Mighty Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur is one of the most impressive, colossal forts of Rajasthan. Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Rao Jodha, the 15th ruler of the Rathore dynasty, laid the foundation of the fort on 12th May 1459, amidst all drama of a curse from a disturbed hermit, Cheeriya Nathji and four (?) human sacrifices. This and other secret stories of mighty Jodhpur Fort in this post.
History of Meherangarh Fort of Jodhpur is riddled with several interesting stories. In the place where the mighty fort of Mehrangarh stands today, there existed a hillock called Bhaurcheeria. This name translates to Mountain of Birds. It was dwelling of a hermit called Mehran Baba or Cheeria Nathji.
As per King Rao Jodha’s orders the hermit was evicted and they began construction of the Fort at the place. However the construction hardly progressed. Each time they would bring up a wall, it would crumble down in no time.
The hermit was naturally upset over his forceful eviction. To appease the hermit they built a temple at his place of penance.
In spite of this gesture the hermit went on to curse that the palace would be drought ridden. After a lot of discussions, consultations they could arrive at only one solution. Human sacrifice was required for the construction of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur!
The foundation would be strong only if a man was buried there. Fortunately for the king, a poor skinner Rajaram Meghwal (or Rajiya Bhambi) volunteered to sacrifice his life at the foundation. His only condition or favor in return was that his family would be looked after till perpetuity by the king and his descendants.
Rajaram Meghwal’s wish was honored and till this date every year on Jodhpur’s founding day (May 12), the Maharaja worships the skinner’s tools and felicitates his kin.
A plaque stands there – a grim reminder that this mighty fort wouldn’t have existed but for this humble man’s sacrifice!
The city of Jodhpur was popularly known as Blue City of India. The color blue is associated with Brahmin, the highest caste of Hindus. One could find more blue houses in the vicinity of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort where more of Brahmins resided. Brahmin had the privilege to stay closer to the fort which had the King’s palace. Other caste people stayed further away from the fort.
Blue color is also considered as soothing as it repels heat and mosquitoes. However with changing times the color blue is no longer the predominant color of the city. Instead the city is now gaining a new name – the Sun City. Sun is the chief deity of Rathore dynasty which founded Jodhpur, hence the name.
One hundred and twenty feet high, with six meters thick walls, the fort is located on a hilltop 400ft above the city. The already impressive height is further exaggerated by intricately carved windows and jharokha.
And just as any historical monument has hidden secrets within their walls; the Mehrangarh Fort too has its quota of dark secrets – wicked and scandalous. The blood curdling, spine chilling stories are mostly that of kings throwing people (some royal family members too) out to their death out of the windows of the palace.
With so many royal murders linked to this fort, over time it was secretly believed that Mehrangarh Fort is haunted. I am yet to find a single person who had ghostly experience here. Popular among the secret stories of Mehrangarh Fort are:
The architectural details of Meherangarh Fort Jodhpur are amazing! This mighty fort is protected by high walls measuring 118 ft in height and 69 ft in width. Even today it has several palaces known for their intricate carvings on windows and expansive courtyards with temples. The fort museum has good display of a vast collection of paintings, costumes, arms and ammunitions from the Rathore rulers.
Jodhpur Fort is located on Malani Igneous Suite Contact of Aravalli range. This geological feature is the last phase of igneous activity of Precambrian age in the Indian Subcontinent. Geological Survey of India has marked this unique feature as National Geological Monument.
Mehrangarh Fort is different from other forts of Rajasthan for its continued support and encouragement of traditional folk arts. As you tour the different courtyards of the different mahals within the fort complex you will see different artists dressed in the most colorful and exquisite costumes dance and perform to various Rajasthani folklore.
There are 7 gates for this mighty fort, each with an interesting name! Gates are locally called pol – the names are: Fateh Pol, Gopal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Toati Pol, Dedh Kamgra Pol, Marti Pol, and Loha Pol. Just writing about these gates will make an interesting long post. Some day I must!
Can you believe museums of Mehrangarh Fort are actually palaces! They are beautifully decorated and designed in typical Rajput architectural style. Famous ones worth visiting are: Famous palaces in the museum are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, and Daulat Khana.
Tickets to Jodhpur Fort
Plan sufficient time to tour these rooms in leisure. Tickets are valid for just one time entry so make most use of it.
Timings: The place is open every day of the week from 9 am to 5 am
Best time to visit: It gets really hot during summer in Rajasthan the best time to visit the Jodhpur Fort would be from November to February.
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