Mehrangarh

Mehrangarh's etymology is rooted in the Sanskrit words 'Mihir' (meaning sun) and 'garh' (meaning fort). Phonetically evolving from 'Mihirgarh' to 'Mehrangarh' in Rajasthani language.{{Cite book |last1=Hooja |first1=Rima |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8CFUDgAAQBAJ&q=Mihir+garh |title=Conserving Fortified Heritage: The Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Fortifications and World Heritage, New Delhi, 2015 |last2=Jain |first2=Shikha |date=2016-09-23 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |isbn=978-1-4438-9637-5 |language=en |quote=whereas the name "Mehrangarh" (or Mihirgarh, as used earlier) is made up of the Sanskrit words Mihir (sun) and Garh (fort), meaning "fortress of the sun".}} The fort was named Mihirgarh, meaning ‘fort of the sun’ – a reference to the ruling clan Rathore's mythical descent from the sun god Surya.{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.mehrangarh.org/mehrangarh-2/history/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Mehrangarh Museum Trust |language=en-US |quote=The fort was named Mehrangarh, meaning ‘fort of the sun’ – a reference to the clan’s mythical descent from the sun god Surya.}}

Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India.{{Cite journal|last=Vyas|first=S.P.|date=2007|title=Water supply system in the fort of Jodhpur|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|volume=68|pages=1423|jstor=44145652}} He founded Jodhpur in 1459 as the capital of Marwar (Mandore was the previous capital). He was one of Ranmal's 24 sons and became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. One year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the safer location of Jodhpur, as the one thousand years old Mandore fort was no longer considered to provide sufficient security.

With the trusted aid of Rao Nara (son of Rao Samra), the Mewar forces were subdued at Mandore. With that, Rao Jodha gave Rao Nara the title of Diwan. With the help of Rao Nara, the foundation of the fort was decided on 12 May 1459[http://www.maharajajodhpur.com/fort/fort_hist.htm Mehrangarh Fort-Jodhpur] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120141657/http://www.maharajajodhpur.com/fort/fort_hist.htm |date=20 November 2008 }} by Jodha on a rocky hill {{convert|9|km}} to the south of Mandore. This hill was known as Bhakurcheeria, the mountain of birds.

According to legend to build the fort he had to displace the hill's sole human occupant, a hermit called Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. Cheeria Nathji was a man with the local population as his followers and hence influential in the region. When requested to move he refused categorically. This happened many times. Rao Jodha then took extreme measures and sought help from another more powerful saint, Karni Mata of Deshnoke who was a Hindu warrior sage born in Charan caste. At the request of the king, she came and asked Cheeria Nathji to quit immediately. Seeing a superior power he left at once but cursed Rao Jodha with words "Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!". Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort. Karni Mata laid down the foundation stone of the Mehrangarh Fort. Today only the forts of Bikaner and Jodhpur remain in the hands of Rathores, both had their foundation stones laid by Shri Karni Mata. All other Rajput forts of Rajasthan were abandoned for some or the other reasons by the respective clans. Only the Rathores of Jodhpur and Bikaner have their forts with them till date. This fact is considered a miracle by the local population and is attributed to Shri Karni Mata. Rao Jodha also granted villages of Mathania and Chopasni to the two Charan warlords who were sent by him to request maa Mehaai to come to Jodhpur.{{Cite book |last=Ujwal |first=Kailash Dan S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pkkqAAAAYAAJ |title=Bhagwati Shri Karniji Maharaj: A Biography |date=1985 |publisher=[s.n.]] |language=en}}

To ensure that the new site proved propitious; he buried a man of the Meghwal caste called "Raja Ram Meghwal", who offered his services voluntarily, alive in the foundations as this was considered auspicious during those days. "Raja Ram Meghwal" was promised that in return his family would be looked after by the Rathores. His family was granted land and to this day his descendants still live in Raj Bag, near Soor Sagar.

Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1638–78). The fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over {{convert|5|km}} on top of a high hill. Its walls, which are up to {{convert|36|m|ft|}} high and {{convert|21|m|ft|}} wide, protect some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan.

Khandwaliya community one of the old traditional community had the knowledge of breaking the big stones made this fort with others.

File:Mehrangarh Fort sanhita.jpg in front ]]

File:Jodhpur, India, Gates of Mehrangarh Fort.jpg

Entry to the fort is gained through a series of seven gates. The most famous of the gates are:

• Jai Pol ("Gate of Victory"), built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to celebrate his victory in a war with Jaipur and Bikaner.
• Fateh Pol, built to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707;
• Gopal Pol, it is the second Pol after Fateh Pol.
• Dedh Kangra Pol, which still bears the scars of bombardment by cannonballs;
• Amruti Pol, it is in between Dedh Kangra Pol and Loha Pol.
• Loha Pol, which is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex. Immediately to the left are the handprints (sati marks) of the ranis and some princesses, who had committed Sati over the years after death of their husband.
• Suraj Pol, inner most gate which provides access to palace complex and Daulat Khana Chauk.

File:Jodhpur, India, Mehrangarh Fort, Palace 2.jpg

Within the fort are several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces. These include, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. The museum houses a collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes, and furniture. The ramparts of the fort house preserved old cannon (including the famous Kilkila), and provided a breath-taking view of the city.

File:Jodhpur Palace Market Gate.jpg

File:Kilkila cannon.jpg

File:Palanquins at Mehrangarh Museum, Jodhpur.jpg

Howdahs were a kind of two-compartment wooden seat (mostly covered with gold and silver embossed sheets), which were fastened onto the elephant's back. The front compartment, with more leg space and a raised protective metal sheet, was meant for kings or royalty, and the rear smaller one for a reliable bodyguard disguised as a fly-whisk attendant.

Palanquins were a popular means of travel and circumambulation for the ladies of the nobility up to the second quarter of the 20th century. They were also used by male nobility and royals on special occasions.

This gallery displays one of the most important and best-preserved collections of fine and applied arts of the Mughal period of Indian history, during which the Rathore rulers of Jodhpur maintained close links with the Mughal emperors. It also has the remains of Emperor Akbar.

This gallery displays a rare collection of armor from every period in Jodhpur. On display are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhino horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls and guns with gold and silver work on the barrels. The gallery also has on display the personal swords of many emperors, among them outstanding historical piece like the Khaanda of Rao Jodha, weighing over 3 kg, the sword of Akbar and the sword of Timur.

File:The Creation of the Cosmic Ocean and the Elements (detail), folio 3 from the Shiva Purana, c. 1828.jpg at Mehrangarh Museum, c. 1828.]]

This gallery displays colours of Marwar-Jodhpur, the finest example of Marwar paintings.

The Turban Gallery in the Mehrangarh Museum seeks to preserve, document and display the many different types of turbans once prevalent in Rajasthan; every community, region, and festival having had its own headgear.

Shahi Lal Dera or Royal Red Tent is a part of royal collection at the fort.

The Jodhpur Group - Malani Igneous Suite Contact on which the Mehrangarh Fort has been built has been declared a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India to encourage Geo Tourism in the country. This unique geological feature is part of the Malani Igenus Suite seen in the Thar desert region, spread over an area of 43,500 km². This unique geological feature represents the last phase of igneous activity of Precambrian age in the Indian Subcontinent.{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,529424&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |title= Monuments of Stratigraphic Significance, Malani volcanics overlain by Jodhpur sandstone |access-date= 2009-03-23 |publisher= Geological Survey of India |year= 2001 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130419091251/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,529424&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |archive-date= 19 April 2013 |url-status= dead }}{{cite web|url=http://prr.hec.gov.pk/Chapters/338-3.pdf|title=Regional Geological and Tectonic Setting|access-date=2009-03-25|pages=68–73|archive-date=5 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005122809/http://prr.hec.gov.pk/Chapters/338-3.pdf|url-status=dead}}

File:Chamunda Devi Temple Jodhpur.jpg

File:DSC 5097b Mehrangarh.jpg

The chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha's favourite goddess, he brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore in 1460 and installed her in Mehrangarh (Maa chamunda was the kul devi of the Pratihara rulers of Mandore). She remains the Maharaja's and the Royal Family's Isht Devi or adopted goddess and is worshipped by most of Jodhpur's citizens as well. Crowds throng Mehrangarh during the Dussehra celebrations.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, spreads over 72 hectares, adjoining Mehrangarh Fort. The park contains ecologically restored desert and arid land vegetation.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/in-school/sh-science/reclaiming-the-desert/article6263279.ece|title=Reclaiming the desert|date=2014-07-30|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-09-04}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-10/23/c_132822528.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031045616/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-10/23/c_132822528.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 October 2013|title=Rao Jodhpur desert rock park - Xinhua {{!}} English.news.cn|website=news.xinhuanet.com|access-date=2016-09-04}} The park was created in 2006 to try and restore the natural ecology of a large, rocky area adjoining and below the fort and opened to the public in February 2011. The area in and around the park contains distinctive volcanic rock formations such as rhyolite, with welded tuff, and breccia, sandstone formations. The park includes a Visitors Centre with Interpretation Gallery, a native plant nursery, small shop and cafe.

A human stampede occurred on 30 September 2008, at the Chamunda Devi temple inside of the Mehrangarh Fort, in which 224 people were killed and more than 400 injured.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131017074544/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-09-30/news/27722458_1_temple-stampede-chamunda-devi-temple-mahatma-gandhi-hospital 2008 Stampede at Chanmunda Devi Temple in Mehrangarh Fort Sep 30, 2008]

File:Mehrangarh fort jodhpur fort.jpg

The fort has musicians performing folk music at the entrance and houses museum, restaurants, exhibitions, and craft bazaars.{{cite news|title=The Fantastic 5 Forts: Rajasthan Is Home to Some Beautiful Forts, Here Are Some Must-See Heritage Structures|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3191827171.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204252/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3191827171.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=5 July 2015|date=28 January 2014|publisher=DNA : Daily News & Analysis|via=HighBeam Research }} The fort was one of the filming locations for Disney's 1994 live-action film The Jungle Book, as well as the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises.{{cite news|title=Shooting in India was nice adventure: Christian Bale| newspaper=The Times of India | date=10 July 2012 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Shooting-in-India-was-nice-adventure-Christian-Bale/articleshow/14803932.cms?referral=PM|publisher=INDIATIMES|access-date=6 March 2014}} Principal photography for the latter commenced on 6 May 2011.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Christopher-Nolan-to-shoot-in-Jodhpur/articleshow/8124839.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710104700/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-30/news-interviews/29490552_1_jodhpur-s-mehrangarh-fort-jaipur-crew|url-status=live|archive-date=July 10, 2013|title=Christopher Nolan to shoot in Jodhpur| last=Dasgupta|first=Priyanka|date=April 30, 2011|work=The Times of India|access-date=August 10, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/04/27/the-dark-knight-rises-india/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430034017/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/04/27/the-dark-knight-rises-india|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 April 2011|title='The Dark Knight Rises' Heads to India|work=MTV|first=Rachel|last=Molino|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=May 8, 2011}} The Emraan Hashmi starrer Awarapan was also shot here.{{cite web|title=Awarapan Locations|url=http://www.bollylocations.com/movies/Awarapan?referral=PM|publisher=BOLLYLOCATIONS|access-date=18 January 2015}}

In 2015, the fort was used to record a collaborative album by musicians including Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur, English composer and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. The recording was the subject of a documentary, Junun, by the American director Paul Thomas Anderson.{{Cite web|title = NYFF Review: Paul Thomas Anderson is Trying Something Different With 'Junun'|url = http://www.indiewire.com/article/nyff-review-paul-thomas-anderson-is-trying-something-different-with-junun-20151008|website = Indiewire| date=8 October 2015 |access-date = 2015-10-09}}{{Cite web|title = Film Review: 'Junun'|url = https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/junun-film-review-1201613807/|website = Variety| date=8 October 2015 |access-date = 2015-10-09}}

In March 2018, the film crew for the Bollywood film Thugs of Hindostan used the fort as one of its shooting locations;{{cite web| url = https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood-thugs-of-hindostan-amitabh-bachchan-gets-smitten-by-the-beauty-of-jodhpur-s-mehrangarh-fort-431513| title = Thugs Of Hindostan: Amitabh Bachchan gets smitten by the beauty of Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort {{!}} Bollywood News – India TV| date = 8 March 2018}} actor Amitabh Bachchan left a reflective post about his experience there on his official blog.{{cite web |url=http://srbachchan.tumblr.com/post/171634120571 |title = Amitabh Bachchan's Official Blog • DAY 3636}}

{{reflist|3}}

{{refbegin|20em}}

• {{cite book|author1=Crump, Vivien |author2=Toh, Irene |title= Rajasthan|location=London|publisher=Everyman Guides|year=1996| isbn = 1-85715-887-3| page = 400}}
• {{cite book|author1=Beny, Rolof|author1-link=Roloff Beny|author2=Matheson, Sylvia | title=Rajasthan - Land of Kings| year = 1984| publisher=The Vendome Press| location=New York| isbn = 0-86565-046-2| page = 200 pages}}
• {{cite book| last = Tillotson | first = G.H.R| title = The Rajput Palaces - The Development of an Architectural Style| year = 1987| edition = First| publisher = Yale University Press| location = New Haven and London| isbn = 0-300-03738-4| page = 224 pages}}
• SuryanagariJodhpur by Prem Bhandari
• Maharaja Umaid Singhji by Prem Bhandari
• [https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/all_current_exhibitions/indian_summer/garden_and_cosmos.aspx Paintings from the royal collection of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur] British Museum

{{refend}}

{{commons category|Mehrangarh Fort}}

• {{official|https://www.mehrangarh.org/}}

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Category:Rajput architecture

Category:Forts in Rajasthan

Category:Buildings and structures in Jodhpur

Category:Tourist attractions in Jodhpur

Category:History of Jodhpur

Category:Jodhpur

Category:Tourism in Jodhpur

Category:National museums of India