Nahargarh Fort is located on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and overlooks the beautiful city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Nahargarh, with the equally powerful Amir Fort and Jhajar Fort, is a strong defender and forms a strong ring against the city. Originally known as Sudarshangarh, the fort was modified and nicknamed “Nahargarh” meaning “Lion’s House”.
The name comes from Nahar Singh Bhumia, whose spirit is believed to spread terror in the area and prevent the construction of the fort. According to legend, Nihal’s restless spirit was soothed by building a temple in the palace and over time this temple came to be known by his name.
History of Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
In 1734, II. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Nahargarh Fort was designed as a retreat on a ridge that offers panoramic views of the city below. Its strategic walls extend into the surrounding hills, forming a strong defensive line connecting Nahargarh, Jaigarh and the historic Amber Fort. Although the Nahargarh fort was never directly attacked, it was the scene of important events such as the treaty with the Maratha army in the 18th century.
During the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the fort became a refuge for Europeans in the area, including the wives of British settlers who were relocated there by King Sawai Ram Singh of Jaipur for security reasons. . .
The expansion of the fort took place in 1868 during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh. Later, between 1883 and 1892, Dir Patel spent a lot of money in constructing buildings at Nahargarh. The best of these is the Madhvendra Bhavan, built by Sawai Madhav Singh, which includes a queen suite and a luxurious room for the king himself. Adjoining rooms are decorated with beautiful frescoes that reflect the beauty of the past. Moreover, Nahargarh was the Maharaja’s hunting ground, besides having many historical features.
Till April 1944, the Jaipur State Government used the solar time recited from the Samrat Yantra at the Jantar Mantra for work and the cannon fired from the Nahargarh Fort as the work time.
Cinematic Attractions and Cultural Heritage:
Apart from its historical significance, Nahargarh Fort has become a valuable cultural and cinematic asset. This magnificent fort has graced the big screen in movies like Rang De Basanti, Shudd Desi Romance and Sonar Keela, making it a popular film location.
Contents Nahargarh Fort is not only a testament to the military and architectural beauty of its time, but is also the abode of legends and ghosts that have created the rich history of Rajasthan. Its permanent presence on the top of the Aravalli hill still attracts tourists and offers a glimpse of Jaipur’s past and the kingdom of Rajputana.
