Mehrangarh Fort, a colossal structure, majestically crowns a perpendicular cliff 122 meters (400 feet) above Jodhpur, Rajasthan, dominating the skyline of the “Blue City.” Its name, translating to “Fort of the Sun,” references the Rathore clan’s mythical descent from the sun god Surya. Recognized as one of India’s largest and most well-preserved fortifications, it is a key monument and a repository of the cultural and artistic history of Marwar-Jodhpur.
The fort’s foundation was laid in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the 15th Rathore ruler, who sought a more secure capital than Mandore. Although founded in the mid-15th century, most of the existing structures date from the 17th century onward, with successive rulers making additions and alterations across a 500-year span, leading to a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.
Spanning over 5 kilometers on the hilltop, the fort’s formidable walls rise up to 36 meters high and are 21 meters wide in places, defending a series of exquisitely crafted palaces, courtyards, and temples. A winding road leads to the complex, secured by seven gates, each with historical significance. The main entrance, Jai Pol (Victory Gate), was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to commemorate victories over the Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fateh Pol (Victory Gate) celebrates the triumph over the Mughals in 1707. The Dedh Kangra Pol bears visible marks of cannonball hits from past conflicts, and Loha Pol (Iron Gate) is notable for the handprints of royal consorts who committed Sati (self-immolation) on their husbands’ pyres.
The palaces within are renowned for their intricate carvings and decorations. The Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) served as a royal audience hall, distinguished by its pearl-colored interiors and stunning glass windows. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), built by Maharaja Abhay Singh, is the most ornate, featuring gold filigree work and vibrant frescoes. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) dazzles with complex mirror work, and Takhat Vilas features remarkable wall paintings of courtly life and religious scenes. The Jhanki Mahal (Queen’s Palace) provided royal ladies with screened viewpoints to observe court proceedings.
Two significant temples, the Chamunda Mataji Temple and the Nagnechiji Temple, are housed within the fort. The Chamunda Mataji Temple, dedicated to Rao Jodha’s favorite goddess and the patron deity (Isht Devi) of the royal family, draws large crowds, especially during the Dussehra festival.
The fort also hosts the Mehrangarh Museum, managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust (MMT), which displays a vast collection of priceless artifacts. These include palanquins, howdahs (elephant seats), royal cradles, miniature paintings, costumes, and armoury, offering a glimpse into the opulent life of the Rathore rulers. The ramparts house preserved old cannon and offer panoramic views of the entire Jodhpur city, famous for its blue-painted houses.
A famous legend associated with the fort’s founding involves a curse of perpetual drought placed by a hermit named Cheeria Nathji, who was forced to leave the hill. To counteract the curse, a man named Rajiya Bambi was allegedly buried alive in the foundation, promising care for his family—a story that remains a significant part of the fort’s lore, as the region still faces periodic water scarcity.
Managed today by the MMT, led by the current custodian, Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the fort has become an internationally acclaimed center for conservation and museology, also hosting renowned annual cultural events like the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) and the World Sacred Spirit Festival. Mehrangarh Fort stands not only as a symbol of the Rathore dynasty’s power and architectural genius but also as a vibrant living chronicle of Rajasthan’s deep history and culture.
