Hill forts of Rajasthan | Royal Hill Forts of Rajasthan History | Royal Hill Forts of Rajasthan UPSC | Royal Hill Forts of Rajasthan List | Royal Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO
Rajasthan is famous for its rule by Manu Kings like Rajputs, Mughals, and Singhs. Also, they built many Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan. Nearly many kings who ruled Rajasthan between the 5th Century to 18th Century have built many Forts and Palaces for continuing their rule.
There are almost 18 Forts in Rajasthan. But almost 6 Forts are famous worldwide and they have almost Compound of around 20 Kms. Many Film Shootings also took place here. UNESCO gave World Heritage Status for 6 Forts.
History
The Word Rajasthan Itself means ” The Place of Kings”. This Place has experienced many Invasions and rule by Kings from Rajputs to Mughal Emperors.
Whenever a King Use to rule this Place, He built a fort for protecting his kingdom. Ajmer Fort, Junagarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, and Chittor Forts are very famous among Many. Jaisalmer Fort is located near the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
These forts are remnants of the splendors of Rajputana. Be it the fantastic architecture, surrounding localities nevertheless bearing medieval characteristics, royal courts, palaces, and a number of them are nevertheless utilized by individuals of the royal families.
These forts leave the tourist awestruck with its attraction and wonderful history. Anecdotes of the Kings of Rajasthan remain respected in India and a number of them have crafted their story of valor, patriotism, and sacrifice withinside the people’s thoughts eternally.
Architecture
Usually, Forts are built on the Top of Any Hill, Here also goes the same all these forts are built on the top of the hill which is at least 70m above the ground level.
Many Forts are of Hindu and Jain Style for Architecture, Some Forts which are later ruled by Islamic kings are of Indo Islamic Style. These are dry rock Locations and most of the rocks look Yellow in color. The Forts are Carved in the Style of Hindu Architecture and Jain Architectures to match the Culture.
The Six Forts of UNESCO
UNESCO has granted World Heritage Site Status extending to six forts in Rajasthan. They are
1. Chittor Fort
This Fort is the Largest Fort in Rajasthan and was the Capital of Mewar, It is Constructed in the 7th Century and was controlled by the Mewar Kingdom. Later on, it went to the hands of many Islamic Invaders and Landed under British Control. It is on the Top of 180m High Hill and Spread over appx 600 Acres of Land. This Fort Consists of Many Jain Temples and the Tower which is Known as Kriti Stambh is also called Vijaya Stambha was erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji. The Height of the Tower is 22m High and Can be seen over from miles away. The Stambha is an Architectural Wonder.
2. Kumbhalgarh Fort
This is the Second Largest Fort in Rajasthan after Chittor Fort. The Original Fort was believed to be built by King Samprati of the 6th Century, But Later in 14th Century Alauddin Khilji Destroyed it. It is also a Mewar Fortress. The Present Building which is there right now is built by Rana Kumbha, King of Mewar in the 15th Century. The Chief Architect of Kumbhalgarh Fort was Architect Mandan and he documented his work and dedicated it to his king Rana Kumbha. This Fort is 82 km from Udaipur and comes under Rajasmand District.
3. Ranthambore Fort
This fort was believed to be built around 1110 AD during the reign of Jayanth, This Fort has been the focal point of Historical Developments in Rajasthan, Completely aligned to Jainism, and also many owners changed for this Fort. Like Chauhans, Mewars, Hadans, and Deccan Sultanates. This also comes under Ranthambore National Park and is in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
4. Gagron Fort
This Fort is surrounded by water, This is both a hill and water fort. The Architecture is known as one of the 12 Vedic forts architecture called Jal Durg.
5. Amer Fort
Amer Fort is also known as Amber Fort, located in Amer, It is 11 km from Jaipur, The Town of Amer, and the Fort area is 4 Sq Km and originally built by Raja Man Singh and later a few additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. The Forts Architecture reflects that it was heavily influenced by Mughal Architecture. Constructed using Red Sandstone and Marble. Many Movie shootings happen at this Place. The Fort is known for its Architecture and was built around the 1580s.
6. Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is near the Thar Desert and completely dedicated to Jainism. It was built by Rawal Jaiswal in 1156. The fort is 1,500 ft (460 m) long and 750 ft (230 m) wide and is built on a hill that rises above a height of 250 ft (76 m) above the surrounding countryside. This Fort has wonderful architecture and also many step-wells like Chandbaroi is near to it. Many Movie shootings happen here. The Dark Knight Rises Prison was shot here.
Unesco WHS Status
For Protecting the Wonderful Architecture and also by recognizing the Historical Importance Behind all these forts. UNESCO has granted World Heritage Site Status in 2013.
Best Season to Visit
Rajasthan is a Dry and Hot Place, So people who stay within India usually prefer to Go in Winter Rather Than summer, If any foreigner who stayed in cool climates usually prefer hot climate, So temperatures go up to 45 Centigrade, It is up to you to decide, But the best time to visit all forts of Rajasthan during Winter.
Climate Effect
The Forts have undergone many changes which happened only due to human interference, Other than that only slight decolorization has happened as it withstood many climatic changes over 1000 years, The Climate effect is minimal.
Entry Ticket Cost
These Sites are all maintained by Rajasthan Government and Archeological Survey of India, The Opening Timings are between 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Book Tickets online here : PAYUMONEY
Covid 19 Restrictions
As of July 2021, Lock Down is Lifted in some places in India, Also Few places are restricted as per timings, All Monuments / Parks are open up till a certain Time. Further updates will be posted, But International Travelers better skip this season for Travel to India.
Travel Route
Hill Forts are almost 18 and each is located at different locations, So Choose nearby cities to cover all the hill forts, Majority of the Forts are near Jodhpur, So try to Stay in Jodhpur and explore the majority of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
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