Architectural Magnificence at Jodhpur

After much waiting, planning (and plotting), the long awaited weekend of Dushera came and knocked on our calendars. This time, I skipped the mountains and went to explore the sandy end of Rajasthan. In this blog, I am sharing my experience of exploring the magnificence of Jodhpur- Mehrangarh Fort

The beauty of the Fort is that it is visible from everywhere! We caught the first glimpse while checkingin to the hotel, and though it seemed close, the illusion was broken when we had to drive 5 kms to reach the Fort. Its magnificence and beauty is overpowering, and got us wondering how the kinds built such forts at a time when there was no machinery. Pure brilliance if you ask me. 

We paid for our tickets (+ Rs 100 for the camera!) and entered the Fort. One is welcomed immediately by the proof that Forts were meant for war. The Jaipol (The Victory Gate) where one can still see the marks of the canon balls that were fired by Maharaja Jagat Singh’s army on Maharaja Man Singh’s Mehrangarh Fort.

Once in the Fort, no one gets a chance to look down! The sheer grandeur of the Fort and its never ending walls strain your neck as you adjust yourself to the sun’s rays and find the beautiful architecture mesmerize you. 

Do take a moment to see the intricate work on each balcony, railing, wall, ceiling, floor, door, handle, window or anything ever made there. Its epitome of the fact of how much pain one can take to decorate the house. Each design is different and beautifully compliments each other. Also, every portion of the Fort is designed differently- the interiors having beautiful work with mirrors, colours and petite flowers, while the exterior standing bold with wood work carved with great care.

The prayer room (seen on left) was the most beautiful room in the Fort, with glass work and golden light adding to the serenity and purity of the place. 

The best part of the experience is that one has access to all parts of the Fort- from where the Khaas Daawat sat, to their bedroom, courtroom, entertainment room, hell even bathroom! Nothing stops your view and you get clear glimpse of the furniture, architecture and colours of the room. (Seen on right is the Diwan e Khas)

The next beautiful thing about Fort is the amazing collection at the Museum. It is a must visit. From artifacts of the Rajputs, to the armoury of Mughals- you can find everything in these museums, displayed elegantly for your viewing.  Two artifacts caught my attention in particular.

These are big chunks of beautifully carved ‘stuff’ (I dont know the material) used to keep the big doors of the Fort open. So basically they are door stoppers. They would be kept on the floor to keep the doors from closing again and again. A smaller version of these were often kept at the corner of the carpets to keep the edges neat.

On the right is the image of a wine pourer! Yes! They would fill wine in this bottle (I dont know how and there was no one to explain either) and then from its left hand, the wine would be poured. How can one not marvel on the intellect of the designers of those times!

Apart from the interiors, the Fort has magnificent views of the city, and they cannot be ignored. (View my photostory on Blue City from the Brown Fort here). We were lucky to be there while a pistol shot was fired and we saw a flock of pigeons flying. Gave it quite a majestic view.

So, I would like to say, spend the day at the Fort- adoring the lovely work and exhibits at the Fort and feel like a Rajput while there.

Ending my blog with some pictures from the trip- Arial view of city from the Fort, Me infront of a freen door that caught my attention, and my a photograph with the amazing company I had with me who put up with my wandering nature of writing and clicking while sight seeing! 

   

All pictures (C) Akshita Agrawal Photography

Also read: Road Trip from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer