Hill Forts of Rajasthan

The hill forts of Rajasthan is a serial site, situated in the State of Rajasthan, which includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. They have been clustered as a series and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometre in circumference, […]

The hill forts of Rajasthan is a serial site, situated in the State of Rajasthan, which includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. They have been clustered as a series and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometre in circumference, bears testimony to the power of the Rajput princely States that flourished in the region from the 8th to the 18th centuries. Enclosed within defensive walls are major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and other buildings including temples. The forts use the natural defenses offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and dense forests. Read further to know about these forts…

Chittor Fort at Chittorgarh

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Chittor Fort is the largest fort in Rajasthan located on a 590.6 feet-high hill. The fort was built by the Mauryans in the 7th century, and the name comes from the Mauryan leader Chitrangada Mori. It was the capital of Mewar for about 834 years. It was attacked several times and remained desolate until 1905 when it was refurbished. The fort has a total of seven gates. It houses historical monuments like the Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Fatah Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Gaumukh reservoir and Padmini’s Palace.

Kumbhalgarh Fort at Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh Fort is in the Rajsamand district in the western part of the Aravalli Hills. It is the second-largest fort in Rajasthan. Rana Kumbha built the fort in the 15th century. The fort is built 1100 metre above sea level and has a wall running 38 kilometre-long making it the second-largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.

Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopur

Ranthambore Fort lies within the Ranthambore National Park. The fort was recognised for its glory associated with the Hammir Dev of Chauhan dynasty. It was built by Chauhans in the mid-10th century. The fort was captured in 1226 by the Sultan of Delhi and Chauhans recaptured it in 1236. In the 14th century, the fortress was seized by the Kingdom of Mewar.

Gagron Fort at Jhalawar

Gagron Fort is a hill and water fort surrounded by the rivers Ahu, Kali and Sindh on three sides, behind the fort are forests and the Mukundara Range. The fort is reminiscent of the valour of Khichi Chauhans who stood valiantly against the Malwa ruler Hoshang Shah. Right outside the fort lays the dargah of Sufi saint Mitthe Shah, where a splendid fair is held during Muharram.

Amer Fort at Jaipur

Attached to the Amber Palace, Amer Fort is perched on a hillock of the extensive Aravalli Ranges. It was built in 1592 AD on the remnants of an earlier structure by Maharaja Man Singh and was expanded by his descendant Maharaja Jai Singh I. This massive fort has a total of four courtyards.

Jaisalmer Fort at Jaisalmer

Constructed in 1156 AD by King Rawal Jaisal, other names for the Jaisalmer Fort is Sonar Quila or Golden Fort, which spells the golden appeal of the fort. The defences of the fort contain 99 bastions. Major attractions include the Raj Mahal, Jain Temples, Lakshminath Temple and the four massive gateways.

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