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| 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.
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| 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.
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.
