The various historical tourist destinations in the state of Rajasthan are always a charm for people who want to temporarily inhabit such sites. The very thought of being in a place where many events from history books took place can be quite exciting. To cater to the needs of such tourists, abandoned forts are restored and maintained by the authorities, ensuring that present and future generations can connect with history by experiencing it firsthand, not just by reading about it. Lohagarh Fort of Rajasthan, once a bustling fort during the reign of various rulers, is now preserved as a site where tourists can feel the essence of old times.
- Location: Bharatpur district, Rajasthan, India.
- Constructed By: Maharaja Suraj Mal of the Jat dynasty.
- Built: Construction began in 1732 and completed around 1790.
- Architectural Style: Simple, functional design with minimal decoration, focusing on safety and defense.
- Historical Significance: The fort successfully withstood British attacks in 1805, despite losing 6,000 soldiers.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool weather, ideal for exploring).
- Accessibility: Well-connected by road and rail, with good bus services from nearby cities.
Location
Lohagarh Fort, the “Fort of Iron,” is located in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, about 184 km from Delhi Airport and 45 km from Kheria Airport in Agra. Nearby places include Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, and Aligarh.
History
The name of the fort is derived from Loha, meaning iron. True to its name, the fort was impregnable and built to endure any sort of attack by enemies. The Jat rulers of Bharatpur are credited with constructing this fort. The deep moats surrounding the fort were filled with water during any ruler’s occupancy, making it resistant to enemy attacks.
The construction of the fort began in 1732 under the reign of Maharaja Suraj Mal of the Jat dynasty and was completed around sixty years later. A distinguishing feature of the fort is its thick outer walls. The mud used in these walls was strong enough to withstand cannon fire from enemies, while also allowing counterattacks. The construction of these walls, which span seven kilometers in length, took eight years.
The entrance to this fort is through the Ashtadhatu Gate, meaning “Gate of Eight Metals,” which refers to the primary materials used in its construction. The gate depicts elephants marching during war. Originally installed at the Fort of Chittorgarh, the gate was taken to Delhi by Alauddin Khalji after his attack on the Rajput rulers. When the Jats attacked Delhi, they brought the gate to Lohagarh in 1764. Similarly, the gate installed to the south of the fort, named Charbhuja, was also brought from Delhi.
In 1805, the fort was attacked by British forces, who made several attempts to breach it over six weeks. Despite losing 6,000 soldiers and trying every possible tactic, the British forces withdrew.
Structure
Unlike other forts that were heavily decorated, Lohagarh Fort was built with an emphasis on functionality and safety, rather than opulence. The Jat rulers preferred their forts to be simple in design, focusing more on defense.
Aside from the meeting hall and a few residential chambers, there is little decoration throughout the fort, reflecting the simple lifestyle the Jat rulers believed in. Murals of elephants can be seen at the gate, though they have faded with time.
What to See
Within the fort premises, notable places include Kamra Palace, Mahal Khas, and the Palace of Badan Singh. Other monuments include Kishori Mahal, Moti Mahal, Kothi Khas, Fateh Burj, and Jawahar Burj.
A museum was established in the Kamra Palace and meeting hall in 1944. The museum displays a wide collection of sculptures found during excavations, some dating back to the second century. These sculptures, along with other objects, were discovered near the fort and in neighboring villages. A statue of Lord Shiva, depicting his cosmic dancer avatar, along with a Shivlinga, adds to the beauty of the museum’s collection. The art gallery features portraits of the Jat Kings and other rulers of Bharatpur, along with miniature paintings.
The museum’s armory section showcases ancient weapons used by armies. Jawahar Burj, a tower built to commemorate Maharaja Suraj Mal’s victory over the Mughals, stands tall within the fort. This tower was also the site of the coronation ceremony. Another prominent tower within the fort is Fateh Burj, built by Suraj Mal to commemorate his victory over the British. It also served as a watch tower for the rulers. The Vijay Stambha (Victory Column), an iron pillar inside the palace, is inscribed with the lineage of the Jat royal family.
The Ganga Mandir, built in 1845, was among the last additions to the fort. The king overseeing its construction instructed that all state employees donate one month’s salary (and any salary increments) towards the construction of the temple. Laxman Mandir is another architectural marvel, with beautifully detailed ceilings, walls, pillars, and arches.
Nehru Park, a garden located between the entrance and the museum complex, is a perfect place to relax, either alone or with companions, after exploring the fort.
Eat, Drink, and Stay
Madhuban Cafe offers snacks, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages. Around the city, many restaurants and roadside vendors serve local delicacies and other cuisines throughout the day.
For accommodation, tourists can stay at Shagun Guest House, where the prices are relatively lower compared to many modern hotels and lodges. Those looking for a more luxurious stay can head to Swaraj Resorts, which offers lodging, food, a pool, Wi-Fi, a garden, and a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar.
Best Time to Visit
The museum opens at 10:00 am and closes at 4:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. To make the most of your trip, it is advised to visit the fort between October and March, as the weather is cool and exploring the vastness of the fort and city becomes easier. Summers in the city can be harsh, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, which might force you to remain indoors rather than enjoy the city’s sights.
How to Reach
The closest airport to Bharatpur is in Agra, approximately 54 kilometers away. Other airports nearby are in Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi, located at distances of 174 km and 182 km, respectively. Public transportation and private vehicles are readily available. Bharatpur is also well-connected by train to various cities and states, including West Bengal, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Bharatpur is connected to Jaipur via National Highway 11 and to Delhi via National Highway 2. State-run buses make it easier for tourists to reach Bharatpur and explore the city and its markets, apart from the fort.
- Also Reads on: Famous Historical Places In India
