Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. Mehrangarh appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history.

Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred to as the Tent Room .

Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding. There is a surprizing lightness to it though, once actually within the fort.