Jaipur Nahargarh Fort

Roof Terrace of Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur @ Wikipedia

Introduction

Nahargarh Fort is a historical fort that is very popular in Jaipur city of Rajasthan located on the Aravalli mountain range. The fort was used to be among the centres of defence of the Jaipur royal family. Nahargarh is considered as the hideout of the tiger and hence the name itself depicts courage, strength and glory. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed the fort in the year 1734. The natural beauty, Rajput architecture, and the splendor of the history is what makes this fort one of the most appealing tourist attractions in Jaipur.

Location

Nahargarh Fort is the place in the top of Aravalli mountain range that is in the north-western of Jaipur city. This is a vantage point where one can have some glimpse of the whole Jaipur city and the surrounding landscape. It is found 6km out of the city and is well reachable by road and tourist system.

The history of the fort

History of Nahargarh fort is related closely with the history of Jaipur primeval, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. This fort was constructed by him in 1734 the main reason behind building it is to ensure the city of Jaipur is not attacked. It is alleged that when constructing the fort, an unknown ghost kept on disturbing the construction process. His was Nahar Singh Bhomia. To appease him the fort was called Nahargarh, or the Fort of Nahar, or the Monument of the Tiger.

In 1868, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II refurbished the fort and enlarged it. King Sawai Madhisingh II within the fort constructed a palace Madhavendra Bhavan that kept the king and queens when they lived in summer.

It is also during the first freedom movement of 1857 that British officers took refuge in the fort. Throughout the centuries, Nahargarh Fort has replicated the defence as well as royal history and heritage of Jaipur.

The characteristics of architecture.

Nahargarh Fort is an architecture that is very fine blend of Rajput and European styles. This fort was constructed with red and yellow sandstone which is solid yet its structure is so beautiful and artistic. The fort has its walls encircled in the hillsides and this looks like natural protection to the fort.

Madhavendra Bhavan is a special example of architecture which is located within the fort. King Sawai Madhisingh II constructed it in the honour of his queens. The building has twelve evenly moulded rooms, a special interior design to cool air, gorgeous windows, balconies and beautiful paintings. The secret corridors that existed between each room were to be used by the royal family.

The Jaipur city is splendidly seen through the roof top of the fort. Nahargarh Fort is a piece of art made in the Rajput style in terms of arches, windows, and delicate carvings. The incident of light that occurs around the walls at the fort reflects during the time of sunset, and this poses a grand picture on the minds of the people who visit the fort.

City of Jaipur seen from Nahargarh Fort @ Wikipedia

The most important battles

Though Nahargarh Fort was initially constructed as a fortification point, we cannot mention it as a big battlefield in the history. The strong was never; it was a focal point of a war, but played an essential part in the defence of Jaipur.

At the time when the fort was constructed in 1734, it had the sole objective to defend the city of Jaipur against the attacks of outsiders. The fort was on the top of the mountain hence was the best place to spy the activities of the enemy.

The Nahargarh Fort was significant to the Indian first freedom movement in the year 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny). The Raja of Jaipur by then was an ally of the British, hence the fort served as a safe haven to British officers and their families.

Even though no bloody battle was fought in the fort walls, this fort remains a silent observer of the political history of Rajasthan an icon of power, defense and royal prestige.

Nearby tourist attractions

The Nahargarh Fort is not the only attraction of Jaipur but its environs are also interesting. In the fort, the places to be visited are the following:

The Amber Fort

This fort is a magnificent structure and a good representation of the Rajput architecture that is located just a few kilometres off Nahargarh. Here is reflected the royal palace, Darbar hall, the Mirror Palace and the glory of historic Rajput past.

The Jaigarh Fort

This fort was located close to the Nahargarh itself and therefore was very strong as concerned defensive aspect. One of the largest cannons in the world Jaivana Cannon is retained here.

The City Palace of Jaipur

This palace which is also a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture is found in the very middle of Jaipur city. One of its components has become a museum available to people.

The Hawa Mahal

This building is a city abode, or Jaipur symbol as we know it, the Palace of Winds. It had 953 windows or jharokhas with which the princesses could see the view of Rajpath.

 The Jal Mahal

This palace lies in the centre of the Mansagar Lake and can be observed in the Nahargarh Fort. This palace is floating into the middle of the water and captures the beauty of the unique beauty of the time of sunset.

The Nahargarh Biological Park.

This park is found at the base of the fort, and it is a good site where people love nature. And here we have a great number of birds, bears, wolves, deer, wild boars.

Nahargarh View & Restaurant:

This is where one can have a panoramic view of Jaipur city and in particular at night the splendor of the lighted-up city creates a wonderful experience. Padhao Restaurant located on the peak of the fort is known to get a glimpse of the sunset.

The Conclusion

The Nahargarh Fort has been a brightness of the history, architecture and royalty of Rajasthan. Located on the summit of Jaipur hill, the fort is not merely a defence work, but it was also a ranking symbol of the Rajput power, culture, and pride. Nahargarh makes us continue remembering the good old days with glorious memories because of the testament that is left in evidence of the foresight, as well as architectural skill, of King Sawai Jai Singh II.

The goldenness of the walls of the fort during the sunset light, the sight of the twinkling lights of the below city and the excellent craftsmanship of the palace collectively mesmerize the visitors. History enthusiasts, architecture enthusiasts and travel enthusiasts in general- everything discerns the rich allure of the heritage of Rajasthan in Nahargarh.

 Hence, Nahargarh Fort is a rare jewel of historical and cultural heritage not only of Jaipur but also of the entire India that will retain its charm and spell of the past to perpetual tourists.

Wikipedia

Tourism Rajasthan

Rani Abbakka Devi

 

Rani Abbakka Devi, Queen of Ullal @ WIKIPEDIA

Introduction

The history of the freedom struggle in India has lost the names of many heroes with the passage of time. Among them was Rani Abbakka Devi - the gallant queen of South India who took the first armed conflict with foreign leaders. During the time when the Portuguese were conquering the coast of India in the 16 th century, one woman rose against them and ignited the fire of liberty. Her courageous personality, her patriotism, her strategy and leadership, is still remembered as a symbol of the power of the Indian women.

The Birth and Background Born

 Abbakka Devi was born in Ullal, Karnataka in the Chouta dynasty. This was a matriarchal dynasty i.e. succession to the kingdom was by women. His mother was a queen of the dynasty and since his early age Abbakka was taught about politics, war and administration. Since he was a child, he was clever, robust and nationalistic. The coming of Portuguese and the start of the war. The Portuguese started to commercially conquer the western coast of India in the middle of the 16 th century. In their desire to monopolize the whole Arabian Sea trade they seized the ports of Mangaluru and Ullal. The chief hindrance, however, to this invasion was But Abbakka Devi, the queen of Ullal. The queen was never ready to give her kingdom up to the Portuguese who constantly tried to take over her kingdom in form of treaties, threats and invasions. He made it clear: it is my country, I will never leave it. "

The First War: Ullal with the Portuguese. The first time when the Portuguese attacked Ullal Queen Abbakka Devi wisely surrendered them. He was the commander of the local navy and warriors and during the dark night he used to attack and sink the Portuguese ships in a surprise attack. In the battle, the Portuguese governor was killed and Ullal was reinstated into independence. It was the initial rebellion against the Portuguese that was successful in the Indian coast.

The Second War and My Father Courage. The Portuguese didn't give up. They then again assaulted Ullal, with an immense army and fleet. The Queen didn't back down. His troops were few, but he resorted to the art of guerilla fighting - ambushes, raids to seize ships during the night, blockade food and ammunition supplies, etc.

 At last, Ullal army under Abbakka Devi overpowered the Portuguese again. Patriotism and affection towards the government and the citizens. Queen Abbakka Devi was a ruler and at the same time, she was a warrior. He adored the religion, culture and language of his subjects. The country had equal rights of Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. He invented agriculture, trade and maritime trade in the state.

Betrayal and imprisonment

In their third expedition, which was more successful, the Portuguese fell into the trap of being betrayed by some of the very soldiers of the Queen. At last the queen Abbakka Devi was seized. He had still planned to rebel against the Portuguese even in captivity. He formed a prison uprising and never gave up his dream of freedom until death.

Legacy and honour

The first Indian woman who is considered to be a freedom fighter is Rani Abbakka Devi. The Abbakka Award (named after her) is a project of the Government of Karnataka, awarded to courageous women warriors. Every year, she is celebrated at the Ullal Utsava. Her name has remained up to date. The struggle of power, patriotism and freedom of women is unconquerable. "

Conclusion

Queen Abbakka Devi was also a warrior who overcame Portuguese and demonstrated that women could also defend the honor of a country. Her life teaches us today... It is even possible to fight heroically on behalf of the country and the freedom even under unfavorable conditions.

Wikipedia

Hindu Janajagruti samiti

Dabhoi fort History

 

@ wikipedia

Introduction

Dabhoi Fort is a historical and architectural heritage of Vadodara district, Gujarat, one of the oldest forts in India. This fort was constructed during the 12 th century, and it was the center of military defense as well as a planned city. The Dabahoi fort, filled with four massive gates, decorative carvings and fortifying walls, continue to amaze the visitors. The fort is a unique mixture of history and art and urban planning and the glory of Indian descent.

Location

 Dabhoi Fort is situated in Dabhoi town of Vadodara district at Gujarat. The fort is situated approximately 30km south-east of the Vadodara city and it is well connected with the Ahmedabad-Mumbai National Highway. The fort not only played a significant role in defence but also in terms of town planning since it had a strong wall and beautiful gates. Dabhoi city is today a historical tourist spot with the fort being the primary attraction site.

History

History of Dabhoi Fort dates back to the first half of the 13th century. Historical records claim that the initial construction of the fort was constructed in the Solanki period, however, its current structure was constructed by the Vaghela king Virdhawal in 1220 AD. The construction of the fortress was primarily defensive, to defend the city against external enemy attacks. The speciality of Dabhai Fort is that it is regarded to be the oldest fort which is still in existence in Gujarat, and there even nowadays the medieval architecture remains. The fort was also occupied in the subsequent Muslim Sultanate and the Mughal rule. The four majestic gates of the fort (the Hira Bagh Darwaza, the Champaner Darwaza, the Nandod Darwaza and the Mahuda Darwaza) are an evidence of the defence plan and the beauty of industry at the time.

Architectural features

The Dabhoi Fort is a distinct historical monument of Gujarat due to the splendid architecture and robust defensive system. There is a wall around the fortress the length of 6 km which was at some point constructed to defend the city.

The following are some of the architectural features of the castle:

The four main entrances Hira Bagh Darwaza Champaner Door Nandod Darwaza Mahuda Darwaza The darwaza are characterized by stone carvings, defensive towers and huge arched doorways. These are systems of defense as well as artistic objects. Walls and defences The fort had thick and high walls, watchtowers and arrow shooting gaps. This is an obvious interpretation of the military policy of deterrence.

Plan and elevation of the corner tower of fortress of Dabhoi @ WIKIPEDIA

The Interior Architecture and the Temple.

The local culture and religious traditions are reflected in Shiva temples, Jain temples and other religious buildings found in the fort. Art and craft Fine designs, carvings and sculptures can be observed on the doors and walls. Especially, the arches and pillars of the Darwaza are subjected to Solanki and Vaghela art. The mark of urban planning Settlement, temples, bazaars and reservoirs within the fort are evidence that it was a centre of defence as well as a prosperous city.

Conclusion

Dabhoi Fort is not only a fortification building, but a priceless record of the rich history, culture and architecture of Gujarat. Its enormous walls, exalted gateways on every four sides, inner religious buildings and beautiful carvings testify that it used to be the heart of political, religious and social life. The fort is of special importance today as a historical heritage and tourist centre of India. Dabahoi Fort is the ultimate location to relish the past and rediscover history to history lovers, archaeologists and travellers.

Wikipedia

History of Vadodara