Kuchaman Fort is situated on the top of a hill like an eagle’s nest. It has many tales to tell. The Kuchaman City controlled the salt trade as far as back as 1250 years ago. For this purpose, Gujjar Pratihara Dynasty had constructed part of the Kuchaman Fort during 760 A.D. They controlled of the salt producing areas that starts from Kuchaman and extend up to the salt lake of Sambhar.
After the fall of the Gurjar Pratihara Dynasty in 960 A.D., the Chauhans ruled the area and were followed by the Gaur rulers Tourist Places Rajasthan.
After the fall of the Gaur rulers, the Rathores became the rulers of this area. Actually, the Rathores got possession of this area only after a war with the Gaurs. The Rathores ruled this area from 1724 A.D. onwards till independence of India and the merger of the erstwhile Princely States.
Kuchaman Fort with its high and massive ramparts, 32 bastions, 10 gates and various defenses is a formidable Fort unique in its architecture. For its water management and storage schemes. Kuchaman Fort had several underground and over ground tanks that exist even today. The underground hideouts, secret escape routes, dungeons and the ancient flourmill are truly exceptional and can be seen only at this exquisite Fort of Kuchaman.
The Kuchaman Fort has been restored back to its past glory, thanks to the great efforts of the direct descendant of the former Rathore Rulers, Ranjit Singh Rathore. The restoration process required not only ample time and money, but also great precision and skill in planning, without disturbing the originality of this Ancient Architectural wonder. It required “travelling back in time”, conceptualizing the ambience of the “havelies” and forts of those times. The work involved using the same ingredients that were used by the masons centuries ago.
The descendants of the masons and artisans who had built the Kuchaman Fort still live in and around the city of Kuchaman and are known as “Kumawats”. Due to lack of any demand for their skills and patronage in the few decades, they had to emigrate to other regions and change their profession for earning their bread and butter.
Kuchaman Fort History
According to popular folk belief and local history, around the 9th century, the ruler of this place, Thakur Jalim Singh, with the blessings of a Mahatma named Vankhandi (who used to do penance on the said hill), laid the foundation of the fort of Kuchaman, which was later expanded by his descendants. was done.
Another possibility regarding the construction of Kuchaman Fort is that the history of the fort is 1200 years old, here in 760 AD people of the Gujjar Pratihar dynasty used to rule, it is said that they had built some part of this fort after this Here Chauhan rulers came under control in 960 AD.
When the Chauhan kings became weak, the Gaur rulers came here, and after defeating them the Rathor kings became the rulers of this place, which remained till the independence of India,
Kuchaman city Fort Jodha Akbar and Drona Jessie have been the shooting spots of Bollywood films. Long balconies, hanging balconies and popular miniature paintings are the main attractions of this royal fort.
The interior walls of the Kuchaman fort are carved with original inlay works of glass, semi-precious stones, and gold. Colors made from natural dried flowers were used to make these decorations, further adding to the beauty of the place Rajasthan Budget tours.
The roof of the main hall of the fort, also known as Durbar-e-Khas, is depicted with portraits of all the rulers. In addition, the ceiling of each room has beautiful carvings.
Kuchaman is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan. The fort is built on an upright mountain. This fort is known for its water storage. It is also said that the king of Jodhpur had a gold-silver mint here.
Giant 17 water tanks are built here to collect rainwater. There is a stepwell inside the fort. Apart from this, the remains of the ancient stepwell are also seen on the hill from the north, behind the fort. According to sources, it is built even before the construction of the ancient Bawdi Fort.
Architecture of Kuchaman Fort
The outer fort walls are carved with murals and miniature paintings. There are 10 entrance gates opening from various sides of the fort with 32 bastions guarding the entire fortification. All the entrance doors are richly carved with two bastions on each side. Guards used to be on duty 24×7 with proper arms. During the earlier days, the entire Kuchaman city was inside the fort walls with desert on the outer area. At present times the city has stretched much beyond the fort walls and is quite populated.
The interior walls of the fort complex showcase the original inlay works of semi precious stones and gold. The colours used to do these decorations were so rich, that it enhances the beauty of the place. It is impossible to understand that these colours were all made from natural dried flowers. Each room has got beautiful carved works on their ceilings. The main hall or the Darbar-e-Khas has got all the Rathore rulers’ portraits painted on the ceiling Rajasthan Monuments.
There are wonderful frescos and gild artworks of flowers and motifs on the walls and pillars of the fort. Tourists can observe some ancient Hindu mythological stories beautifully drawn at different region. A typical form of miniature painting had remained the main form of art for the Rathore clan. There are long balconies and hanging terraces present, which portrays architectural brilliance of the then era. The fort area has got a separate Sheesh Mahal or glass palace. The entire structure is covered with glasses of various size and length.
How to Reach Kuchaman Fort
On a daily basis there are approximately 56 flights that operate at Jaipur International Airport. IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Kuchaman City through train.Kuchaman Cityis one of the most popular train stations in Kuchaman City.On an average about 20 trains pass through Kuchaman City on a daily basis.Jaipur to Kuchaman City, Merta City to Kuchaman City, Makrana to Kuchaman Cityare some of the most popular routes to Kuchaman City with 36, 34, 34 trains weekly respectively.
By road Kuchaman City is surrounded by Makrana, Sikar, Kishangarh which are 10.53 km, 36.65 km, 39.46 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.