Taragarh Fort Bundi or ‘Star Fort’ is the most impressive of structures of city of Bundi in Rajasthan. A rather ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.
It was constructed in 1354 upon a steep hill. There are three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. Most parts of these gateways are now in ruins. During its heyday, Taragarh Fort Bundi was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside.
However, these tunnels are now inaccessible for maps. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the ‘Bhim Burj’, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or ‘Thunder from the Womb’.
There are some huge water reservoirs which were built to store water and supply it to the residents during time of crisis. The reservoirs have been carved out of the rocky base of the fort.
Rani Mahal is a small palace within the fort complex, built for the wives of rulers. The Mahal has, however lost most of its charm as the shine of its spectacular murals and stained glass windows have completely faded away. The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargah. He was the governor of the fort and laid down his life in an encounter Rajasthan Budget Tours.
History
Taragarh Fort Bundi, being a trendsetter for the rest of the forts to come, was the first fort to be built on top of a hill. The Taragarh Fort is the oldest fort in Rajasthan, and it has a long bloody history. It has been passed from the hands of the Marwari rulers into the hands of the Mughals. But after the death of QutubuddinAibak, successor of Sultan Sahabuddin, Chauhan and Rajput rulers attacked the fort in a combined effort. When the British came, they acquired the fort from the Rajputs . The fort is the oldest and has seen its fair share of wars Bundi Tour.
Architecture of Taragrah Fort
A giant gateway welcomes you to the Taragarh Fort. There are three distinct gateways to enter the fort. These portals are known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. The gates are engraved with carvings of elephants. The tunnels in the fort are also worth giving a visit. It would be interesting to know that the tunnels in this mighty fortress had a significant role to play during times of war since it provided a secure exit for the king and his deputies in cases of emergencies or looming dangers. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to enter the tunnel as there are no comprehensive maps of the tunnels that are available.
Other than this, the magnificent fort is also home to a myriad of massive battlements and ramparts. The largest amongst these is the 16th-century bastion, known as Bhim Burj, on which the giant cannon Garbh Gunjan or the ‘Thunder from the Womb’ was once mounted. The Chauhan bastion also has some huge water reservoirs, which were built to store water and supply it to the residents in times of crisis. These reservoirs have been fixed out of a rocky base of the fort.
The Rani Mahal in the Taragarh Fort Bundi is also a top-rated tourist attraction. The palace boasts of its stained glass windows and murals, which still are adorned with the charm of the bygone era. It also houses the famous Miran Saheb ki Dargah in its complex. The Taragarh Fort offers an excellent view of the entire town and is ideal for bird watching, which makes it famous amongst tourists.
Best Time To Visit Taragarh Fort
Usually, the months of October-March are best suitable for a visit to the Taragarh Fort Bundi. These months of winters will save you from the scorching summer heats of April-June and the monsoons of July- September and would help you to explore the place with full enthusiasm.
How to reach?
The Taragarh Fort Bundi is only 10 km distant from the Dargah Bazaar. After reaching here, take an auto or cab through the Taragarh road. It is around 30 minutes’ drive from the bazaar.