Rajasthan, with its vast repository of deserts and forts, color and culture, has remained an enigmatic land of irresistible charm for years.
People from all around the globe come to this historical place that still sings the ballad of kings and queens and wars lost and won. The state of Rajasthan which is incidentally the largest sate of the country too has been built traditionally by the Rajputs, Bhils, Jhats, Jugars and Meenas.
There have been many invasions both from within the country and outside and Muslim invaders expended a lot of effort in trying to infiltrate the land. Even Marathi rulers attacked Rajasthan many times resulting in massive blood loss and manslaughter. Huge fortresses were constructed to protect the royal from unprecedented attacks. They stand till date testimonial to the heights of architectural marvel once achieved by a really brave race.
Amber fort, fort of Bundi, Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur creates much sensation as a symbol of power, strength and sovereignty. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City is an important stepping stone for tourists as it houses many ancient forts laden with the dust of History.
Jodhpur, the breathtaking Blue City serves as the gateway to the Thar Desert. Since the temperature is always high in this area and scorching heat becomes unbearable in summer, Jodhpur is rightly called the Sun City.
Mehrangarh fort, a 500 years old huge, complex labyrinthine seated on top of a 150 meter hill is a centre of attraction for many in Jodhpur. Situated at a superb vantage point it helped Maharaja Rao Jodha the founder of Jodhpur protect his subject better.
The palatial fort has a courtyard called Moti Mahal, a hall of mirror called sheesh mahal and a phool mahal exclusively reserved as Maharaja’s pleasure hall. Zenana Deodi was the inner courtyard for the queens and none were allowed inside by the eunuch guards entrusted with the safety of the queens. This grand palace has never been conquered in battle.
There are other palaces too with similar reputation and Jaigirh fort in Jaipur is another vivid example of a castle which has never been captured. The world’s largest cannon were housed by this fort and it was a veritable threat for the enemies who were devastated far before they could reach the palace. Raja Jai Singh the monarch of Jaipur was feared, revered and loved for his fair but firm ways and every nook of the Pink City is still charged with history.
There are numerous worth seeing palaces and forts in Rajasthan, and Junagarh fort in Bikaner, Bundi palace, Jal Mahal are just a few of them. When caravan of camel is seen today, sauntering slowly through the Desert Thar, with the only sound of occasional grunts and ringing bells, one would feel for sure, time has frozen indeed in this colorful land of kings.