Page 401 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

R A JASTHAN  399

Winding ramparts of the indomitable Kumbhalgarh Fort
the pillars, as the sun moves offered a commanding view of Another interesting temple,
from east to west each day, is one the countryside for miles around. the Navachoki Mamdeva
of the glories of this monument. Built by Maharana Kumbha Temple, is in a gorge to the east
Equally stunning is the superb (r.1433–68), who also built the of Kartargarh. It contains several
filigree carving on the concentric great fort of Chittorgarh (see p334), slabs of black granite inscribed
ceiling pendants, and the exu be­ Kumbhalgarh was justly reputed with the history of Mewar, with
rant grace of the goddesses who to be the most impregnable fort the earliest slab dating to 1491.
form the support brackets. On one in Rajasthan. Its ramparts are Next to it is the cenotaph of
of the columns facing the sanctum, wide enough for six horsemen to Maharana Kumbha.
a carved panel with two figures ride abreast, and seven fortified Kumbhalgarh was also the
on it depicts Dharna Shah, the gates, studded with threatening birthplace of Maharana Pratap
builder of the temple, who was spikes, lead to its entrance. (1540–97), a great warrior king
a minister of the maharana of The crenellated walls of the fort who was famous for his heroic
Mewar, and his architect, Depa. enclose the smaller fortress of stand against the armies of the
A wall topped with spires Kartargarh, several palaces and Mughal emperor Akbar.
surrounds this serene temple temples now in ruins, fields, water
complex, which also has a reservoirs and stables. Standing Environs
Hindu Sun Temple, and two at the highest point of the fort is The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife
other Jain temples. Of these, the Badal Mahal, a 19th­century Sanctuary covers 578 sq km
the 15th­cen tury Parsvanatha addition with airy chambers and (223 sq miles) of the Aravalli
Temple is distinguished by fine wall paintings of hunting Hills, west of the fort, on the
the exceptionally fine pierced scenes. The 15th­century leeward side. Panthers, flying
stonework on its windows. Neelkantha Temple, which also squirrels, wolves and many bird
lies within the fort, has a huge species can be seen here.
Shivalinga and is still in use. Kankroli, 35 km (22 miles)
s Kumbhalgarh southeast of Kumbhalgarh, has
the 17th­century Dwarkadhish
Rajsamand district. 63 km (39 miles)
N of Udaipur. £ Kankroli, 35 km Temple on the southern shore
(21 miles) SE of Kumbhalgarh, of Rajsamand Lake. The western
then bus. @ & shore is lined with lovely marble
pavilions and ghats.
Like a gigantic brown snake, the The charming little town
great ramparts of Kumbhalgarh of Deogarh, 55 km (34 miles)
Fort wind along the rugged north of Kumbhalgarh, set
contours of the Aravalli Hills for among lakes and hills, has the
36 km (22 miles). This massive 17th­century Rajmahal Palace
15th­century fort, strategically with exquisite wall murals,
located at a height of 1,050 m and the Anjaneshwar Maha dev
(3,445 ft) along the border Temple in a cave in the hillside.
between Marwar (Jodhpur) and Deogarh is also a popular base
Mewar (Udaipur), was known as A deity on the fort wall, believed to prevent for horse safaris, which explore
“The Eye of Mewar”, because it evil happenings this picturesque part of Mewar.

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