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RAJASTHAN FORTS &
PALACES |
Rajasthan Forts & Palaces
One of the most imposing forts of Northern India - Junagarh Fort has remained
unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most
able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh. A high wall and deep moats
surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide
the access inside the fort.
The Fort is on a 280-hectare site on the top of a 180-metre-high hill, which
rises abruptly from the surrounding plain. There are many palaces within the
fort like Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Tower of Victory and Padmini's
Palace, which are a must see for the tourists. This hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh
epitomizes the romantic and doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry.
Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an
idea about the far sightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He
left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture,
art and craft structure in the city.
An apt description of the Jaisalmer fort, one of the finest in the country but
one which looks rather monotonous given the desolation around it. Located bang
in the middle of the Thar desert (literal meaning abode of the dead), it rises
like a mirage from the sands, with its huge turrets pointing skywards.
Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second
most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in the
Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because
of its inaccessibility and hostile topography the fort had remained un-conquered.
The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5
hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat
Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to
a five star palace hotel.
This Grand Palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was built
by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji
in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. This architecture
is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The exterior contrasts
dramatically with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has beautiful
latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a great craftsmanship.
Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent
fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur
have also added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the from
the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of
Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate.
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the
construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and
structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. The
entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or
the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate.
This important palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh who ruled from 1911-47
was the last expression of princely architectural extravaganza during the British
Raj. It was in 1925 that Umaid Singh went to London in search of an architect
and commissioned the firm of Lancaster and Lodge to build the palace. The foundation
stone was laid in 1929 at Chittar Hill- a sight dictated by astrological considerations.
"Striking indeed is the impression of romance and dignity which this occasion
conveys" said Col. Windham at the time of its inaugaration, adding while
addressing the king "It conjures up both a retrospect of the past and a
prospect of the future Your Highness.
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