The forts of Rajasthan are a rich saga which has kept the tradition of Rajputana alive. They glorify the story of valor of the emperors of Rajasthan. Their grandeur of architecture is tremendously mesmerizing. The forts were strategically built and located for the purpose of protecting the subjects as well as the royal families from the attack of the foes. Some of them are also found in the arid regions of Rajasthan. These are enclosed structures within massive ramparts designed in the Rajput architectural style. The citadels at the forts in Rajasthan were used for providing a retreat to the warriors. Additions were constantly made to these forts, resulting in an architectural legacy showing the assimilation of the Mughal and later on the British opulence. This kind of architecture is known as Indo-Saracenic architecture.
The walls of the bastions were made of rigid local stones. The critical structure of the forts made it difficult for the enemy to approach to them. The semi-circular bastions were furnished with platforms for wheeled guns. Other interesting features of the forts in Rajasthan include massive gateways that were studded with spikes to combat the attacking elephants and thus defend the access to the fortress. The designs of these massive gateways are both a work of art and a symbolic display of mythical animals and processions of warriors.
Historically significant Forts in Rajasthan
These six famous forts in Rajasthan, mentioned below, have been accredited as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Chittorgarh Fort: This is one of the largest forts in India located in Chittorgarh at present day. This fort was the capital of Mewar. This beautiful fort consists of marvelous palaces, temples, gates and two prominent reminiscent towers.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: This Mewar fortress is located on the west portion of the Aravalli Hills near Udaipur. This fort, built by Rana Kumbha, is the most important one after Chittorgarh fort. This is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great warrior and king of Mewar.
Ranthambore Fort: The location of this fort is Ranthambore National Park near the town of Sawai Madhopur. Before the independence of India, this park was a hunting place of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The fort cherishes the historical glory and valor of Hammir Dev of the Chauhan Rajput Dynasty.
Gagron Fort: Gagron Fort is located in Jhalawar district in Rajasthan. It falls under the Hadoti region of India. This fort is a distinct example of hill and water fort.
Amer Fort: One of the most popular tourist spots, Amer Fort is situated in Amer, Rajasthan. This place is mostly famous for its artistic elements of Hindu style. The fort is consisted of large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths in it. Maota Lake, near this fort, is the main source of water for the Amer Fort.
Jaisalmer Fort: This fort, situated in the city of Jaisalmer, is considered to be the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. It is also one of the "living forts" where one fourth of the population of old city still resides in it. The fort was built by Jaisal, the Rajput Rawal, whom the fort derives its name from.
Other popular forts in Rajasthan
Some of the other forts in Rajasthan, which are equivalently significant like the six forts, mentioned above are Anupgarh Fort, Badnore Fort, Bala Quila, Barmer Fort and Garh Temple, Bhatner Fort, Dev Giri Fort and Utgir, Bhangarh Fort, Gugor Fort, Hill Fort Kesroli, Jaigarh Fort, Jalore Fort, Jhalawar Fort, Juna Fort and Temple, Junagarh Fort, Khandhar Fort, Khejarla Fort, Khimsar Fort, Laxmangarh Fort, Lohagarh Fort, Luni Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Nagaur Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Neemran Fort, Ratnagarh Fort, Rohet Fort, Shergarh Fort, Taragarh Fort and Timangarh Fort.
Once tourists visit the forts in Rajasthan, they can visualize the history of the glorious Rajputs. The architectural grandeur of these historical structures make one realize the values of these forts in the world and their contribution towards the history of Indian culture.