Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur, one of the largest forts in India

Mehrangarh Fort, situated about 400 feet above Jodhpur City, is one of the largest forts in India. It was built by Rao Jodha when he decided to move his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort

Mural outside the first gate

Imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies

View of Jodhpur City

The fort gates are studded with sharp iron spikes intended to prevent elephants from battering them in.

Spikes, Loha Pol (Iron Gate)

There is a wall outside Loha Pol with the hand prints of royal satis who immolated themselves on the funeral pyres of their husbands.

Sati palm imprints

The Nakar Khana displays drums which were beaten to announce the arrival of the king.

Drum

Intricately carved jalis surrounding the courtyard

The museum displays in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the finest in Rajasthan.

Palki Khana

The Palki Khana section of the fort museum displays a wide selection of royal palanquins.

Palki

Palkis were a popular means of travel for royal and noble ladies up to the second quarter of the 20th Century.

Palki

Mahadol Palki was won in a battle in 1730

Peacock Palki

Pinja – Covered Palkis

Howdah Gallery

Howdahs are a carriages/platforms which were used to transport royalty on the back of an elephant.

Howdah

The front compartment with more leg room and a raised protective metal sheet was meant for kroyalty and the rear ones for bodyguards.

Howdah presented to Maharaja Jaswant Singh I by Shahjahan

Covered Howdah

Daulat Khana

This gallery displays exquisite collections from the Mughal period, during which Jodhpur maintained friendly relations with the Mughal emperors.

Courtyard outside Daulat Khana

Hookah

Embroidery

Sheesh Mahal

The Hall of Mirrors at Mehrangarh is unique since it uses large mirror pieces as opposed to tiny mirror mosaics used in traditional Sheesh Mahals.

Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal

Ceiling, Sheesh Mahal

Phool Mahal

This hall created by Maharaja Abhaya Singh, is the grandest of Mehrangarh’s Mahals.

Ceiling, Phool Mahal

Takhat Vilas

Built by Maharaja Takhat Singh (1843-1873), Jodhpur’s last ruler to reside in the Mehrangarh Fort, Takhat Vilas is an interesting blend of architectural and design styles.

Takhat Vilas

Moti Mahal

This palace gets it’s name from the pearl like lustre on the walls due to the finely crushed shells added to the lime plaster used on the walls.

Moti Mahal

Color stained glass windows

Zenana Deodi

This inner sanctum of the palace was used by the Queens to relax during the day.

Zenana Deodi

Delicate sandstone screens and carvings surround the courtyard.

Jallis surrounding Zenana Deodi

Spiral Staircase

Jallis

View of the city from the roof