Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers'. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia,[1] whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort.[2] Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name.[3]

Nahargarh Fort
Roof Terrace of the Fort
LocationJaipur, Rajasthan
Coordinates26.937255°N 75.815490°E / 26.937255; 75.815490
Built1734
Location of Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur
Nahargarh Fort (Rajasthan)

History
Jaipur city from Nahargarh Fort

Built mainly in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the king of Jaipur, the fort was constructed as a place of retreat on the summit of the ridge above the city. Walls extended over the surrounding hills, forming fortifications that connected this fort to Jaigarh, the fort above the old capital of Amber. Though the fort never came under attack during the course of its history, it did see some historical events, notably, the treaties with the Maratha forces who warred with Jaipur in the 18th century.[4] During the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the Europeans of the region, including the British Resident's wife, were moved to Nahargarh fort by the king of Jaipur, Sawai Ram Singh, for their protection.[5]

The fort was extended in 1868, during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh. In 1883-92, a range of palaces was built at Nahargarh by Dirgh Patel at a cost of nearly three and a half lakh rupees.[6] The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Madho Singh had suites for the queens of Jaipur and at the head was a suite for the king himself. The rooms are linked by corridors and still have some delicate frescoes. Nahargarh was also a hunting residence of the Maharajas.[7]

Until April 1944, the Jaipur State government used for its official purposes solar time read from the Samrat Yantra in the Jantar Mantar Observatory, with a gun fired from Nahargarh Fort as the time signal.

Some scenes in the movies Rang De Basanti, Shuddh Desi Romance and Sonar Kella were shot at Nahargarh Fort.

Jaipur wax museum is yet another attraction was built on the left side at the entrance of Nahargarh fort in support with Department of Archaeology & Museums Jaipur, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, The place earlier was known as Vishram Ghar- Rest House for the soldiers and Shastragar-Artillery, Jaipur wax museum is a brainchild of Mr. Anoop Srivastava the founder Director and inaugurated on December 17, 2016 by Bollywood star Govinda, the wax museum has more than 35 wax and silicon statues from the field of sports, Bollywood, social activists, freedom fighters, Sawai Ram Singh,Maharaja Jai Singh, Madho Singhi, and Rajmata Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur along with first look-alike robotic tiger, replica of Khonoor Diamond is a recent attraction,The one of its own kind Sheesh Mahal, the palace of mirrors, a new landmark of Jaipur built in the adjoining building with 25 million glass pieces with thikri, mirror work and gold polish giving a magnificent royal look and feel.

Visitation

The ticket for the historical fort of Nahargarh costs INR 50 for Indian nationals.[8] For foreign tourists, the cost goes up to INR 200. Students enjoy discounted prices. For foreign students, the ticket costs INR 50, and INR 20 for Indian students

Nahargarh fort is open from 10 a.m. and the gates of the fort closes in the evening at 10.00 p.m. The visitors are not advised to stay any later than that because the fort is surrounded by dense deciduous forest. The forest is part of Nahargarh Biological Park[9] and home to many wild animals.

Nearby Attractions
  • City of Jaipur seen from Nahargarh Fort
  • City of Jaipur seen from Nahargarh Fort
  • City of Jaipur seen from Nahargarh Fort
  • Stone Railing on Roof Terrace
  • Nahargarh Fort compound Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • Nahargarh Fort compound Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • Nahargarh Fort compound Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • Nahargarh Fort, Madhvendra Palace
  • Madhvendra Palace
  • A bastion at Nahargarh Fort, complete with cannon embrasures and gunports for small arms in the merlons

See also

References
  1. Naravane, M. S. (1999). The Rajputs of Rajputana: a glimpse of medieval Rajasthan. ISBN 9788176481182.
  2. "Nahargarh Fort".
  3. Jaipur forts and monuments
  4. Naravane, M. S. (1999). The Rajputs of Rajputana. ISBN 9788176481182.
  5. Sarkar, Jadunath (1994). A History of Jaipur. ISBN 9788125003335.
  6. R. K. Gupta; S. R. Bakshi (2008). Rajasthan Through The Ages: Jaipur Rulers and Administration. ISBN 9788176258418.
  7. "Jaipur Hub". Archived from the original on 24 October 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2006.
  8. "Nahargarh Fort Jaipur - Entry Fee, Visit Timings, History & What to Expect?". Trans India Travels. 30 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  9. "Nahargarh Biological Park - Rajasthan Tourism". www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
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