The history of India has been architectured by people who, despite having the tools and technologies like we have in present day, were able to obtain a coveted level of sophistication with whatever resources they were blessed with. There are several examples that depict the intelligence of people who belonged to an era when people were ruled by emperors rather than the government. There were horse-drawn carriages, elephants, carts, and other non-mechanical transportation devices unlike the modern age vehicles. The rulers used to live in huge forts along with other inhabitants of the kingdom. Many of the traditions and objects that were used during that era were either lost or damaged in the sands of time. However, many of the forts of that era are still in their core form and have now been turned into a visitor site so that maximum people can have a look at the dwellings of the emperors and the public. Included among the list of such sites is the Jaigarh Fort of Jaipur city in Rajasthan.
Location
The fort is situated at the Cheel ka Teela, which translates to Hill of Eagles of the Aravalli mountain range. It is close to another historical fort of Jaipur, the Amber Fort. It is at a distance of around 15 kilometers from the city.
History
Sawai Jai Singh III constructed this fort in 1726. It has served more than just a residence and administrative headquarter of the ruling dynasty.
During the era when the fort was being ruled over by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, the fort became a centre of casting cannons, as the area was rich in iron ore mines.
![Jaigarh Fort also served as a cannon foundry for sometime [image source]](/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Jaigarh-Fort-also-served-as-a-cannon-foundry-for-sometime.jpg)
Legend goes that the fort precincts were used to hide the treasures belonging to the royal families. Despite attempts made by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and an Army unit, no hidden treasures were found inside the fort. People then reached to a conclusion that those treasures might have been invested in the construction of Jaipur city by Sawai Jai Singh.
Structure
All the forts in the ancient era were built with adequate security measures, and the structure of Jaigarh Fort was also designed with the same intent. The fort is spread across a length of 1.9 miles and width of 0.62 miles. Within the four walls of the fort, there are palaces, gardens, temple, watch towers, and all other facilities needed by the people residing in the kingdom.
The ramparts are designed in a way that provides easy access to the structures on the upper level. A garden, built in the shape of a square, covers an area of 50 meter square and is a brilliant landscape to look at. The watch tower inside the fort premises is built strategically at an elevated ground to give a proper view of the surrounding area. There are two temples within the fort, Ram Harihar Temple and Kal Bhairav Temple.
To meet the requirements of water, an artificial lake was built. The water from this lake was transported by engaging elephants and humans who used to carry the water in pouches and pots to the fort. Measures for rainwater harvesting also helped a great deal to fulfill the water requirements. A 2.5 miles long canal helped to transport the water from the source to the underground water reservoirs built at the central courtyard. One tank served to the requirements of the prisoners who used the water to take bath, while the second was used to store jewelry and bullion. The third was kept empty at all times. All the three reservoirs were different in capacity, and the largest one was able to hold up to 6 million gallons.
Jaigarh Fort is connected to the Amber Fort through a subterranean passage. This connectivity makes both these forts a single entity.
What to Do
For visitors of present age, there is a lot to see and do at the fort. An armory chamber introduces you to some of the finest weapons, ammunitions, and costumes worn by the soldiers during the war. There are a few photographs of ancient rulers as well.
A cannon of that period called Jaivana Cannon is also kept as a remembrance. It is the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Although a lethal weapon, this cannon was never used in any war. Range of this cannon is 22 miles, and it was fired only once since the day it was manufactured.
Visitors can easily explore the fort area without hiring a guide. Once you are standing atop the fort, you will be able to take a look at the city; a priceless view.
Eat, Drink, Collect
A visit to the Jaigarh Fort and the city of Jaipur would not be complete unless you taste the local cuisines and the delicacies that multi-cuisine restaurants around the city offer to the patrons, along with beverages and desserts. Some of the most famous outlets of the city are Kanha, Niros, Lounge 18, Lakshmi Cafe, Colors, Genial, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, 1135 AD, Pind Balluchi, etc.
A lot of hotels offer accommodation, prices for which start from Rs.500/- per night.
Arts and craft are the skills that the city has inherited from its rulers. There are a lot of shops around the city from where you can buy and take home hand crafted sculptures, silver jewelry, gems, miniature paintings, pots, leather goods, etc.
Best Time to Visit
The fort is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm everyday. Indians have to pay an entry fee of Rs.25/-, whereas visitors arriving from abroad are charged Rs.75/- as entry fee.
There are additional charges for photography and video shooting. While Indian residents are expected to pay Rs.50/- for photography and video shooting, foreign citizens are required to pay Rs.100/- for the same.
You can plan your trip to Jaigarh Fort anytime, as the climatic conditions are not very harsh in any season. It is only sometimes that the mercury dips to almost freezing point during winters, otherwise the climate never acts as a barrier between you and the beauty of this fort.
How to Reach
Being the capital city of Rajasthan state, Jaipur is privileged with excellent connectivity with major states of India. An international airport allows the city to attract tourists from abroad as well.
Within the city limits, the Jaipur City Transport Services Limited, a subsidiary of Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, operates buses from three major bus depots. More than three hundred buses run inside the city, thus making it convenient for the tourists to navigate freely.
A Bus Rapid Transit Service covers two corridors: the North-South Corridor from Sikar Road to Tonk Road, and the East-West Corridor from Ajmer Road to Delhi Road.
A trip to the Jaigarh Fort will take you high and make you high with the royal feeling the exudes from this structure and slowly gets absorbed by you as you continue to admire the brilliance of that period and the people who converted the idea of creating an elegant fort into reality. Have a wonderful and memorable trip ahead!
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