| One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh appears to rise from the bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself, so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where
the hill ends and the walls begin. Founded in the 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital form nearby Mandore to Jodhpur (or the region known as Marwar), it is approached by
a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Pass the gates, the fort-palace take one's breath away. Across form huge courtyards are set wings of
palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history. Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh
are open to visitors. These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore rulers have been ritually appointed to rule, Jhanki Mahal, the Apartment
from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne; and the Rang Mahal where
the Maharaja would play Holi with his zenana. Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umaid Vials and Maan Vilas, while a large ten seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what
has come to be referred to as the Ten Room. Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding. There is a surprising lightness to it though, once actually within the fort. The builders
seemed to want to make up for the stern austerity of its wall with an overwhelming profusion of windows and jharokas at the upper ends. The effect seems to exaggerate its already impressive height. |
