Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and towers over the city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Along with the Amer Fort and the Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh was once a strong defence ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but later came to be known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers'. Popular belief holds that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomiya, whose spirit used to wander here and obstruct the construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, and thus the temple became famous by his name.

History

Mainly built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the king of Jaipur, the fort was constructed as a retreat on the hilltop above the city. Walls extended over the surrounding hills, forming fortifications that linked the fort to Jaigarh, the fort above the old capital, Amer. Although the fort was never attacked during its history, it did witness some historic events, most notably, treaties with Maratha forces that fought Jaipur in the 18th century. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Europeans in the area, including the wife of the British Resident, were moved to Nahargarh Fort by King Sawai Ram Singh of Jaipur for their safety.

The fort was expanded in 1868 during Sawai Ram Singh's reign. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Madho Singh, had rooms for the queens of Jaipur and at the top was a room for the king himself. These rooms are connected by corridors and still have some beautiful frescoes. Nahargarh was also the hunting ground of the Maharajas.

Until April 1944, the Jaipur State Government used solar time obtained from the Samrat Yantra at the Jantar Mantar Observatory for its official functions, and used a cannon fired from the Nahargarh Fort as the time signal.

Some scenes from films like Rang De Basanti, Shuddh Desi Romance and Sonar Kella were shot at the Nahargarh Fort.

Visitation

The ticket for the historical fort of Nahargarh costs 52 for Indian nationals. For foreign tourists, the cost goes up to 200 (US$2.40). Students enjoy discounted prices. 

For foreign students, the ticket costs 50 (59¢ US), and 22 for Indian students.

Nahargarh fort is open from 10:00 and the gates of the fort closes in the evening at 17.30 The visitors are not advised to stay any later than that because the fort is surrounded by dense deciduous forest. The forest is part of Nahargarh Biological Park and home to many wild animals.

Gallery

Map ( Click on the photo, the map will open )