Laxmangarh Fort is a ruined old fort on a hill in the town Laxmangarh of Sikar district of Indian state Rajasthan. Situated 30 kilometres from Sikar, it was built by Rao Raja of Sikar, Laxman Singh in 1862, who also founded a village in his own name as Laxmangarh in 1864.
The Lacxmangarh fort was purchased by Mr. Ram Niwasji Jhunjhunwala’s family. Since then the family has been responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the fort. The fort is a private property of the family and is not open for the public.
History of Laxmangarh Fort
Before the origin of Laxmangarh, the hill on which the fort is built was known as ‘Ber’. It was a small village.
According to the beliefs of people of Laxmangarh, once when Rao Raja Laxman Singh was returning from Fatehpur, he chose the foot of ‘Ber’ hills to relax. Just then, an awful event happened. A wolf tried to attack a newly born lamb. But the mother of the lamb fought courageously with the wolf. At the end of the fight, the wolf had no other way, but to leave without the pray. This incident inspired Rao Raja Laxman Singh to build a fort at this foothill. He and his people believed this place to be land of brave or ‘Veer Bhoomi’.
The construction of fort was started in 1805. Two years from then, in 1807, the fort was fully built. From 1807 till India got freedom, the fort was under the rule of Roa Rajas. It was able to withstand various attacks from Fatehpur, Khetdi, and Mandawa in1882. All these attacks were lead by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. The attackers put their camp at a distance of 2km from fort. Doongji Jawaharji also helped in these attacks. The fort had three powerful cannons called Bijli, Kadak and Bhawani, which helped in defeating the enemies. However, after the independence of India, these cannons were taken away. As an impact of these attacks, the fort underwent renovation to make it stronger and secure, to protect the queens of Paswan. The imprints of the guns used in these attacks are still visible to the tourists.
Even though the rulers were not permanently residing in the fort, the caretakers took care of its beauty, safety and security. When India got freedom, the then ruler of Sikar, Rao Raja Kalyan Singh decided to unite with the Indian union. As a result, all the revenues were stopped. Only pension was provided to the rulers. This amount was very less to withstand the luxurious lifestyle of the Rao Rajas. As a result, the Rao Rajas decided to sell their property. The Laxmangarh fort was sold to Mr. Ram Niwasji Jhunjhunwala’s family by Rao Raja Kalyan Singh in year 1960. Since then, the fort has become a private property. To cope up with the modern luxurious, the fort is renovated, but keeping its charm.
At present, there are 13 completely furnished rooms that are spacious and have attached bathroom. There is a dining room, and a fully furnished kitchen. In the center of the fort, is an attractive chowk. All the rooms open to a delightful chowk, which is focus to all the family exercises while going to the fortress. On one side of the chowk is a generally manicured enclosure, a swimming pool and a few swings for the children to play on. The elevated perspective of the area from the fort is eminent. It is conceivable to ascend the slope to a sanctuary here which is open for tourists, and the perspective from the incline could be very interesting.
Architecture of Laxmangarh Fort
The outline and architecture of the Lachhmangarh fort is very attractive. The hill on which the fort is built, is approximately 300 feet high, and is scattered pieces of huge rock. Sumer Singh Shekhawat of Sikar, mentions at some point of time in history, that strong, heavy and slippery stones are used to build the fort. They have white and black dots on them. These type of stones are only found in either Donngri of Syanan or Doongri of Gopalpura, in Rajasthan. It is fascinating that neither chisel nor hammer can break these stones. The dividers or the walls of the zone inside the fortress is made up of 23 minarets. This is a structural wonder, which cannot be found anyplace else. It is 4ft in length and 20ft in width. These solid minarets have debilitated numerous assaulters in the past. The architects of the fort have utilized this litle place in a as a part of an extremely viable and achieved way. There are six enormous water tanks, that are 25 feet deep, constructed inside the fort. They were developed as water stores throughout war times. There are tunnels in the fort, which serves as section to move out securely throughout a strike.
The fort was designed by the Jats from Harsh. They were answerable for making this robust and eye-getting fortress. They were helped by the Chajera group of Khandela. This fortress was extremely significant regarding security and security. The primary entryway had been implicit such a way, to the point that it could bear any foe strike. The door which opens to the north- eastern side is stowed away by gigantic sections and couldn't be ambushed effortlessly. The fundamental door was composed in a "Gomukh" style which is very nearly unbreakable. Additionally, press nails have been utilized on the entryways of the doors. It is said that these entryways were gotten from Khetdi. In the wake of climbing 23 stairs, the Main doorway to the post comes . It is known as the "Singhdwaar" (chief entryway), Another 47 stairs take you inside the stronghold. The stronghold additionally has two lovely 'Jharokas'.
Basically, the fortification of Lachhmangarh was developed in a notable manner. One might not discover a stronghold like this in this area. It is arranged in the lap of the Shekhawati locale and has picked up the applause of various vacationers. Regularly, the locals feel pleased with their legacy.
Monuments in Shekhawati, The realm of lovely havelis, harking back to the yester years, epitomizes the beauty of Shekhawati – a region that comprises of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. It is a major landmark tourist destination of colourful Rajasthan. Once the bastion of Rao Shekha, this magnificent land, located on the North of Rajasthan, derives its nomenclature from the former. Shekhawati Tourism is a tourist's paradise. The land is laced with innumerable beautiful havelis or grand mansions that are guaranteed to capture one's imagination. It is a haven for a true connoisseur of art and architecture. A riot of colours encapsulates the spirit of this vibrant landscape. Exquisitely embellished havelis mushroomed during the eighteenth century and former half of the twentieth. Mythology and fauna lies at the very core of this wonderful art. Tales narrating the valour of Lord Rama and the miracles of Lord Krishna unfold on a journey of these marvellous mansions. The region also houses towering forts, baoris, and shrines, besides the ubiquitous havelis.
