Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan as it is situated in the Ranthambore National Park
There is a big and massive wall which protects the fort while seven gates are there for entering and exiting the fort.
Ranthambore Fort has been proclaimed as a world legacy site by UNESCO. Before India got Independent, the Ranthambore National Park used to act as the hunting ground for the Kings of Jaipur, in view of rich bio-variety of creatures and birds, who lived here. Indeed, even today, the 4km2 area of Ranthambore Fort is for all intents and purposes separated into two segments. While, the Western piece of the stronghold contains numerous sanctuaries and Holy Stambhas, the Eastern part is as yet thought to be as a wild region where, various types of birds, panthers and Fishing cats and so on are habitually seen. The Ranthambore Fort used to be a spot, profoundly desired by the leaders of North India, because of its in the middle of between the shipping lane of North and Central India.
About Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is arranged inside Ranthambore National Park which is a popular tiger reserve and was a hunting ground for Maharajas of Jaipur dynasty. This magnificent fort is situated close to SawaiMadhopur, which is a town in Rajasthan. This old settlement has forever been the primary fascination of Rajasthan’s set of experiences. The post stands tall on the highest point of a slope sitting above the whole park. It is encircled by Vindhyas and Aravallis. The stronghold which is currently a vacation destination has a ton of verifiable importance for being the paragon of force for guarding the Rajput domain from the assaults of unfamiliar intruders. The very much arranged construction of the stronghold was a significant deterrent for the intruders. The glorious stronghold is accepted to be worked during eighth hundred years by Chauhan ruler and it spreads over an area of 7 kilometers. The stronghold is referred to for its greatness as it is encircled by tremendous walls comprised of stone which are around 7 km long. Many pieces of the timberlands have been annihilated by the impacts of wars yet there are numerous structures that keep on standing tall.
Main Attractions of Ranthambore Fort
Battis Khamba Chhatri
Battis Khamba Chhatri is a three storey building whose top terrace is square shaped that measures 12.5m x x12.5m. The roof of the building rests on 32 pillars or battis khamba and that’s the reason the building was named so. The pillars are arranged in two rows where the outer side has six and inner has four pillars.
The upper part of the pillar is octagonal in shape while the lower one is square-shaped. There is a verandah in which the center of the ceiling has a big dome which is surrounded by three small domes. Rest of the ceiling is flat.
Ganesh Temple
Among the many temples located inside the fort, this is the main attraction. This religiously significant temple is located at the main gate of the fort. People from all over the country come to this temple to seek the blessings of the revered Hindu God as well as invite Lord Ganesha for auspicious and special occasions like weddings, births and more. It is a centre of attention for a flock of devotees. Thousands of pilgrims arrive at this temple from various parts of the country to worship the deity.
Badal Mahal
Badal Mahal has a big hall which has 84 columns. The palace has been ruined but still walls can be seen whose height is 61m. The big hall was used by Hammir Singh for holding meetings and conferences.
The Bada Mahal is situated in the northern part of the fort. Another main attraction of the fort is seemed to be built in the clouds. This Mahal has a vast 84 column hall where Hammir Singh used to conduct his meetings and conferences. Although this architectural piece has been ruined during the wars, but the 61 m high walls of Bada Mahal still stand tall.
Pols or Gates
There are seven gates in the fort which are used to enter and exit the fort.
Navlakha Pol
The width of the gate is 3.20m and it faces east. The gate is built with ashlar masonry and an inscription on a copper plate is fixed on the gate. The inscription tells that the door in the gate were built by Sawai Jagat Singh of Jaipur.
Hathi Pol
Hathi Pol is 3.20m wide and faces southeast. On one side it has fort wall while natural rock is there on the other side. A guard room in a rectangle shape can be found over the gate.
Delhi Pol
Delhi Pol has the width of 4.7m and it faces northwest. The gate has an arch and many guard cells.
Andheri Pol
Andheri Pol faces north and has the width of 3.30m. Walls of the fort are on both side of the gate. The gate also has balconies on all sides.