Regal, beautiful and a true gem for the culture and history of Rajasthan, Nahargarh fort is a masterpiece that requires appreciation. A true joy for anyone who appreciates historic architecture or just beautiful things, here’s why every tourist needs to visit the Nahargarh fort.
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A cultural milestone, the Nahargarh fort, along with Jaigarh and Amber fort are the true testaments of the Rajputi culture and the Rajput Dynasty. The humongous sandstone fort stands tall as a memorial to the valour, bravado and strength of the prideful Rajputs.
History
Nahargarh fort was constructed in 1734 by Maharana Sawai Jai Singh II. Before Jaipur became the center of attention for everything that happened in Rajasthan, Amer was the capital of Rajputs. The Nahargarh fort along with Amer and Jaigarh forts served as the defense structure for the city of Amer. It is said that once the resources in Amer started depleting, Sawai Jai Singh Ji moved the entire population of Amer to Jaipur and built the formidable city here.
Though, not directly involved in any battles and wars, the Nahargarh fort served as a location for the signing of a very important treaty between the Rajputs and the Maratha army and was also a safe haven to many Europeans, including the British Resident’s wife.
Legend Has It-
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The name Nahargarh literally means- ‘an abode of tigers’ and there are many stories surrounding the origin of this name. A much believed story goes something like this- when the fort was being constructed in the early 1700s by Rana Jai Singh Ji, the workers would construct structures all day and would go home late in the evening and every single morning when they came back, they would find their work destroyed completely.
People believed that the fort was haunted by the spirit of Prince Nahar Singh so when Rana Jai Singh Ji found out about the same, he got a shrine constructed for the Prince to reside in and named the fort Nahargarh. Legend has it, that the construction work went on smoothly after that.
Nahargarh fort is said to be haunted by Prince Nahar Singh’s spirit even today.
Another story says that the fort was simply named the ‘abode of tigers’ because tigers who lived in the hills would roam about the fort at night.
Majesty
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With the Aravalli’s as their backdrop, the Nahargarh fort is as stunning as it is grand. The gorgeous view from top of the Nahargarh fort is enough reason to visit it. The sandstone of the fort, blue from the sky, green of the flora around it and the beige of the sand makes for the most brilliant natural portrait you can imagine. The fort is stunning but it is also tall, strong and awe-inspiring, the fort offers a view of the entire city which was extremely significant from a strategic point of view.
Another wonderful thing about the Nahargarh fort is the Madhwendra Bhawan. A palace that houses 12 identical apartment complexes, Madhwendra Bhawan was built by Rana Madho Singh for his 12 wives. It is believed that the apartments were completely identical in their layouts and structures and were made in such a way that if the king decided to visit any one of his wives the others won’t find out.
Each of these apartment complexes have a lobby, a bedroom, kitchen and toilet and to this day they are adorned with stunning frescoes.
