Fort Heritage Hill Forts of Rajasthan
MAY 28, 2021 DEVYANI KUMAVAT
ILLUSTRATION CREDITS – BEHANCE
Copyright © 2021 by Devyani Kumavat. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher. Portions of this book are works of nonfiction. The information collected is classified into two categories – primary and secondary data. The references are mentioned in the annexure. India.
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Table of Content INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC .......................................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER 1 - FORT HERITAGE SYNOPSIS ......................................................................................................... 6 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5.
AIM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 FUTURE SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 2 - METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................. 7 2.1.
STEPS FOR EXECUTION OF METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 3 - INTRODUCTION OF WORLD FORT HERITAGE ....................................................................... 8 3.1. OLDEST FORTIFICATION IN THE WORLD – ..................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 4 - INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN FORT HERITAGE - ...................................................................... 9 4.1. 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7
EVIDENCES OF FORTS IN INDIAN LITERATURE ARE MENTIONED IN – ............................................. 9 FEATURES AND ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FORTS – ................................................................ 9 REASON FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND CONQUERING OF FORTS - ................................................. 11 OLDEST FORT IN INDIA – ............................................................................................................................ 11 LARGEST FORT IN INDIA – ......................................................................................................................... 12 STRONGEST FORT IN INDIA - ..................................................................................................................... 12 STATE WITH MAXIMUM FORTS IN INDIA – ............................................................................................ 13
CHAPTER 5 - CASE STUDIES .............................................................................................................................. 14 5.1 . AMER FORT / AMBER FORT, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN. ........................................................................... 14 5.1.1. INTRODUCTION OF THE FORT ............................................................................................................................... 14 5.1.2. CHANGE OF THE CAPITAL – AMBER TO JAIPUR..................................................................................... 15 5.1.3. ENTRANCE OF THE FORT ............................................................................................................................... 16 5.1.4. DIWAN –E- AAM – PUBLIC AUDIENCE .................................................................................................... 17 5.1.5. GANESH POL .................................................................................................................................................. 19 5.1.6. PALACE .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 5.1.6.1. HALL OF PLEASURE ...................................................................................................................................... 20 5.1.6.2. SUMMER PALACE .......................................................................................................................................... 21 5.1.6.3. WINTER PALACE............................................................................................................................................ 22 5.1.6.4. RAJA MAN SINGH PALACE .......................................................................................................................... 24 5.1.7. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAN SINGH PALACE AND JAI SINGH PALACE .............................................. 24 5.2 . CHITTORGARH, RAJASTHAN .................................................................................................................. 25 5.2.1 VIJAY STAMBH .................................................................................................................................................. 25 5.2.2 KIRTI STAMBH ................................................................................................................................................... 25 5.2.3 WATER BODY INSIDE THE FORT .................................................................................................................... 26 5.2.2 PADMINI MAHAL ............................................................................................................................................... 26 5.2.4. RANA KUMBHA PALACE ................................................................................................................................ 26 5.3 . JAISALMER FORT, RAJASTHAN .............................................................................................................. 27 HILL FORTS OF RAJASTHAN ............................................................................................................................................ 28 CHAPTER 6 - CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 28 CHAPTER 7 – ANNEXURE .................................................................................................................................... 29 SECONDARY DATA SOURCES – HISTORY OF FORT HERITAGE. ...................................................................... 29 PRIMARY DATA SOURCES – HISTORY OF HILL FORTS OF RAJASTHAN. ....................................................... 29
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Table of Content Figures & Sources FIGURE NO. 1. THE CITADEL OF ALEPPO, SYRIA. ........................................................................................... 8 SOURCE – WORLD’S MONUMENT FUND ............................................................................................................................ 8 FIGURE NO. 2. JAISALMER FORT, RAJASTHAN. ............................................................................................ 9 SOURCE – RAJASTHAN TOURISM ....................................................................................................................................... 9 FIGURE NO. 3. . AMER FORT, RAJASTHAN. .................................................................................................... 10 SOURCE – RAJASTHAN TOURISM ..................................................................................................................................... 10 FIGURE NO. 4. DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES USED IN FORTS ........................................................................... 10 SOURCE – RAJASTHAN TOURISM ..................................................................................................................................... 10 FIGURE NO. 5. KANGRA FORT, HIMACHAL PRADESH.................................................................................. 11 SOURCE – TOUR MY INDIA .............................................................................................................................................. 11 FIGURE NO 6. CHITTORGARH, RAJASTHAN. .................................................................................................. 12 SOURCE – RAJASTHAN TOURISM ..................................................................................................................................... 12 FIGURE NO. 7 JAISALMER FORT, RAJASTHAN. ............................................................................................. 12 SOURCE – INDIAN VISIT .................................................................................................................................................. 12 FIGURE NO. 8. THE HILL FORTS OF RAJASTHAN .......................................................................................... 13 SOURCE – RAJASTHAN TOURISM ..................................................................................................................................... 13 FIGURE NO. 9. VIEW OF AMER FORT WITH THE CITY................................................................................. 14 SOURCE – TRAVELLING MONDAYS (YOUTUBE VIDEO) .................................................................................................. 14 FIGURE NO. 10 LOCATION OF THE FORT AT THE TOP. ............................................................................... 15 SOURCE – CULTURE TRIP – MRIDU RAI, BHANU PRAKESH. ............................................................................................. 15 FIGURE NO. 12. JAIGARH FORT NEAR AMER FORT. ..................................................................................... 15 SOURCE – TRAVELLING MONDAYS (YOUTUBE VIDEO) .................................................................................................. 15 FIGURE NO. 13. ENTRANCE FOR AMER FORT. ............................................................................................... 16 SOURCE – ADVENTUROUS MIRIAM ................................................................................................................................. 16 FIGURE NO. 14. VIEW FROM ENTRANCE JALEB CHOWK ............................................................................ 16 SOURCE – ADVENTUROUS MIRIAM ................................................................................................................................. 16 FIGURE NO. 13. DIWAN-E-AAM .......................................................................................................................... 17 SOURCE – MSB MOTO VLOGS (YOUTUBE VIDEO) ......................................................................................................... 17 FIGURE NO. 14. PILLAR INFLUENCE................................................................................................................. 17 SOURCE – ADVENTUROUS MIRIAM ................................................................................................................................. 17 FIGURE NO. 15. WATCH TOWERS ...................................................................................................................... 18 SOURCE – TRAVELLING MONDAYS (YOUTUBE VIDEO) .................................................................................................. 18 FIGURE NO. 16. KESAR KYARI ( (AERIAL VIEW) ............................................................................................ 18 SOURCE – TRAVELLING MONDAYS (YOUTUBE VIDEO) .................................................................................................. 18 FIGURE NO. 16. GANESH POL (MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE FORT TO GO INSIDE THE PALACE ) .......... 19 SOURCE – MSB MOTO VLOG (YOUTUBE VIDEO) ............................................................................................................ 19
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FIGURE NO. 17. DETAIL OF GANESH POL ........................................................................................................ 19 SOURCE – ADVENTUROUS MIRIAM ................................................................................................................................. 19 FIGURE NO. 18. BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF AMER FORT. ...................................................................................... 20 SOURCE – TRAVELLING MONDAYS (YOUTUBE VIDEO) ................................................................................................... 20 FIGURE NO. 19. HALL OF PLEASURE ................................................................................................................ 20 SOURCE – MSB MOTOVLOG (YOUTUBE) ....................................................................................................................... 20 FIGURE NO. 20. SAWAI JAI SINGH II ................................................................................................................. 20 SOURCE – CULTURE TRIP. MRIDU RAI ............................................................................................................................ 20 FIGURE NO. 21. PASSAGE INSIDE PALACE ...................................................................................................... 20 SOURCE – MSB MOTOVLOG (YOUTUBE) ....................................................................................................................... 20 FIGURE NO. 22. SUMMER PALACE .................................................................................................................... 21 SOURCE – MSB MOTOVLOG (YOUTUBE VIDEO) ............................................................................................................ 21 FIGURE NO. 23. PALACE WITH SUMMER SECTION AND WINTER SECTION. ........................................... 22 SOURCE – CULTURE TRIP. MRIDU RAI ............................................................................................................................ 22 FIGURE NO. 24. SHEESH MAHAL (WINTER PALACE) PASSAGE AREA. VIEW A ...................................... 22 SOURCE – TRAVEL MY WAY (APP) .................................................................................................................................. 22 FIGURE NO. 25. INSIDE SHEESH MAHAL.......................................................................................................... 23 SOURCE – TRAVEL MY WAY (APP) .................................................................................................................................. 23 FIGURE NO. 26. INSIDE SHEESH MAHAL.......................................................................................................... 23 SOURCE – TRAVEL MY WAY (APP) .................................................................................................................................. 23 FIGURE NO. 28. INSIDE SHEESH MAHAL PASSAGE ....................................................................................... 23 SOURCE – TRAVEL MY WAY (APP) .................................................................................................................................. 23 FIGURE NO. 27. INSIDE SHEESH MAHAL PASSAGE ....................................................................................... 23 SOURCE – TRAVEL MY WAY (APP) .................................................................................................................................. 23 FIGURE NO. 29. MAN SINGH PALACE. .............................................................................................................. 24 SOURCE – MSB MOTOVLOG (YOUTUBE) ....................................................................................................................... 24 FIGURE NO.30. AERIAL VIEW OF AMER FORT. .............................................................................................. 24 SOURCE – TRAVELLING MONDAYS (YOUTUBE).............................................................................................................. 24 FIGURE NO. 31. CHITTORGARH, RAJASTHAN ................................................................................................ 25 SOURCE – OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF CHITTORGARH RAJASTHAN. ........................................................................................ 25 FIGURE NO. 32. VIJAY STAMBH
FIGURE NO.33. KIRTI STAMBH .... 25
SOURCE – OFFICIAL WEBSITE CHITTORGARH RAJASTHAN. ............................................................................................. 25 FIGURE NO. 34. PADMINI MAHAL
FIGURE NO. 35. WATER BODY .......... 26
SOURCE – TRAVELLER INDIA..................................................................................................................................... 26 FIGURE NO. 36. RANA KUMBHA PALACE ........................................................................................................ 26 SOURCE – TRAWELL ........................................................................................................................................................ 26 FIGURE NO. 37. JAISALMER FORT .................................................................................................................... 27 SOURCE – RINGLOGIE...................................................................................................................................................... 27 FIGURE NO. 38. AERIAL VIEW OF JAISALMER FORT FIGURE NO. 39. PATWO KI HAVELI .................................................................................................................................. 27
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SOURCE – RINGLOGIE...................................................................................................................................................... 27
Table of Content Diagrams DIAGRAM NO. 1. METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 7 DIAGRAM NO. 2. STEPS FOR EXECUTION ......................................................................................................... 7 DIAGRAM NO. 3. DEFINITION OF FORT ............................................................................................................. 8 DIAGRAM NO. 4. CLASSIFICATION OF DHANUR VEDA .................................................................................. 9 DIAGRAM NO. 5. REASON FOR FORTS.............................................................................................................. 11 DIAGRAM NO. 6. EXPLANATION OF HALL OF PLEASURE ........................................................................... 20 DIAGRAM NO. 7. EXPLANATION OF SPRINKLERS USED FOR COOLING INSIDE THE PALACE. .......... 21 DIAGRAM NO. 8. EXPLANATION OF SHEESH MAHAL AS WINTER PALACE. ........................................... 23
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Introduction to the Topic Fort heritage a topic which explains the hundred and thousand years ago constructed structure’s history and story of their pride and strength, which they are holding since decades. Built for protection, power and settlement these structures have a lot to teach in the field of Architecture, Engineering, Culture, etc. to the generations. Preserving the heritage, help preserve the culture since ages. Forts were used for showcasing the power of the royalty (the ruler) of that region. Understanding the importance of the Forts leads us to some extraordinary construction techniques, cultural activities, planning strategies, etc. which can be and are applied in the modern construction as well. Visiting these marvelous structures and sensing the greatness, the complexity and the humungous scale, puts us in a place where we question that “why was this built?”, “How was this built?”, “Who constructed this?”, “How were the materials brought to the place of construction and How were they placed?”, “Which is the oldest Fort in this World?” and many more questions like these. The glimpse of this curiosity generated by looking at these astonishing Forts are explained in this document. A description of ‘Hill forts of Rajasthan’ and case studies related are been documented.
Chapter 1 - Fort Heritage Synopsis 1.1. Aim The aim is to study ‘The Hill Forts of Rajasthan’ for conservation and restoration.
• • • •
1.2. Objectives Studying origin of Fort Heritage. Listing the no. of forts situated in Rajasthan and studying 2 – 3 structures. Studying the background and techniques used for the structure. Documenting the structure with research work. 1.3. Scope In order to preserve the heritage, background study about their structure, material and techniques will help them to conserve and restore.
1.4. Limitations • 3 Hill Forts of Rajasthan. • Study of background, construction and architectural techniques. • Documenting the research. 1.5. Future scope • Mapping and survey of the structure. • Studying the impact on the structure. • Working on the treatment of the structure. (The restoration part)
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Chapter 2 - Methodology
Primary Data
Secondary Data
Travelling Mondays Topper TV
Amer fort, Jaipur Chittor fort, Chittorgarh
Case Studies Mysteries tech
Government records
Study IQ Education Door darshan National
Kumbhal fort, Kumbhalgarh
Youtube videos
UNESCO
Newspapers and Articles
The Times of India
Tourism Websites
Rajasthan Tourism
World History Encyclopedia
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Incredible India
Diagram no. 1. Methodology
2.1.
Steps for execution of Methodology
Introduction of World Fort Heritage
Case Studies Amer Fort Jaisalmer Fort Chittor Fort
Study of Indian Fort Heritage
Diagram no. 2. Steps for execution
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Chapter 3 - Introduction of World Fort Heritage
• To study the history of Forts around the world.
Aim
• Definition of fort around the world. • Oldest fort built in the world.
Objectives
FORTS
Military Architecture -
Defence of territories in warfare.
Built by the great warriors in respect to human settlement -
Establish rule in the region for the meantime.
Safe and secure by keeping the enemy away.
Employment for local residings in the radius of 50 km from the fort.
Diagram no. 3. Definition of Fort
3.1. OLDEST FORTIFICATION IN THE WORLD – Probably the oldest fortified palace in the World is The Citadel of Aleppo (Figure no. 1) located in the very old city of Aleppo, Syria, due to limited archaeological findings it is not clear exactly how old it is but current knowledge of Aleppo and the texts findings explain the existence to be in the middle of 3000 BC.
Natural hill of limestone of 100 feet (30m) above the surrounding plain.
Approximately 7-hectare area protect inside the fortified walls. Figure no. 1. The Citadel of Aleppo, Syria. Source – World’s Monument Fund
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Chapter 4 - Introduction to Indian Fort Heritage -
Aim
Objectives
4.1.
• To study the history of Forts in India. • • • •
Definition of fort in India literature. Features and essential requirements for forts. Reason for establishment and conquering. Oldest, largest, Strongest and state with maximun fort in India.
EVIDENCES OF FORTS IN INDIAN LITERATURE ARE MENTIONED IN –
Dhanur Veda Mentions forts as Durgs – something difficult to trespass. Classified into 6 types -
Rigveda Mentions forts as Satbhuj -translates to hundred moats, massive structures of earthwork, spread over large areas of lands. Pur – cities guarded within the walls of these forts. (Figure no.2)
Best suited for habitation. Dhanvadurg – dessert fort.
Vanadurg – forest fort.
Naradurg – protected by men.
Jaladurg water fort. Giridurg – hill fort.
Mahidurg – mud fort.
Best suited for defense.
Diagram no. 4. Classification of Dhanur Veda
Figure no. 2. Jaisalmer fort, Rajasthan. Source – Rajasthan Tourism
4.2 FEATURES AND ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FORTS – The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya specifies seven requisites of a fortress, including a moat, and four kinds of supplies necessary for its maintenance. The Jataka tales also mention fortified cities complete with walls, ramparts, buttresses, watchtowers and massive gates, refer figure no.4. The Arthashastra in its Book II also contains detailed descriptions of the construction of a fort, which include – 4 descriptions refer figure no. 3, the number and amount of resources necessary for withstanding long sieges, such as food and weaponry.
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Figure no. 3. . Amer fort, Rajasthan. Source – Rajasthan Tourism
Jaisalmer fort, Rajasthan.
Buttresses - due to large, heavy walls around fort buttresses were external supports for it.
Gagron fort, Rajasthan.
Moats - water defence strategy around the fort dug deep at times filled with water or left dry.
Ramparts defensive / protective large wall around the fort with broad width, serve as walkway.
Kumbhal fort, Rajasthan.
Figure no. 4. Defensive strategies used in forts Source – Rajasthan Tourism
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4.3
REASON FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND CONQUERING OF FORTS Strategic stronghold without which no invader could proclaim victory and rule over the region.
Security for the people living inside the vicinity such as, armies, common people, etc.
Reasons
Provide shelter to the King and his army against the enemies & check the invaders from far away.
Enage the enemies with greater confidence and have chance of replusing. Diagram no. 5. Reason for Forts
4.4 OLDEST FORT IN INDIA – The oldest fort is the Kangra fort (Figure no. 5) Himachal Pradesh, lies on a patch of land between the Manjhi and Banganga rivers. Built by the kings of Katoch, one of the oldest living dynasties, the fort is an example of a hill fort. The fort is spread over an area of around 4 km and is guarded by high walls and ramparts. the fort dates back to 4th century BC and thus it is counted among the few prominent historical remains of Kangra. Built by granite, the fort has many influences of architectural styles of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals and Sikhs, reason being conquered multiple times.
Figure no. 5. Kangra fort, Himachal Pradesh. Source – Tour my India
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4.5
LARGEST FORT IN INDIA –
Chittorgarh or Chittor fort (Figure no. 6) is the largest fort in India. Spread across an area of 700 acres, sits on 180m high hill rising from the plains of Berach. It was the capital of Mewar kingdom. The fort consist of several historical palaces, water tanks, gates, temples and 2 prominent towers.
Figure no 6. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Source – Rajasthan Tourism
4.6
STRONGEST FORT IN INDIA -
Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan (Figure no. 7) - The Golden City. One of the largest forts in India and in the world, with the strongest fortifications, the Jaisalmer Fort stands proudly on the Trikuta Hill in the Thar Desert, and has witnessed innumerable battles of every possible scale.
Figure no. 7 Jaisalmer fort, Rajasthan. Source – Indian Visit
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4.7
STATE WITH MAXIMUM FORTS IN INDIA –
Rajasthan is home to the maximum number of forts. Alwar Fort, Khandar Fort, Bhangarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Taragarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort and Mehrangarh Fort are some popular forts located in the state of Rajasthan. These forts showcase the glorious past and rich architectural history of Rajasthan. Among which in 2013, 37th session of World Heritage association took place in Cambodia, Rajasthan. The association decided to declare 6 of the forts from Rajasthan as the UNESCO Heritage sites, a decision that was to be made earlier itself. A criteria was set for the selection process, where the following parameters are - the forts adapted to the Geography of the Hilltops, the fortifications were power centres, they included sacred grounds, and the fort was designed with urban settlements. The 6 Hill Forts of Rajasthan are – figure no.8
Amer Fort, Jaipur
Kumbhal Fort, Kumbhalgarh
Chittor Fort, Chittorgarh
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur
Gagron Fort, Jhalawar
Figure no. 8. The Hill Forts of Rajasthan Source – Rajasthan Tourism
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Chapter 5 - Case Studies • To understand the architecture of 'The Hill forts of Rajasthan'.
Aim
Objectives
• Study of the background history - year built, king who built the fort, etc. • Strategies used for construction, planning, etc. • Special features of each forts. • Understanding the myths, facts or mysteries any related to the forts.
5.1 . AMER FORT / AMBER FORT, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN. 5.1.1. INTRODUCTION OF THE FORT The fort is nested in the Aravalli hills above the Moata lake. Built and ruled by the Kachawa Rajput rulers who lived in the palace and were known for their patriotism and loyalty. They played an important role in the history of India as they were the close alleys of Mughals and played a major role in administration and expansion of the Mughal Empire in India. Amer was the capital of a large and important kingdom of Dhundal. The fort was built in 11th century where the Kachawa rulers renovated and modified the fort till 18th century for safer and aesthetically pleasing, which means the fort was completed after 137/157 years later. Today the fort is known as Amer fort, but years earlier it was called as Amber referred as ‘sky’. 400 years old fort was constructed by the Rajput Dynasty in 1592 – Raja Man Singh (Chief command of Mughal army). Ruled by 3 generations of king – Raja Man Singh (1592), Mirza Raja Singh (1622) and Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (last person who ruled the palace). Amer Fort walls – Rampart (For meaning refer figure no. 4)
Pink City (Jaipur)
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Amer Fort
The fort combines with the green dense forest of nature with yellow – pink sandstone.
Aravalli Hills
Figure no. 9. View of Amer Fort with the City Source – Travelling Mondays (YouTube Video)
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5.1.2.
CHANGE OF THE CAPITAL – AMBER TO JAIPUR
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II left the palace in 1727 where they shifted the capital from Amber to Jaipur. 18th November 1727 is the birth date of Jaipur. The rise of Jaipur was majorly 3 disadvantage of Amber – Figure no. 10 and 11, with city facing water scarcity issues.
Figure no. 10 Location of the fort at the top.
Figure no.11. City getting congested needed more space to grow. Source – Culture trip – Mridu Rai, Bhanu Prakesh.
Only a few kilometres away is the Jaigarh Fort which is connected to the Amer Palace by a subterranean passage. This was built as a safe place for the royal families in times of war.
Jaigarh Fort
Amer Fort
Figure no. 12. Jaigarh Fort near Amer Fort. Source – Travelling Mondays (YouTube Video) World’s 3rd longest wall after Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan and The Great wall of China.
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5.1.3. ENTRANCE OF THE FORT
SURAJ POL
CHAND POL
JALEB CHOWK
Figure no. 13. Entrance for Amer fort. Source – Adventurous Miriam
Chand Pol – Moon Gate • The gate smaller than the Suraj Pol is located on west side right opposite to it. • Gate for common people which clearly distinguishes itself for the Royalties.
Jaleb Chowk – • Jaleb in Persian refers to Solider Square. • This is the major courtyard in the fort where, the celebration of returning from the war or any other event was celebrated with dance, etc.
Suraj Pol – Sun Gate • Larger than the Chand Pol located in the east. • Major reason was the Kachawa clan considering themselves the descendants of Solar dynasty – Suryavanshi. • Everyone royalty receiving warm welcome from this gate.
Ganesh Pol Chand Pol Jaigarh Fort
Diwan-e-Aam
Jaleb Chowk Figure no. 14. View from entrance Jaleb Chowk
Elephant gate
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Source – Adventurous Miriam
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5.1.4.
DIWAN –E- AAM – PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Figure no. 13. Diwan-E-Aam Source – MSB Moto Vlogs (YouTube Video)
First hall for public appearance, where the King used address the common people solve their problems. The hall consists of 48 pillars – 2 types of pillars with 2 types of Architectural styles (Figure no. 13). Pink and White stone pillars with Hindu and Mughal influence. 16 pillars white original Makrana Marble and 32 pink Jodhpur stone. Only place where 2 combinations are seen.
Hindu influence at the top of the pillar – Elephant.
Mughal influence at the bottom of the pillar – Floral pattern. Figure no. 14. Pillar influence. Source – Adventurous Miriam
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As Amer is surrounded by Aravalli hills, to keep a watch for enemies or any other activity the watch towers were built with massive walls and buttresses.
Aravalli Hills
Aravalli Hills
Figure no. 15. Watch Towers
Watch Towers 12 miles (12 Km) away from the Fort.
Source – Travelling Mondays (YouTube Video)
Reason Kesar Kyari was created for the women of royalty to admire from above.
Kesar Kyari also known as ‘Saffron farm’ was built to grow saffron but as it grows in cold region and Rajasthan being hot climate this could not succeed. And today left as a garden.
Figure no. 16. Kesar Kyari ( (Aerial view) Source – Travelling Mondays (YouTube Video)
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5.1.5.
GANESH POL
Small windows for royal ladies to attend the meeting or watch the celebration at the Jaleb chowk.
Door made of Teak wood, Brass and decorated with gold weighing 150 Kg.
Jaali work on the windows for reduction of the temperature and works as partition.
Figure no. 16. Ganesh Pol (Main Entrance of the Fort to go inside the Palace )
Entrance door heavily oriented to showcase wealth and royalty.
Use of natural colors for painting such as – Green - spinach leaves, Yellow – sunflower & raw turmeric, etc.
Source – MSB Moto Vlog (YouTube video)
Ganesh idol at the entrance gate for prosperity and good luck, which gives this gate name – Ganesh Pol.
Use of real Gold for painting.
Blue color – Indigo plant, Red – sugarcane & Black - rust of iron.
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Figure no. 17. Detail of Ganesh Pol Source – Adventurous Miriam
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5.1.6. PALACE
JALEB CHOWK
DIWAN-E-AAM
ENTRANCE FOR THE FORT HALL OF PLEASURE
MUGHAL GARDEN SUMMER PALACE
\ Figure no. 18. Bird’s eye view of Amer fort. Source – Travelling Mondays (YouTube video)
5.1.6.1. HALL OF PLEASURE
Water tank behind the wall, rainwater stored.
Flow of water in high speed creates cool wind breeze.
Small windows for air circulation.
Water drained into the garden. Figure no. 19. Hall of pleasure Source – MSB MotoVlog (YouTube) Sawai Jai Singh, due to his great knowledge in astrology, he segregated the palace into 2 parts according to season – concept of up and down migration. Figure no. 20. Sawai Jai Singh II Source – Culture Trip. Mridu Rai
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Water channel on floor for cool air transmission.
Diagram no. 6. Explanation of Hall of pleasure Limestone structure with layer of corn shell, oysters, sugarcane, pulses, vegetable pop for the cool environment effect inside the palace, regardless of the amount of hot temperature outside Figure no. 21. Passage inside palace Source – MSB MotoVlog (YouTube)
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5.1.6.2. SUMMER PALACE
Domes receive less heat gain.
Water tank.
Water tank. Copper pipes carrying water.
Sheesh Mahal
Figure no. 22. Summer Palace Source – MSB MotoVlog (YouTube video)
Water tank
Copper pipes
The holes in the pipe and curtains for doors covered by ring of KhasKhas (dried grass).
Passage around the room.
Hot air
The room.
Air filtered and cooled due to the water sprinkled from the copper pipes.
Cool air
Diagram no. 7. Explanation of Sprinklers used for cooling inside the palace.
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5.1.6.3. WINTER PALACE
SUMMER PALACE
WINTER PALACE
Figure no. 23. Palace with Summer section and Winter section. Source – Culture Trip. Mridu Rai
Figure no. 24. Sheesh Mahal (Winter Palace) Passage area. View A Source – Travel my way (App)
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• • •
Figure no. 25. Inside Sheesh Mahal Source – Travel my way (App)
Rooms covered with mirrors and lamps in the corner. Concept – when the room is enclosed due to the oil lamp the mirrors would get heated up. Eventually heating the room.
Mirrors
Figure no. 26. Inside Sheesh Mahal Cool air inlet Source – Travel my way (App) Lamps at the corners
Hot air outlet
• Gold work on the walls and ceiling, the colorful glass was brought from Belgium and Iran.
Diagram no. 8. Explanation of Sheesh Mahal as winter palace.
Figure no. 28. Inside Sheesh Mahal passage Source – Travel my way (App) • On the pillars of Sheesh Mahal, single piece marble carving of floral pattern with 8 – 10 animal structures hidden. • Stain glass paintings used. • Palace equipped with 99 Toilets with hot & cold water service. Figure no. 27. Inside Sheesh Mahal passage Source – Travel my way (App) Fort Heritage
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5.1.6.4. RAJA MAN SINGH PALACE Raja Man Singh having 12 queens built 12 rooms 3 on each side.
Underground Water tank for rainwater, drinking water storage and jewelry storage
Figure no. 29. Man Singh Palace. Source – MSB MotoVlog (YouTube)
5.1.7. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAN SINGH PALACE AND JAI SINGH PALACE
Man Singh palace – simple work of limestone. Jai Singh palace – paintings, carvings and decorative.
Figure no.30. Aerial view of Amer Fort. Source – Travelling Mondays (YouTube)
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5.2 . CHITTORGARH, RAJASTHAN Asian sub-continent’s largest fort, Chittorgarh built in 13th century by Maharana (1500 years old), 100 km away from Udaipur. During the ancient time it served as the capital of Mewar dynasty. For generations the fort was impregnable and invincible. The locals have this saying “Gadh toh Chittorgarh baki sab gadhiya. (small fortress)” There are several palaces and other structures within the fort. These marvellous structures include Rani Padmini Palace, Rana Khumba Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace. Total height of fort above the sea level – 609m.
180m above sea level built on rocky hill.
Thick ramparts, 7 big gates, sharp turns – Defense strategies, but the best and biggest defense strategies was the brave warriors protecting the. Fort.
Spread over 700 acres with 13 km circumference.
Figure no. 31. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan Source – Official website of Chittorgarh Rajasthan.
Guhilots ruled the fort initially but Sisodia clan ruled on the fort after that and ruled the place for more than eight centuries. In 1567 AD, Akbar attacked the fort and conquered it. The major structures inside the Chittorgarh are 5.2.1 VIJAY STAMBH
• Built by Maharana Kumbha, Vijay Stambh is a nine-storey tower. • It was built in order to commemorate the victory of Rajput’s over Muslim ruler Allaudin Khilji in 1440 AD. • The tower has a height of 37 m. • 9 story tower depicts the Navagraha of Hindu religion.
Figure no. 32. Vijay Stambh
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5.2.2 KIRTI STAMBH
• Kirti Stambh was constructed in the 12th century AD. • The tower is 22 m in height and is a seven-storeyed tower with the sculptures of Adinath. • Kirti Stambh is older than Vijay Stambh.
Figure no.33. Kirti Stambh Source – Official website Chittorgarh Rajasthan.
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5.2.3 WATER BODY INSIDE THE FORT
5.2.2 PADMINI MAHAL
Figure no. 34. Padmini Mahal
Figure no. 35. Water body
• The Rani Padmini palace was once the residence of Rani Padmini. • Its rich architectural design and association with rich Rajputana heritage.
Source – Traveller India. • Water body for the royal ladies bathing.
5.2.4. RANA KUMBHA PALACE
Figure no. 36. Rana Kumbha Palace
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Source – Trawell th
Built in the 15 century, Rana Kumbha palace was the royal residence of Rana Kumbha. It was built with an artistic architecture and design. Maharana Uday Singh, the founder of Udaipur, was born in this palace. The palace is of historical importance as Rani Padmini had performed Jauhar in this palace at the time of battle against Allaudin Khilji. 7 gates to Chittorgarh Fort - Ram Pol, Lakshman Pol, Padal Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla PolBhairon Pol and Hanuman Pol. The main entrance of the fort is known as Suraj Pol (Sun Gate). The fort is a representation of various virtues like courage, nobility, chivalry, sacrifice of Rajput’s who were the rulers of Rajasthan during those times.
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5.3 . JAISALMER FORT, RAJASTHAN Also called Sonar Quilla or Sone ka Quilla (golden fort) Jaisalmer fort stands excessively showcasing its beauty and elegance as it is one of the international’s largest forts positioned in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Sonar Quila is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan.
Vibrant yellow for the duration of the day and fade to honey-gold as the sun sets and due to this, it's also referred to as the Golden fortress. •
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Figure no. 37. Jaisalmer Fort Source – Ringlogie.
Built with the aid of the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. 500 ft (460 m) length constructed on a hill that rises above a height of 250 ft (76m) and built with yellow sandstone. 99 buttress spread over 5km with ramparts built with small holes to pour hot oil/water on the enemies and stop them from entering the fort. The fort was to defend the city and the residents inside. ¼ of Jaisalmer population stays inside the fort. Old saying for Jaisalmer – “If you want to reach Jaisalmer you must have horse of wood, legs of stone and heart of steel.”
Figure no. 38. Aerial view of Jaisalmer fort
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Figure no. 39. Patwo ki Haveli Source – Ringlogie.
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Chapter 6 - Conclusion HILL FORTS OF RAJASTHAN
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The eclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears testimony to the power of the Rajput princely states that flourished in the region from the 8th to the 18th centuries.
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Enclosed within defensive walls are major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and other buildings including temples that often predate the fortifications within which developed an elaborate courtly culture that supported learning, music and the arts.
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Some of the urban centres enclosed in the fortifications have survived, as have many of the site's temples and other sacred buildings.
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The forts use the natural defences offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and dense forests.
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They also feature extensive water harvesting structures, largely still in use today.
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These ancient magnificent structures explain the pride, strength and glory of that period.
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Chapter 7 – Annexure SECONDARY DATA SOURCES – HISTORY OF FORT HERITAGE. -
India times – Itime users – Indian Fort Culture. Rajasthan Tourism – Hill Forts of Rajasthan. World History Encyclopaedia – Indian Warfare. Incredible India & TourmyIndia – Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh & Jaisalmer fort. World Monuments Fund – Citadel of Aleppo. Toppr – Fort history . Indian Visit – Jaisalmer fort, Rajasthan. Culture trip, Mridu Rai - Amer fort. Official website of Chittorgarh Rajasthan.
PRIMARY DATA SOURCES – HISTORY OF HILL FORTS OF RAJASTHAN. -
Amer Fort, Rajasthan • MSB MotoVlog • Travelling Mondays, • Travel my way app – City tales of Jaipur - Study IQ Education – Hill forts of Rajasthan. - Doordarshan National – Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan. - Chittorgarh, Rajasthan – • Doordarshan National - Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan – • Doordarshan National
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Fort Heritage Conservation and Restoration
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30 ILLUSTRATION CREDITS – BEHANCE