Page 388 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

386  WESTERN INDIA

Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort

Rising sheer out of a 125-m (410-ft) high rock, Mehrangarh
is perhaps the most majestic of Rajasthan’s forts.
Described by an awe-struck Rudyard Kipling as “the
creation of angels, fairies and giants”, Mehrangarh’s
forbidding ramparts are in sharp contrast to the
flamboyantly decorated palaces within. Founded by
Rao Jodha in 1459, the sandstone fort was added
to by later rulers, mostly between the mid-17th and
mid-19th centuries. The royal apartments within the
fort now form part of an outstanding museum.

The Ramparts
The bastioned walls, parts of which are hewn
out of the rock itself, are in places 24-m (79-ft)
thick and 40-m (131-ft) high. Perched on them
are old cannons.

. Phool Mahal
Built between 1730
and 1750, this is the
fort’s most opulent
chamber, and is
richly gilded and
painted. It was used
for royal celebrations.

Shringar Chowk
This courtyard has the coronation
throne of the Jodhpur
rulers, made of white
marble. Every ruler after
Rao Jodha was crowned
on it.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p699 and pp712–13

386-387_EW_India.indd 386 26/04/17 11:46 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm