Perched majestically atop sandstone hills, the colossal Mehrangarh Fort near Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a true marvel. Constructed in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the 15th Rathore lord of Marwar, this fort embodies the grandeur and resilience of the Rajput clan. It was originally built to defend the new city of Jodhpur, its imposing walls—reaching up to 120 feet high and 65 feet wide—enclose a sprawling 1,200 acres. The fort boasts seven gates, with the famous Jai Pol commemorating a military triumph in 1808. Mehrangarh Fort stands as one of India's largest and most formidable fortresses. It dominates the landscape from 400 feet above the Thar Desert.
 

Lakes, "kunds," and conserving water ~

Chidiya Nath Ji's meditation spot was close to a waterfall that poured water down from the surrounding hills. Near the hermitage site of Chidiya Nath Ji, also known by the name of the Saint, Rao Jodha constructed a tanka or hauz. Rainwater is collected and stored in tanks, which are mostly found in Rajasthan's Thar desert. Rasolai Kund and Dev Kund, two "kunds" or catchment basins within the fort, were designed to collect rainfall from the surrounding hills. Rani Jasmade Haadi, the first queen of Rao Jodha, started building the famous Ranisar Lake within a year after the Jodhpur Fort was established. There are five "kuiyaan," or small wells, beneath the lake's base. These little wells are supplied with subsurface water by the aquifers, which makes them handy in the summer months when the lake's waters are insufficient. Later, Rani Uttamde Sisodini built Padamsar Lake in the adjacent valley during the reign of Rao Maldeo. An outlet was created in the fortification wall of Ranisar, positioned slightly lower than Ranisar's top level, allowing its overflow to reach Padamsar.

The water harvesting system ~


Natural gradient led to water flow from a higher-level catchment to a lower level. 
(Source: Mehrangarh Museum Trust)

The hill's natural gradient led to the flow of water from a higher level catchment area to the lower level one, enabling it to reach various water bodies and locations. The valleys around Mehrangarh served as the catchment area and one of them is the Dhobi Kund which supplements the catchment of Ranisar Lake. Water collected in these lakes and catchment areas was transported using mechanical engineering methods, such as aqueducts and Persian wheels (Arahat), or by lifting manually, according to the Mehrangarh Museum Trust.

The Persian water wheel after restoration by Mehrangarh Museum Trust.
(Source: Mehrangarh Museum Trust)
The wooden Persian wheel or Arahat is a mechanical water-lifting device that was operated by draught animals such as bullocks, buffaloes, or camels. It was used in Mehrangarh, and other forts of Rajasthan, to lift water from lakes, wells, and water bodies at a lower level. The Persian wheels had a long rope fitted with clay pots. As the wheel moved with the help of draught animals, the pots would go into the water tank below and lift it for the residents of Mehrangarh.  The wooden wheels had deteriorated with time. The Mehrangarh Museum Trust has restored the water lifting system to its original state and can be seen at the elevator terrace in front of the Fateh Mahal. The wheels lift water from Ranisar to Jaipol Terrace and further to Fateh Mahal even now. 

Few Solid Reasons To Visit Mehrangarh Fort ~ 

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur dominates the skyline of the "Blue City" from its lofty central position on a rugged cliff, where it seems to have sprouted up out of the rock. The fort is one of the most impressive and best-preserved forts in India. It has been thoughtfully turned into a superb tourist destination that will delight everyone from photographers to history buffs. Mehrangarh Fort was restored to tell its story and that of the people who lived in it. The main attractions, within the ticketed part of the fort, are a museum and a series of palaces. The captivating museum is stocked with an array of royal memorabilia, including around 15,000 items from Maharaja Gaj Singh II's collection. There are all kinds of weapons (Emperor Akbar's sword one of them), arms, paintings, costumes, fine textiles, turbans, thrones, palanquins, howdahs (seats for riding on elephants), and baby cradles. There's even a massive Mughal tent! One of the most exquisite and priceless pieces is the silver howdah that Mughal Emperor Shahjahan presented to honor Maharaja Jaswant Singh I. The museum lies beyond an ornately carved courtyard with a white marble seat, where all the kings were crowned.

After visiting the museum and palaces, you can head on up to the fort's panoramic ramparts. Other notable features to keep an eye out for while visiting the fort are the hit marks from cannonballs at Dodh Kangra Pol, and the symbolic hand-prints of royal wives at Loha Pol who committed sati (immolated themselves on the funeral pyres of their husbands). Batman fans may recognize scenes from the 2012 movie "The Dark Knight Rises," which were filmed at the fort.

However, what distinguishes Mehrangarh Fort from other forts in Rajasthan is the special focus on folk art and music. Cultural performances take place every day at various locations in the fort. In addition, the fort provides the backdrop for acclaimed music festivals such as the annual ''World Sacred Spirit Festival' and 'Rajasthan International Folk Festival'.


Musicians playing traditional instruments sit throughout the grounds.
(Source: Instagram Photos ~ @missjessrose)

A great place to unwind is Chokelao Bagh, a 200-year-old Rajput garden at the base of the fort. From Jaswant Tanda, an empty commemorative mausoleum constructed in the 19th century in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, you have an amazing perspective of the fort. Zip-lining around the fort is a must-do if you like adventurous sports. All of this makes you feel as though, if you're a history buff with a dash of adventure, you really must visit Jodhpur!