Nahargarh Fort – The Prime Focus of the Pink City Rajasthan is well known for its forts and palaces. The magnificent and rich culture of Rajasthan just enhances its beauty. The Nahargarh fort is a must-visit site for tourists during the Rajasthan trip. Indeed, it has a prime place in the heritage of the country, the Nahargarh Fort situated on world’s oldest mountain ranges, The Aravalli Hills, Fort comes up with a magnificent view of the Pink City, Jaipur. Nahargarh Fort was constructed in 1734 by the king of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.
The beautiful fort is situated on the brink of the lovely Aravalli Hills. The original intent to build it was to have it served as a safe place, a bulwark, at the commencement of an assault from the adversaries. It was a site, which along with the Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, formed the backbone of the defense of the city. Nahargarh Fort is one of the major tourist attractions of the city since long because of its ancient feel and iconic structure.
History of Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1734. Interestingly, the fort was never attacked during the entire history. But, historical events in the eighteenth century like the signing of treaties with Maratha forces happened at the fort.
The fort also has another intriguing history attached to it. During the construction of the fort, something things strange used to happen every single day; whatever was built during the day used to collapse at night. The King believed that the construction work was hindered by the restless spirit of Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia.
So, based on the advice of astrologers, the king decided to build a temple devoted to him and also name the fort on his name to honor him. After doing so, the construction works of the fort went unhindered.
The architecture of Nahargarh Fort
The imposing Nahargarh Fort has been built in the Indo-European style of architecture and is decked up with scalloped archways, domed ceilings, and sprawling gardens. The tall exterior walls of the fort run for several kilometres and the main entrance of the fort, Padi Gate stands as a testimony to the magnificent architecture. The most prominent structure within the Nahargarh Fort is Madhavendra Bhawan aka Madhavendra Palace. This two-story palace was built by King Sawai Madho Singh for himself and his nine queens.
The palace features one majestic suite for the king himself and nine identical suites for his nine wives. The suites are lavish with bedrooms, lobby, kitchen, and a store. An open-air corridor connects all the suites. Interestingly, the suites are built in such a way that the king can visit one of his nine wives without the knowledge of the other eight wives.
Another amazing structure is the Diwan-i-Aam, which is a sprawling hall where the king addressed the grievances of his subjects. There are also two temples within Nahargarh Fort – one for the deity of Jaipur rulers and another one for Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia.
Facts of Nahargarh Forts
- The height of the fort is 700 ft which gives a splendid view of the City and also protects the City. The Fort was never attacked by enemies and the guns in the fort were never used for war but to indicate the time for firing.
- Sawai Madho Singh built Madhavendra Bhawan for their 12 queens which had 12 identical suites. The interior of these suits are spectacular and all rooms are connected by the gallery so if the Maharaja visited one queen, others could not find about it.
- The Nahargarh Fort chases Indo European architecture. The entrance gate ‘Tadigate’ there is a temple on the left side that was devoted to the divinity of Jaipur rulers and the second temple dedicated to the prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia.
- Nahargarh Fort observes some major historical events like in the 18th century alliance with the Maratha forces which attacked Jaipur. In 1857, the fort protected many Europeans in this region, including the British Resident’s wife.
Best time to visit :
Monsoon & Winter are the best time to visit the nahargarh fort. Although in winter days are sunny but evenings are much colder. Time to visit the nahargarh fort is 10 to 5.30 everyday.