History of Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Rajasthan
Mehrangarh
or Mehran Fort, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in
India. Built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m)
above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries
there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive
courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of
the impact of cannonballs fired by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen
on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda,
a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.
There
are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja
Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies.
Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory' which includes the Maharaja Ajit Singhji
defeated Mughals.The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention.
The
museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in
Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal
palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won
in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the
heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period.
Rao
Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in
India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459 (Jodhpur was previously known as Marwar). He
was one of Ranmal's 24 sons and became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. One year
after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the
safer location of Jodhpur, as the one thousand years old Mandore fort was no
longer considered to provide sufficient security.
With
the trusted aid of Rao Nara (son of Rao Samra), the Mewar forces were subdued
at Mandore. With that, Rao Jodha gave Rao Nara the title of Diwan. With the
help of Rao Nara, the foundation of the fort was decided on 12 May 1459[1] by
Jodha on a rocky hill 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) to the south of Mandore. This hill
was known as Bhakurcheeria, the mountain of birds. According to legend to build
the fort he had to displace the hill's sole human occupant, a hermit called
Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. Cheeria Nathji was a man with local
population as his followers and hence influential in the region.When requested
to move he refused categorically. This happened many times. Rao Jodha then took
extreme measures and sought help from another more powerful saint, the female
warrior sage of Charan caste Shri Karni Mata of Deshnok.On request of the king
she came and asked Cheeria Nathji to quit immediately. Seeing a superior power
he left at once but cursed Rao Jodha with words "Jodha! May your citadel
ever suffer a scarcity of water!". Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit
by building a house and a temple in the fort. Seeing the influence of Karni Mata
Rao Jodha then invited her to lay down the foundation stone of the MehrangarhFort and the same was carried out by her. Today only the forts of Bikaner and
Jodhpur remain in the hands of Rathors, both had their foundation stone laid by
Shri Karni Mata. All other Rajput forts of Rajasthan were abandoned for some or
the other reasons by the respective clans. Only the Rathors of Jodhpur and
Bikaner have their forts with them till date. This fact is considered a miracle
by the local population and is attributed to Shri Karni Mata.Rao Jodha also
granted villages of Mathania and Chopasni to the two Charan warlords who were
sent by him to request Shri Karni Mata to come to Jodhpur.
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