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| This is a photo of ASI monument number Photo credit Wikipedia |
Introduction
This is reminiscent with the Kumbhalgarh Fort located in the lap of the Aravalli mountain of the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, which is a unique beauty in the annals of Indian history. This fort stands at an altitude of roughly 3600 feet above sea level; an inestimable monument not only in terms of defense, but also in symbolizing architecture and its own culture. Constructed by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, the fort has been interlaced with several stories, tales, and war memories. It is also referred to as the Great Wall of India owing to its 36 km wall. Nowadays Kumbhalgarh fort belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the testament of the historical past of not only Rajasthan, but of all India as well.
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The Name and The Establishment
Kumbhalgarh fort has been named after the great ruler of Mewar, Rana Kumbha. He was an extraordinary king of the 15 th century who was not a warrior but an art patron, builder, and culture patron. Kumbhalgarh fort was built in his reign (1443 - 1458 AD). During construction of the fort too many obstacles were said to have been created. Then Rana Kumbha was advised of a saint that the formation of the fort would be successful through human sacrifice. It is the saint who offered himself a sacrifice and according to his directives, the front entrance to the fort was constructed. The original purpose of construction of the fort was to enhance the defence of Mewar. It was located in the harsh terrain of the Aravalli hills and thus it earned a name as an almost impregnable fortress to invaders.
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History
Not only a piece of architecture but a living testimony of historic grandeur of the Mewar kingdom, Kumbhalgarh Fort. Since the establishment of the fort, it was used as the primary fortification tower of Mewar. The fort was used as a hide out of the Mewar royal household at times of distress. The great warrior who is credited with purest form of courage, Maharana Pratap was born in this fort, a fact that has put it on a higher pedestal in history. Many times the fort was attacked Sons of Gujarat sultans, Maratha of Malwa and Marwar rulers tried to conquer it. On other occasions a big army of the Mughal emperor Akbar also turned against. It was however not easy to conquer it because of thick walls of the fort and the inaccessible position of Aravalli. Kumbhalgarh Fort was referred to history as the impregnable fort because it stood out as the marker of independence and honor of Mewar.
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Architectural features
Kumbhalgarh Fort is special not only in terms of defence but architecturally as well. As the fort is located in the top of the Aravalli mountain it has obviously become an indestructible one. Fort Walls: Fort walls of Kumbhalgarh are one of the most attractive. It forms a part of the longest wall, second after the Great wall of china, at 36 km long. Temples:It has over 360 temples. It possesses not only Hindu but also Jain temples since it can reflect the religious diversity in the region. Entrance: The fort has seven large gates of entry and located because this way is risk-free of crucial attack. Badal Mahal / Megh Mahal: Within the confines of the fort is one of the most unique piece of architecture in Rajasthan i.e the Badal Mahal/Megh Mahal. Beautiful panoramas of the mountains and the scenery. Reservoirs and wells: In the fort there were numerous wells and cisterns which served a long time to provide drinking water in time of war or siege. Each brick, wall and architectural design of Kumbhalgarh Fort is the just reflection of military tactic, religion and art of the Rajputs.
Presently, the fort of Kumbhalgarh is one of the most commonly visited tourist spots in Rajasthan. It has grown in importance following its listing in the UNESCO world heritage site. A lot of foreigns and homelands tourists visit the place.
Temples, palaces and walls within the fort are the attractions of the visitors. Kumbhalgarh Festival is a fauna of colourful traditional folklore, rhythm and melody of Rajasthan. At night the fort becomes well lit which makes it an experience to be remembered by the tourists. The RTDC and the Department of Archaeology are also in regular efforts so as to preserve and maintain the fort. Today, Kumbhalgarh fort is not only an historical monument but also it occupies a place of honor as the center of the Rajasthan heritage and culture and the most important tourism industry.
Conclusion
Kumbhalgarh Fort is not only the historic military fort, it is also the priceless document which tells us about the genius history, culture and architecture of Rajasthan. The distance monumentality of Rana Kumbha and the like historical significance of being the birthplace of Maharana Pratap and also of the length of the wall (36 km) provides it a world-status on the face of the earth. This fort has been a symbol of freedom and power of Mewar, which had stood centuries. Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and such a treasure can never be valued enough by the whole world and India in particular. It is the only destination to visit all people who love history or travelling.
