Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur: Timing, Entry Fees, History

1. Mehrangarh Fort: History

For a detailed history of Mehrangarh Fort, you can visit Wikipedia. Here, we’ll take a quick look at the fort’s origins and strategic significance.

a) Why Was Mehrangarh Fort Built?

Mehrangarh Fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth ruler of the Rathore clan, who founded the city of Jodhpur. The primary reason for constructing the fort was to establish a new, secure capital for the Rathore kingdom. Rao Jodha faced several threats from neighboring states and needed a strategic stronghold that could withstand invasions and provide a safe haven for his people.

Initially, Rao Jodha selected a hill known as Bakharchiriya (the Mountain of Birds) for its elevation and natural defenses. The location was advantageous because its height offered a commanding view of the surrounding plains, making it easier to spot and defend against enemy advances.

Additionally, the fort was intended to symbolize the power and prestige of the Rathore dynasty, showcasing their architectural and cultural prowess.

b) Where Is Mehrangarh Fort Located?

Mehrangarh Fort is situated in the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. The fort stands on a rocky hill about 410 feet (125 meters) above the city, offering a panoramic view of Jodhpur, famously known as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses in its old town area.

6. What to see in Mehrangarh Fort.

At the main entrance gate of Mehrangarh Fort, known as Jai Pol, you must first purchase a ticket. After buying the ticket there are two ways to proceed: you can take the lift to go up, but there’s a charge of ₹50 per person for a single ride. Alternatively, you can walk up to the fort.

So, during my journey, I took the lift, and I also suggest you do the same. With the convenience of the lift, you can avoid the steep climb and save both time and energy, which you can then use to explore the fort.

• This is lift terrace which transforms into a restaurant in the evening, where you can enjoy dinner with a view.

1. Fateh Mahal.

• This building is called Fateh Mahal. Here, on this platform, the king used to conduct his special meetings.

2. Shringar Chowk.

• The main chowk ( a square courtyard surrounded by rooms) of Mehrangarh fort is also called coronation chowk. It was and still is the site for important ceremonies and for receiving important visitors. One of the big events in this chowk was the King’s coronation.

At shringar chowk there is two Museum;

•  Howda Museum.

• In this rooms, there’s a museum displaying howdas used in wars or hunting by kings. For those unfamiliar, a howda is a simple device placed on an elephant’s back with ropes around it and a padded seat for the rider.
• On the top of all the howdas, you’ll see a lion-shaped figure because lions are considered the kings of the jungle. That’s why these were made for the kings of Jodhpur, and almost all howdas have this royal symbol.

• Palki Khana Museum.

• In the Palki Khana, when the king and queens traveled from one place to another, they used to sit in these palanquins. The open palanquin you see here was used by the king, while the closed ones were used by the queens.

3. Sheesh Mahal.

• This beautiful Sheesh Mahal of Mehrangarh Fort was built in the 17th century. Initially designated as the bedroom of Maharaja Ajit Singh, it was later used by his successors as a meditation room. That’s why you’ll see various paintings of different deities in this room. Decorated with colorful glass from all sides, the entire palace would sparkle when lamps were ignited, illuminating it with vibrant colors.

4. Phool Mahal.

• Let me show you the most beautiful palace of Mehrangarh Fort, known as the Phool Mahal or the Palace of Flowers. Maharaja Abhay Singh built this palace in the 18th century for his entertainment. You’ll notice that no effort was spared to make this Phool Mahal beautiful,  with lots of pure gold used, making it even more attractive.

5. Armoury.

• Arms Gallery consists of the pieces of military evidence left by each of the rulers. It displays rows and rows of helmets, armour, swords and other army equipment. This armoury not only consists of metal objects, but also masterfully crafted and decorated leatherworks.

6. Takhat Vilas.

• Takht Vilas was built by the 33rd ruler of the Rathore dynasty, Maharaja Takhat Singh, as his personal bedroom and you’ll see that every part of it is decorated with different types of beautiful paintings. Not only are the walls and ceilings adorned with beautiful paintings, but also the floors, enhancing the beauty of this palace to another level.

7. Jhanki Mahal.

• The Jhanki Mahal, also known as the Palace of Glimpses, where queens could observe events happening at the Daulat Khana Chowk on the left and Shringar Chowk on the right through latticed windows. Whenever a royal child was born, beautiful baby beds were crafted for them. In the mahal, you could see a variety of baby beds made by hand.

8. Moti Mahal.

• Moti Mahal (or Pearl Palace) is one of the oldest surviving rooms in the fort, and it’s the largest palace room. It was built by Sawai Raja Sur Singh, and it used to be the place where the king listened to common people and other public guests. This palace is also beautifully crafted using glass of various colors, and you can find amazing golden work on its roof, adding to its beauty.

9. Daulat Khana Chowk.

• In those times, whatever wealth the kings and rulers possessed, such as gold, silver, jewels, and other treasures, was all kept in the Daulat Khana.

• Mahadol.

• The term ‘mahadol’ refers to a large and grand palanquin. When Maharaja Abhay Singh defeated the Mughal governor Buland Khan of Gujarat in 1730, they acquired this grand palanquin and brought it here. Crafted from wood and glass with detailed carvings, this beautiful mahadol combines elements from both Mughal and Gujarati styles and king only used it for special occasions, such as festivals or meetings with other kings from different regions.
• Daulat Khana Chowk houses a museum with a collection of historical artifacts. This includes weapons, armor, coins, and other objects used by the Jodhpur rulers and possibly from other periods.

• Durbar Hall.

• In the Darbar Hall here, you’ll find stunning paintings that showcase the lifestyle of Marwar. What’s remarkable is that these paintings are crafted on rice paper, which never degrades. They’re made using natural colors, as well as gold and silver, without any use of chemicals.

10. Zanani Deodi.

• The Zanani Deodi, also known as the Female Gate, is the oldest part of this fort, with construction beginning in 1459. We’ve explored various sections of the fort, some dating back 300 years, others 400 years, but this section is over 550 years old. It’s important  that entry for men was strictly prohibited in this part of the fort at that time.