Nahargarh Fort : A history and Legacy

Rajasthan, the courageous and vivid state of Indian is celebrated for its imperial legacy and tradition. Created by the unification of several significant states that was under the control of spirited Rajputs, the multi-hued state of Rajasthan has countless citadels, forts and fortresses. In addition, a number of these forts and palaces in Rajasthan are related to significant past occurrences. In the same way, the famous Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, in company with the other 2 forts (Amer Fort & Jaigarh Fort) created a tough protection for the city of Jaipur city a long time ago. Established by the great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734, Nahargarh Fort was formerly known as “Sudarshangarh Fort”. Soon after, the fort was offered the name, Nahargarh meaning “Dwelling of Tigers”. Since Nahargarh Fort is placed on one of prehistoric hill ranges of the world named the Aravalli mountain ranges, this famous fort offers a magnificent vision of the picturesque surroundings to the visitors. Being a key sightseeing spot of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is famous for its extensive wall which hooks it up to the celebrated Jaigarh Fort.

History and fable of Nahargarh Fort:

The ancient Nahargarh Fort was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur in the year 1734. He built this fort on the majestic Aravalli hills mainly as a retreat destination. The majestic Nahargarh Fort is hooked up to the famous Jaigarh Fort from end to end of its ramparts. According to legends, the edifice of Nahargarh fort was thwarted by the spirit of a Rathore prince named Nahar Singh Bhomia. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh discovered that the property in which he tried to raise the fort once belonged to a former Rathore prince named Nahar Singh and his spirit hated the unexpected commotion in his holy dwelling. Nevertheless, the spirit Nahar Singh Bhomia was satisfied when Jai Singh built a small fortress (at Purana Ghat) inside the fort and devoted that fort to the dead Rathore Prince. Later, a small temple was also built in that place. In 1868, King Sawai Ram Singh refurbished Nahargarh fort. Later, in 1880, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh rehabilitated Nahargarh fort into a torrential rain run away. He ordered Raj Imarat (person who was in charge for stately building projects) to plan an enjoyment fortress within the fort. This amusement place named as Madhavendra Bhawan. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the architect of Jaipur, constructed Madhavendra Bhawan with fine-looking interiors, wall paintings and stucco patterns.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort

Incredible “Indian-European” Structural Design of Nahargarh Fort:

The incredible Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur was mainly used as recoil for royal family women. Referred as the Madhavendra Bhawan, the zenana was particularly cosntructred by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singhji. The chief magnetism of Nahargarh Fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan which was once the summer run away of the imperial household. If truth be told, the ladies quarters (known as Zenana deorhi) at the Nahargarh Fort were established to make an impression among the regal women. The splendid quarters that were created for the royal women extends up to the 4th of the quad. Each and every suite of the Zenana is a splendid portrayal of Rajputana sculpture and savor for sumptuousness. On the other hand, the “Mardana Mahal” at Nahargarh Fort served as the existing quarters of the noble men.

Awe-inspiring Planning of Madhavendra Bhawan:

Madhavendra Bhawan possesses 12 identical suites for the use of royal women. While each of the King’s 9 wives was offered a 2-storey dwelling, which were placed on the 3 sides of a rectangular quad, the private living area of the Maharaja was constructed on the 4th side. Essentially, the core structural design of the suites was based on the Indian architecture with some European embellishments such as rectangular casements and European-styled lavatories. The suites and rooms are connected to each other via hallways and boasts gorgeous frescoes in the interior. In addition, kitchen fireplaces and lavatories are built in this delightful fortress. The Women quarters were set up in a tricky way that the Maharaja could pay a visit to any queen’s room without the familiarity of the other queens. For the expediency of the King, each of the 9 queens had their names emblazoned on thier doors. Thakur Fateh Singh, an architect in the Raj Imarat group assisted in the intellectual designing of the royal ladies quarters.

Awesome View of the Nahargarh Fort:

While Nahargarh fort in Jaipur overlooks the skyline by daylight hours, the fort creates a spectacular view when floodlit nocturnally. On the other hand, a great deal of this unique fort is damaged at present. Luckily, the 19th century embellishments (together with the rooms endowed for the Maharajas) and the sprawling walls of the fort are in good condition. The big guns that varied across the Hazuri Burj were believed to defend the fort. However, as the metropolis never encountered an invasion from either the armed forces of other Rajput realms or Mughals realms, the field guns were habitually fired to indicate the time. The royal women used this place to enjoy a leisurely walk here. The stately riches were protected safely in the fortress until Man Singh II transported it to Moti Doongri in the year 1940. Nahargarh Fort bestows beautiful panoramas of the Man Sagar Lake that has a beautiful duck venetian blind in the middle. Hence, Nahargarh Fort served as relaxing recoil for imperial guests and VIPs who were requested to join the King for duck huntings. As a result, the majestic Nahargarh Fort was also known as the hunting abode of the ancient Maharajas.

Noteworthy Combats in Nahargarh Fort:

Even though Nahargarh Fort did not encounter any warfare, it observed a few key chronological events, such as the agreements with the “Maratha forces” which invaded the pink city if Jaipur in 18th century. Nahargarh Fort offered protection to several Europeans including the wife of a British Resident throughout the “Sepoy rebellion” that happened in the year 1857.

Nahargarh Biological Park:

Nahargarh Biological Park is one more tourist attraction that is placed in the environs of Nahargarh fort. This organic park is extended up to 7.2-sq-kms of the Nahargarh sanctuary (50-sq-kms). This park boasts fine granite and quartizite rocks. The plant life or flora of the province is mainly symbolized by the steamy dehydrated deciduous and humid spike jungles.