Mehrangarh Fort and it's seven exalted gates

The Mehrangarh Fort and it's seven exalted gates

by @Kurt993

The crowning glory of Jodhpur and one of the magnificent and invincible forts of India is Mehrangarh Fort. This majestic fort is situated 400 above form the Jodhpur city on a rocky hillock. The fort was built by H.H Rao Jodha in mid 14th century with a jaw-dropping architecture. The entrance to the fort is splendid. One has to pass seven gates that bear the reminders of battles and cannonball that strikes to reach the main palace complex.

The grand Mehrangarh Fort

Here I present my experience of visiting the Mehrangarh Fort and it's seven exalted gates. These gates were built by different maharajas after winning battles in the glory of  over the time period of 5 centuries beautified with intricate latticework and details.

Inside of the Mehranghar fort

I cannot forget that moment I first witnessed the grand Mehrangarh Fort and its monumental thick walls. I was standing just next to the lake situated outside this fort. It was a bliss to my eyes to see such a magnificent fort standing in front of me. The lake, hills, sky and the fort were creating a perfect landscape for one to see.

Inside of the Mehranghar fort

From there I walked towards the main entrance of the fort. The entry gate was named as the Jai Pol. It was built by H. H. Maharaja Man Singh in the starting of the 18th century. This gate was constructed to celebrate the victory Maharaja Man Singh over Maharaja Jagat Singh of Jaipur. The thick walls around the Jai Pol were painted yellow. Also, there was a small idol of Lord Ganesh on the top of this gate.

Jai Pol

As I move forward I noticed another gate front of me which was the Fateh Pol (Victory Gate). This gate was near the southwestern side of the Mehrangarh Fort and was erected by H. H. Maharaja Ajit Singh. This gate was constructed to celebrate the victory over the Mughals in 1707.

The entrance gateof thee Mehrangarh Fort the Jai Pol

On moving forward I noticed the imprints on the wall of the Fort of the impact of cannon balls left by the armies of Jaipur to storm the fort. These imprints are the proof that this fort was actually unconquerable with such thick indestructible walls.

Next to these walls is another gate which is the called Dedh Kanghra Pol, also known as Lakhan Pol. This gate was constructed during the reign of H. H. Maharaja Maldeo. The Lakhna pol was destroyed during the war by the army of Jaipur in the starting of the 18th century.

Amriti and Loha pol

On moving forward the walkway lead me to another gate of the Mehrangarh Fort. This gate was having stilted and pointed arches with small guard rooms on its sides. This gate was named at the Amriti Pol. Amriti Pol was constructed by H. H. Maharaja Maldeo. This gate leads to the original entrance of the inside of the Mehrangarh Fort. This entrance gate was a bit bolder with two holes on both the walls of the gates. These holes were used to insert a log for providing barrier and support to the gate.

The Amrit Pol’s steeply rises at the top ramp is the Loha pol. Loha Pol was constructed in the 15th century but its front was said to be constructed by H. H. Maharaja Maldeo in the 16th century. The walls of this pol have the handprints of 15 royal women who performed sati.

Towards the main palace of the fort

The Loha pol leads to Naqqar Khan, where the announce of Maharaja’s arrival or departure were performed.

From the Loha pol, I walked forward to the main entrance and the oldest gate of the Mehrangarh Fort. This gate is known as the Suraj Pol. One have to climb some stairs leading to the entrance that further leads to the inner palaces of the fort.