Top 10 Forts in India
Nahargarh Fort
One amongst the three fort constructed by the rulers of Jaipur, the Nahargarh
Fort has its own significant place in history. Built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in
the year 1734 and located on the asperous Aravalli hills, the Nahargarh Fort was
required to strengthen the protective coverage of Amber, the capital of the
earlier rulers of Jaipur. Further extension and expansion work was done in the
fort by later rulers and it is these additions that today hold the attention of
the tourists. The original old structures have been hugely affected by the
passage of time. Nahargarh Fort has an interesting anecdote attached to its
construction. It is said that the fort was haunted by a spirit of a prince
called Nahar. He made sure that an impediment occurred every time the
construction of the fort progressed smoothly. Eventually, a tantrik prayed to
the spirit of the prince who assented to leave only on the condition that the
fort was named after him. The Fort, which is also known as the Tiger Fort, is
reached by a walk past the streets at the base followed by a 2 km trek up the
towering hill. On the top of the hill, the beautiful Man Sagar Lake spreads a
welcoming glance. Right in the middle of the lake, Raja Jai Singh II built a
duck blind, a shelter for screening duck hunters, for his shooting parties.
History
Nahargarh Fort of Rajasthan is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills
and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Pink City of Jaipur, the capital
city of Indian state of Rajasthan. Nahargarh Fort of Rajasthan is the first of
the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Beyond
the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel
guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. The Fort of Rajasthan was
constructed mainly in 1734, however further additions were made to it, by the
succeeding rulers in the 19th century. In 1734, seven years after his new
capital was built Jai Singh II began to build this small fort. Two and a half
centuries later it still stands tall on a steep rocky face with massive walls
and bastions for company. Jai Singh II named it Sudarshangarh (sudarshan chakra:
Lord Vishnu’s discus; garh: fort). Along with Amber Fort of Rajasthan and
Jaigarh Fort of Rajasthan it formed a strong defence ring for the city. During
the Sepoy revolt of 1857, Nahagarh served as a refuge for Europeans fleeing from
the havoc created by mutineers in neighboring states. The term "Nahargarh"
refers to "the Abode of Tigers", so it is also known as the Tiger Fort of
Rajasthan. It overlooks the city from a sheer ridge to the north, and is
floodlit at night. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the
lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19
th century are preserved in a good condition and remind the visitors of the
glory of the former age that belonged to kings and Maharajas. This Place was
used as a picnic spot for the members of the Royal family.
Architecture
In 1734, seven years after his new capital was built Jai Singh II began to build
this small fort. Two and a half-centuries later it still stands tall on a steep
rocky face with massive walls and bastions for company. The fort provides an
excellent view of the Pink City spread out at its foot. Jai Singh II named it
Sudarshangarh (sudarshan chakra: Lord Vishnu’s discus; garh: fort).
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