – is a magnificent expression of Islamic and Rajasthani aesthetics fusion.

4. Ranthambore Fort: Located in Sawai Madhopur fort has strategic importance as it is located on the Delhi route.Built in the Eighth century by Chouhan ruler witnessed the war between Aladunin and Hammir Dev Chouhan in 1301. Abu’ Fazl called it an armored fort or Bhaktarband fort.

   1. Architectural building: Hammir Mahal, Rani Mahal, Hammer's court, Supri Mahal, battis kambha chattri, Jogi Mahal, Pir Sadruddin’s Dargah and Trinetra Ganesh temple.

5. Kumbhalgarh Fort: Built by Maharana Kumbha situated on the border of Mewar and Marwar. Chief architect was Mandan. The 36 kilometer long wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort makes it the second longest of its kind – only behind the iconic Great Wall of China. Uday Singh's coronation and Paratp’s birth took place here.Upper end of the fort is Katargarh. Abu’s Fazl said that it is  built on such a height that when one looks up, the turban might fall off.

   1. Architectural building: Jhalibav Baori, Kumbh Swami Vishnu Temple, Jhalirani’s Malia, Mamadeo Pond. 

6. Gagron Fort: Situated in Jhalawar on the confluence of Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers, fort is water or Jal Durga. Built by Dod Parmars in the 11th Century. Later on came into possession of Khinchi Chuahans. Fort witnessed Achaldas Khinchi’s valor against Hoshang Shah, ruler of Mandu in 1423 AD. 

           a. Architectural Buildings: Pipa ki Chattri, Mitthe Shahab ki Dargah, Buland Darwaza built by Aurangzeb.