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History | Culture | Religion | Art & Crafts | Shopping | Folk Music & Dance | Rajasthani Cuisine | Climate | Rajasthan Forts | Rajasthan Tribals | Desert Safari | Travelling Around Rajasthan RAJASTHAN FORTS Rajasthan's history lies enshrined in it's forts, several of which dot the arid landscape. The Rajputs were profilic builders who left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificient forts and palaces in the world. Cities, towns and villages - all had their forts & protective ramparts. It was customary to build the palace within the fort, outside which lay the city, enclosed within a fortified wall, as in Jodhpur and Udaipur. Some forts occupied commanding heights on hills overlooking the city, as in Jodhpur and Alwar. In Jaisalmer, Kumbalgarh and Chittaur, the entire settlement is within the fortification as an enclosed unit. Some of the most imposing forts are : CHITTAURGARH
CHITTAURGARH Chittaurgarh is probably India's greatest medieval fort which was established in 7th century. It was from here that Sisodias went to war against the Mughals at the famous battle of Haldighati. Set on a high plateau, Chittaurgarh sprawls supremely above the surrounding countryside. Among the buildings that are in a reasonable state of preservation are two towers, the 22 metre high, twelth century Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame) which was built by a Jain merchant, and Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) which is 37 meter high and carved with episodes from the Hindu epics, raised in 15th century to commemorate a battle victory against rulers of Malwa and Gujrat. Besides these, there are many temples which include the Kumbha Shyam and Kalika Mata Temples.
MEHRANGARH
(JODHPUR) One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan,
Mehrangarh appears to rise from the bluff colored sandstone hill itself,
so well built into the base that it The Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls) has stained glass windows that creates a colorful mosaic with the play of lights and shade on the glowing colors. The Mughal influence is evident in the miniature renderings of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Equally fascinating are the Phool Mahal (Palace of Flowers) and an equisite display of Jodhpur miniatures. The other important palaces like Chandan Mahal, The Durbar Takhat, The Rang Mahal are also worth visiting.
SONAR
QUILA (JAISALMER) According to a local quatrain, remote,
isolated, unique Jaisalmer appears out of a wasteland of rock and sand
like some surrealist dream of an inspired visionary". The foundation
of the fort was laid in The fort is made accessible through gates - Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol. The walls of the fort are built in dry masonry. The 19th century Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds) is home to current royal descendant. There is a cross culture merging of Rajput and Islamic building styles. There are the Rana Mahal, Gaj Vilas and Moti Mahal which have balconies and cupolas with finely executed carving and stone tracery. The narrow lanes and low but simply designed houses in the fort are also interesting.
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Chittaur
fell twice in 16th century, first to forces of Sultan of Gujrat and
later the Mughal Akbar. Abandonment by its rulers who later established
a new capital at Udaipur led to the ruin of its palaces and apartments.
Little has survived the ravages of the armies and of time, but there
is enough to provide a glimpse of what must have been one of Rajputana's
greatest citadels. These include Rana Kumbha's Palace and another palace
which is believed to be Rani Padmini Palace besides other palaces. 
JUNAGARH
(BIKANER) The fort of Bikaner, Junagarh was built in 1593
by Raja Rai Singh who also served as a General in the army of Emperor
Akbar. Made from red sandstone and encircled by a moat, around which
the modern city of Bikaner has spread, Junagarh consists of several
palaces and apartments in a good state of preservation. Some of the
palaces are among the most richly decorated in Rajasthan and include
Anup Mahal and Chandra Mahal. They give the impression of a rich inlay
of pietra pura, though in fact the apartments are merely richly painted.
KUMBALGARH
If Chittaurgarh was the pride of Sisodias, Kumbalgarh is the crown with
which they earned themselves merit. Raised by Rana Kumbha, this impregnable
fortess perches itself on top of 13 mountain peaks in the Aravalis.
Within the fort, Badal Mahal is particulary noteworthy for its exquisite
interiors and its soaring height over other structures. Also found here
are ancient Jain temples dating back to the Mauryan period. The buildings
at Kumbalgarh, unlike at Chittaurgarh, are mostly intact. 
is
difficult to tell where the hill ends and where the walls begin. Founded
in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their Capital
from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. It is approached by a series of seven
gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any
success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away. Across
from high courtyards, are set wings of palatial apartments that have
been built over five centuries of bristling history. The palaces in
Mehrangarh fort were constructed by Rao Jodha and his successors from
1456 A.D. onwards. 
1156
by Bhatti chief Jaisal. The fort also called Sonar Kila (Golden Fort)
made of yellow sandstone, seems to ignite Into a golden flame when scortched
by the desert sun. It was founded when Bhatti Rajputs shifted from Lodurva.
Placed strategically on the trade route along which ancient caravans
passed, Jaisalmer soon became rich, so much so that the merchants who
also served as ministers in the royal courts, came to command more power
than rulers themselves. No wonder the large mansions of the merchants,
built adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval desert cultures,
are so profusely decorated that the palace, in comparison , appears
to pale.
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