The state of Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is the land where history, culture, and architecture can be combined in the most grandiose manner. Beautiful scenery, colorful culture, and royalty are also known characteristics of Rajasthan, as well as some of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in India. Forts & Palaces in Rajasthan which proudly showcase bravery, riches and artistic masterpieces. The structures are not merely the remains of the past but living monuments still being able to amaze tourists worldwide.
This blog discusses some of the forts and palaces which are a must visit to understand the grandeur and architectural versatility of Rajasthan.
Amber Fort -A mixture of Mughal and Hindu architecture.
Amber Fort in Jaipur is one of the most recognizable Forts and Palaces in the state of Rajasthan that sits on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake. The fort was constructed in the 16 th century by Raja Man Singh and is an excellent representation of the Rajput architecture with liberalization of the Mughal architecture. Its huge gates, paving roads, and courtyards are the products of military power as well as artistic subtlety.
Within the fort is another marvel, the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) which leaves the visitors with awe-inspiring mirror work that sparkles with dazzling reflections even during the dimmest of light. The light and sound show is another attraction present in Amber Fort; the show narrates the story of courage and love of the past of Rajasthan.
Mehrangarh Fort- The glory of Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest and best maintained forts in India that is 400 feet above the Blue City of Jodhpur. Constructed in 1459 by Rao Jodha, it is a representation of force and strength. The thick walls of the fort hide the palaces that have been carved intricately, have large courtyards and rich galleries.
The artistic finesse of the Rathore dynasty is evident in the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and Sheesh Mahal of the fort. The visitors have the view of the blue houses of Jodhpur spread out on the horizon of desert, which have been seen by the hospitality of its ramparts.
Jaipur City Palace Jaipur City Palace- Palace of a King.
The City Palace at the centre of Jaipur is a large complex that is used even today as the home of Jaipur royal family. The palace is a perfect combination of Mughal, Rajput and European architectural styles constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
The palace compound is occupied by museums, courtyards, and temples all of which give an account of the royal legacy of Jaipur. One main element that architecture lovers regard highly is the Peacock Gate in which there are colorful mosaics. The palace is now providing the full immersion into the royal life with its armory museum, art galleries, and perfectly preserved courtyards.
Jaisalmer Fort- The Golden Citadel.
There is also the Jaisalmer fort which unlike most of the other forts is a living monument and people still live in the fort. This fort was constructed in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal and it is towering above the golden sands of the Thar Desert, which makes it known as Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.
The yellow sandstone used in the construction of the fort is one that shines brightly during the sunrise and sunset. Jaisalmer Fort is the only among all Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan with narrow lanes, ancient havelis, temples and busy markets. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage and it remains to be one of the most captivating spots in the desert state.
Umaid Bhawan Palace -A Contemporary Wonder.
Whereas most of the palaces in Rajasthan are several centuries old, Umaid Bhawan Palace located in Jodhpur is a fairly new structure that was constructed in the 20 th century. This palace was built on commission by Maharaja Umaid Singh, in order to offer employment in the face of a massive famine.
The palace is a mixture of the Art Deco and Indo-Saracenic architectures designed by a British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester. A section of the palace is currently used as a luxury hotel run by the Taj Group, and another part has the museum which depicts the history of the Jodhpur royal family. The palace is also an impressive royalistic building of the modern times.
Kumbhalgarh Fort The Great Wall of India.
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage and is situated in the Aravalli Hills and is famous due to its gigantic walls that extend to more than 36 kilometers. These walls are often compared to the great wall of China since they are some of the longest walls in the world.
The fort is over 300 years old and was constructed by Rana Kumbha in the 15 th century and has more than 300 temples, palaces and step wells. Kumbhalgarh is also a place of birth of Maharana Pratap who was one of the most revered warriors in Rajasthan. With its strong defense and the panoramic view of the hills around, it is a destination that one should visit at all times.
Hawa Mahal -The Palace of Winds.
Hawa Mahal is a unique masterpiece in Jaipur which was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. The Palace of Winds is also referred to as the Palace of Winds and it has a facade of 953 miniature windows or jharokhas. These highly intricate windows enabled the royal women to see festivals in the street without being noticed as was the tradition of the time.
The honeycomb design is made of pink sandstone, and its fine latticework is a fine specimen of the Rajpute art. At present, Hawa Mahal is one of the most photographed architectural constructions in Rajasthan and a must-visit site by the person touring the Pink City.
Junagarh Fort -The Jewel of Bikaner.
Junagarh Fort, in Bikaner, was constructed on the plains, unlike most of the forts in Rajasthan, which were constructed on a hilltop. The fort was built in the 16 th century by Raja Rai Singh; it is a magnificent fusion of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.
There is also an opportunity to explore the halls so beautifully decorated such as the Anup Mahal and the Chandra Mahal where one can find the beautiful work of mirrors, frescoes and various carvings. It is also historic because the fort has never been overrun notwithstanding invasions that happen continuously.
Conclusion
The Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan are not mere tourist spot sites but portals to a fantastic past where heroism, art and magnificence was glorified. Mehrangarh Fort towers up to the sky, the Hawa Mahal is a marvelous piece of architecture, and every monument tells a tale that is firmly embedded in the culture and history of Rajasthan.
To the tourists, visiting of these forts and palaces can be simply about appreciating the architecture; it can be about experiencing the life stories of kings and queens, warriors and artists and the eternal soul of Rajasthan. Be it a history lover, a lover of photography or just a lover of an unforgettable cultural experience, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan ensure that the memories that you will gain will be a lifetime experience.