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Lohagarh Fort, the name literally translates to The Iron Fort and there are no prizes for guessing the obvious implications for choosing the particular nomenclature to designate this particular massive fortification. Situated in Bharatpur and amongst one of the many fortresses built by Maharaja Suraj Mal, this fortress proved to be a major thorn in the path of the invading British troops who could not break through despite using cannons and elephants to break the fortress gates. Said to be one of the strongest fortresses in the history of India, the front gate of this fortress is Ashthadhatu, built from an alloy of 8 metals. The back gate is called Chowbhurj and is held by four pillars and hence its name which translates to four pillared gate.
Although the Lohagarh fort may be lacking in extravagance and splendour of other forts in Rajasthan, however its impregnable fortress walls and rock solid gates not budging from position even after the impact of manifold force earned it the name of Lohagarh or the Iron fort. The Lohagarh fort is a living testimony of the times that used to be, the chivalry and might and power of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.
Apart from other fascinating monuments and memorials present inside the fortress premises, Lohagarh Fort also houses two monuments, namely Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj, built by none other than Maharaja Suraj Mal to celebrate his victories over the invading Mughal and British forces. Both the British and Mughals used all their might to penetrate the fortress and bring down its walls. However, they were thwarted in their efforts and forced to raise siege every time. Undeterred the British made repetitive attempts but every time victory was in favour of Raja Suraj Mal. It was only the feuding Maratha forces who made a pact with Maharaja Suraj Mal after they were thwarted in their efforts and formed an alliance.
History of Lohagarh Fort
The Lohagarh fort today stands majestically and grandly on an artificial island in the centre of the town of Bharatpur, yet there is a despondent look to the fort. Nevertheless, the majestic fort is the centre of attraction of the entire city and is appreciated by visitors who flock from all parts of the country to witness this grand spectacle.
The construction of the Lohagarh Fort was begun by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the year 1732, and the fort took 60 long years to complete. The unapproachable fortress easily withstood repeated attacks of the British forces that were led by Lord Lake in 1805. The army laid siege for over six weeks. The fort faced the British onslaught four times, and they finally had to withdraw. Assaults were made on 9 and 21 January and 20 and 21 February in the year 1805 and subjected the British army to a loss in killed and wounded of 3203 officers and men.
Architecture of Lohagarh fort
The most durable point of this fort is the thick outer walls made of mud, that without trouble or degeneration absorbed all the firing that the Mughal and British armies subjected it to. These walls are 7 kilometres long and took eight years to complete. It is believed that the Lohagarh Fort was probably inspired by the Mahi Durg or the mud fort that is described in ancient Sanskrit scriptures.
Unfortunately, the walls were broken down by the British army when they took over the fort in 1826. Portions of the inner walls, however, remain.
Two gates can be found inside the fort. One gate is in the north and is known as Ashtdhaatu or the eight-metalled gate. This gateway with substantial rounded bastions and paintings of war elephants bears testimony to the unique history of those times. There is an exciting tale that is associated with this gate. This gate was initially the gate of the Chittorgarh Fort, which is located in Rajasthan itself. When Sultan Alauddin Khilji plundered the Rajput city in the late 13th century, he carried it to Delhi. The Jats then tore it down from Delhi when they attacked it in 1764 and carried it back to Bharatpur with them.
The gate facing the south is called Chowburja, or the four-pillared gate, and was also lifted similarly. The sandstone durbar, or the maharaja's meeting hall also attracts the visitors with its finely carved walls, pillars and archways.
Forts in Rajasthan reminds tourists of royalty and bravery, of epic battles and valiant heroes & when battles were fought, sacrifice and brutality came along, and sorrow and death were not far behind. All these battles were fought to capture the hill forts of Rajasthan. If you paint a mental picture of what Rajasthan stands for, the hill forts will immediately flash before your eyes as powerful remnants of these long fought wars and battles. The hill forts were the first structures that were built by powerful Rajput kings, for protecting their kingdoms from enemy attacks was their first priority. Their elevated positions above rugged hills gave them an edge over enemies, & allowed them to monitor their surroundings. These were not small forts by any means, but massive structures, powerful enough to withstand cannonballs & fireballs & large enough to accommodate large armies. They were not only meant for defence, but their strategic location allowed them to control trade activities, & also served as royal residences, where kings & his families lived, along with ministers. You will find these hill forts at innumerable places in Rajasthan, & some of them are so magnificent that they have earned them a place in the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
