Rajasthan is a state in India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, history, and architecture. One of the most significant aspects of the state's architecture is its forts, which were built by various rulers over the centuries. These forts served as a symbol of power and protection, and many of them still stand tall today, attracting tourists from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the most famous forts of Rajasthan, their history, significance, and attractions.
Forts of Rajasthan which are listed in UNESCO
Out of Rajasthan's World Heritage Site, there are 6 such forts of Rajasthan, which are listed in UNESCO.
They were listed during the 37th meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Phnom Penh in June 2013.
Chittorgarh Fort
The fort of Chittorgarh tells the history of Rajasthan valor, pride, courage and sacrifice. The name of many mighty warriors and echo in this fort.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fort was the capital of Mewar and Chittorgarh Fort is located in the town of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan and is one of the largest forts in India. The fort was built in the 7th century and was the capital of the Mewar Kingdom until the 16th century. The fort covers an area of 700 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has seven gates, several palaces, temples, and towers. The fort is also famous for the Jauhar.
History of Chittorgarh Fort
Another folklore attributes the construction of the fort to the legendary hero Bhima. It states that Bhima knelt down on the ground here, resulting in a large reservoir of water.
The water body created by Bhima is an artificial tank known as Bhimtal Kund.
Highlight and Nearby attractions of Chittorgarh Fort.
Rani Padmini's Palace
Vijay Stambh
Kriti Stambh
Fateh Prakash Palace
Kalika Mata Temple
Gaumukh Reservoir
Ratan Singh Palace
Meerabai Temple
Nagari
Bhainsrorgarh Fort
Temples of Baroli - Rawatbhata
Bhamashah ki Haveli
Jaimal and Patta's Palace
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Among the forts of Rajasthan, the fort of Kumbhalgarh is one of the large and mountainous forts of Rajasthan, which was listed on the 2013 UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fort is located in the Rajsamand district of the Indian state of Rajasthan, about 82 km from the city of Udaipur.
Out of the fortifications of Rajasthan, this fort is built in the Aravalli ranges, it is situated in the middle of the thirteen hill peaks and forests of the Arwali ranges.
It is the second largest and most important fort of Mewar in Rajasthan after the fort of Chittorgarh. The wall of Kumbhalgarh fort is considered as the second largest wall (38 km) in the world and Kumbhalgarh fort is situated at an altitude of 1,914 meters.
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and is known for its impressive fortifications and ramparts that run for a length of 38 kilometers, making it the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort has several palaces, temples, and gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding Aravalli Range.
History
Spread across the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, this fort was built in the 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha, the king of Mewar and reflects the invincibility and inaccessibility of the Kumbhalgarh fort topography. This fort was named Kumbhalgarh Fort after Rana Kumbha.
Kumbhalgarh Fort was cleverly designed on a hill to provide a strategic position to the kings of Mewar. The massive walls of the Kumbhalgarh Fort are spread over a width of some 36 kilometers. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated this fort in the 19th century.
This fort being of birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the majestic king of Mewar, has a great emotional importance among the people. This fort is self-contained in all respects to the defensive fort.
Ranthambore Fort (Swai Madhopur)
Ranthambore Fort shows its historical importance in the list of fortifications of Rajasthan. The fort of Ranthambore was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. Due to its strategic location, it was important to keep the enemy at bay. The fort of Ranthambore is also related to the historical legend of the royal women.
The fortification of Ranthambore in the fort of Rajasthan is characterized by temples, tanks, huge gates and huge walls. The fortress of Ranthambore was built in 944 AD, Ranthambore Fort has witnessed many historical sieges and battles and wars. Perhaps the most important of these was Rao Hameer's war in 1301 against the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji.
The fortress of Ranthambore in Rajasthan's fortifications includes many attractions such as the Toran gate within its complex, Mahadev Chhatri, an architectural marvel, and the Sametonki Haveli. The Lord Ganesh Temple located in the Ranthambore Fort is a major tourist attraction, and it also organizes a fair every year on the occasion of Bhadrapada Sudi Chaturthi.
Ranthambore Fort is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and is situated within the Ranthambore National Park. The fort was built in the 10th century and was the seat of power for the rulers of the region. The fort is known for its massive walls and towers that offer panoramic views of the park. The fort has several palaces, temples, and reservoirs, and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan is also known as Sonar Fort or Golden Fort because here the sun rises from the desert and becomes one with the golden color of sand.
Jaisalmer Fort has been built in the royal style by the local artisans here. Jaisalmer Fort is a World Heritage Site and forms an important plot point in one of Satyajit Ray's famous Feluda stories and the same film Sonar Kela (The Golden Fortress).
Amber Fort, Jaipur
The Amber Fort is located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, and is one of the most famous forts in the state. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and served as the capital of the Kachwaha dynasty. The fort is known for its stunning architecture, which is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles.
Attractions of Amber Fort:
Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors): This is a beautiful hall in the fort that is decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors, which reflect light and create a sparkling effect. Ganesh Pol: This is a beautiful gateway in the fort that is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. Diwan-i-Khas: This is a stunning hall in the fort that was used by the kings to conduct important meetings and receive guests.Gangnor Fort, jhalawar
Gagron Fort is located in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built in the 14th century and is unique in that it is surrounded by water on three sides, making it an excellent example of a water fort. The fort has several temples, palaces, and gardens and offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
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