Location of Ranthambor Fort, History of Ranthambor Fort, Architecture of Ranthambor Fort.
Location of Ranthambor Fort:
This massive Fort is located at a distance of 14 Km from Sawai Madhopur City, within the boundaries of Ranthambor National Park in District Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
History of Ranthambor Fort:
It is believed to have been founded in 944 A.D. by Nagil Jats, a clan of Chauhans. The strength and inaccessibility of the Fort was a challenge to the rulers of the ancient and medieval India. Its strength enticed many rulers to capture it and it came under occupation of many rulers. About 20 generations of Nagil Jats ruled from here. They were followed by Chauhans. Then Sultan Shams-ud-din-Iltutmish (1211-1236 A.D.) captured it in 1226 A.D. The Chauhans recaptured it in 1236 A.D. Thereafter, Sultan Nasir-ud-din-Mahmud (1246-1266 A.D.) occupied it in 1259 A.D., but Shakti Dev recaptured it in 1283 A.D.
In the year 1299 A.D., Hammir Dev Chauhan repulsed an attack of Sultan Ala-ud-din-Khilzi, but Sultan succeeded in capturing it in 1301 A.D. Then this Fort came in occupation of the Kingdom of Mewar, Bundi and Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. The Mughal Emperor Akbar captured it in 1559 A.D. From 17th Century A.D. upto India’s Independence it remained under control of Maharajas of Jaipur. They used the surrounding forest as hunting ground which has now been converted into Ranthambor National Park.
It is famous for the ‘Jauhar’ (mass suicide performed by jumping alive into fire) committed in 1301 A.D. by thousands of ladies to protect themselves from the lustful soldiers of victorious invader Ala-ud-din-Khilzi. Even today this Fort inspires patriotism, valour and love.
Architecture of Ranthambor Fort:
It is strategically located on the top of a rocky hill, about 700 feet above the surrounding plains covering an area of about 7 Km in circumference.
The various places of interest inside the Fort are : Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Ramlala Ji built between 12th and 13th Centuries A.D. from red stone, a Jain Temple, a Mosque, a Mahadeo Chhatri, a 32 pillared Chhatri, Rani Tank, Toran Dwar, Sameton Ki Haveli, Hammir Court where even slightest of sound gets echoed in a marvelous way and Gupt Ganga which is a perennial stream that flows through the Eastern part of the Fort and is approachable by a number of stairs.
Ganesh Temple – This Temple is believed to have been built between 12th and 13th Centuries A.D. and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The devotees visit here to seek blessings of happiness and prosperity. They also write letters mainly wedding invitations to Lord Ganesha and send these to this Temple. The letters are delivered daily by the local postman.
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