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    Desert Chronicles (Book 3): Forts of Rajasthan
    Desert Chronicles (Book 3): Forts of Rajasthan
    Desert Chronicles (Book 3): Forts of Rajasthan
    Ebook126 pages1 hour

    Desert Chronicles (Book 3): Forts of Rajasthan

    By Harpreet Kaur Kapoor

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    About this ebook

    This is the third in the series I am writing called the Desert Chronicles. This one is on the stone sentinels or forts located within the state of Rajasthan, India. Rajasthan was a war zone from 5th century onwards until after independence. Its constant guardians have been the forts and watch towers guarded by brave, sacrificing and sometimes reckless generation of Rajputs.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarpreet Kaur Kapoor
    Release dateNov 9, 2011
    ISBN9781466164024
    Desert Chronicles (Book 3): Forts of Rajasthan
    Author

    Harpreet Kaur Kapoor

    Hi as a writer I know I can improve, I would like it very much if you read my books and tell me what is missing and how it will improve my work. Your opinions matter to me. Please send them to my email id harpreet786@gmail.com,. My writing for sometime has come to standstill and your words may add some fire to it.Thank you all.I am a writer and writing has been my passion from my college days, but I have given it complete free reign over everything else, only in the last few years. As a journalist, I have worked in many newspapers and magazines and gathered over 13 years of experience. But I am still gathering experience for my writing. Every day is a learning experience and adds to my profile.

    Read more from Harpreet Kaur Kapoor

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      Book preview

      Desert Chronicles (Book 3) - Harpreet Kaur Kapoor

      Chapter 1

      Introduction

      Rajasthan was a war zone from 5th century onwards until after independence. Its constant guardians have been the forts and watch towers guarded by brave, sacrificing and sometimes reckless generation of Rajputs who have left a mark on the history of India and the world.

      Rajasthan is divided into 7 divisions and 33 districts: - Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajasamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Sri Ganganagar, Tonk, Udaipur and each of them has forts, some in a good state and others in a dilapidated state. These stone sentinels are the most impressive and leave an indelible mark on your hearts and mind.

      Located in the northwest of India, Rajasthan is bound to the north and northeast by Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh; while to the east and southeast are Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and to the southwest is Gujarat and due west and northwest by Pakistan. The state covers an area of 132,140 square miles (342,239 square kilometers).

      Rajasthan has two distinct geographical regions divided by the Aravallis, the oldest mountain chain in India. It runs southwest to northeast ending in Delhi. This range blocks the southeast monsoon letting the eastern region receive a good rainfall. Many sections of this region are covered in dense green forests.

      The varied topography makes the western parts of Rajasthan dry and infertile and also has the Thar Desert (or Great Indian Desert). The southwest land is wet, hilly and more fertile. Temperatures in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F). Average rainfall is between 100 mm (about 4 in) in the west, southeast gets 650 mm (26 in) rain annually. Monsoon is from July to September.

      This land is adorned with invincible forts, splendid palaces, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. The magnificent forts can be found any and everywhere - on the rugged and rocky hilltops, in dense forests, over the ridges and in the middle of the Thar. Rajasthan is the only place having the maximum number of forts and palaces in the world.

      The state is a hot bed of ethnicity, charisma, color and traditional way of life. The history of Rajasthan is as old as the Thar Desert. The chronicles of Rajasthan is filled with stories of bloodshed, heroism and sacrifice. Many forts, palaces, havelis stand testimony to Rajasthan's royal and glorious past.

      Here is a land that breathes both romance and chivalry. Here is a living proof of history, of brave rulers who were artists at heart, of kings who campaigned in wars but gave patronage to artisans. Rajasthan is much more than the imagination of just a few rulers. It is an identity created by people who enjoy life, and have ample proof to show for it. An affair with Royal Rajputana is in fact the vacation of a lifetime.

      Rajasthan stands proud today with the highest number of forts, palaces, mansions and havelis that have been converted into hotels. Rajasthan is a beautiful fusion of traditional with modern.

      To get there

      By Air: Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the major airports here. They are serviced by all domestic airlines.

      By Rail: Every part of the state is connected to major cities of India through the vast network of railway. But to enjoy the Royal Rajasthan try out the Palace on Wheels - seven days of living like a king.

      By Road: Road transport in Rajasthan is good and one can reach via road from various major and minor cities within India through private cars, buses and public transport.

      Chapter 2

      Forts of Rajasthan

      Achalgarh

      Located eleven kilometers to the north of Mount Abu, this fort was originally built by the Paramara rulers and it was later reconstructed named Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE. This was one of the several forts that Maharana Kumbha built during his reign.

      The fort is not in good condition today. The first gate of the fort is known as Hanumanpol, which served as the entrance to the lower fort. Both sides of the entrance have broken towers. These were built of large blocks of grey granite. After a short climb you reach the second gate called Champapol, which served as the entrance to the inner fort.

      There are many important historical and religious structures in and around the fort. The Achaleshwar Mahadeva temple is located just outside the fort, one of a kind temple where the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Here you will also find a metal Nandi built from five different metals – panch dhatu - copper, silver, gold, zinc and bronze in the temple and it weighs four tones. Close to the temple is a pond with three stone buffaloes standing around it. Within the fort there are Jain temples all built around 1513 AD.

      Achalgarh Fort has many architectural gems like sculptures. There are many temples within the fort and among these is the Kantinath Jain Temple has beautiful gold plated idols. There are a large number of sculptures made from a crystal like opaque stone. The Shivalinga inside is natural. The fort is surrounded by huge walls.

      Mount Abu is the only hill station located in the state of Rajasthan. This place is famous for its weather and various attractions like forts and temples. Away from the scorching heat found in the rest of the state this is a pleasant place. Each temple, fort and palace is an architectural marvel. This includes the Achalgarh Fort. Built in 1452, this fort is the most visited fort.

      There are many tourists’ sights close to the fort including the Mandakini Lake.

      Chapter 3

      Amer Fort

      Amber or Amer Fort got its name from the many rich palaces within that are inlaid with jewels and precious stones.

      A narrow road leads you right up to the entrance that is also known as Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate. Elephant rides can be taken up the passage way into the fort.

      Located in Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, it is a town that is barely 4sq km wide that is situated on a hill top. This was the ancient fort town and the capital of the ruling Kachhawaha clan from 1037 to 1727 AD. The capital was moved to Jaipur in 1727. Amber Fort blends the Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. The fort has huge ramparts, series of gates, cobbled paths that overlook the Maota Lake.

      This formidable fort is aesthetically built on four levels, each with a courtyard. The plan is well laid out and has layout plan has lavish structures in red sandstone and marble including the Diwan-e-Aam - Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-e-Khas - Hall of Private Audience, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas which has artificially created cool climate by winds blowing over water fall located within the palace. The Kachhwaha Maharaja lived here with his family. At the entrance is the Ganesh Pol/Gate, and a temple dedicated to Sila Devi, the goddess of Chaitanya cult. This idol was given to Raja Mansingh as a gift when he defeated the Raja of Jessore in Bengal (now in Bangladesh) in 1604.

      Amer fort along with the Jaigarh Fort located on the hill that can be seen from Amer called Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) is regarded as one complex. The two forts are connected via a subterranean passage, an escape route to be used in times of war by the royal family and important ministers.

      History

      The structure which is today known as Amber fort of Rajasthan was initially a palace complex within the original fort of Amber of Rajasthan which is today known as Jaigarh Fort of Rajasthan. Connected with Amber through fortified passages, Jaigarh fort of Rajasthan is located on a hill above the Amber complex, and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It overlooks Maota Lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers of Rajasthan.

      Amber was founded by the Meenas and was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Around 1037 AD, it was conquered by the Kacchwaha clan of Rajputs, who ruled from it until 1727 AD. In that year ruler of Sawai Jai Singh II founded a

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