Mehrangarh Museum and Trust

The name ‘Mehrangarh’ is derived from Sanskrit words: ‘Mihir’ meaning ‘Sun’ and ‘Garh’ means ‘Fort’. The families which lived in this fort were believed to have their origin from the Sun God according to the Hindu mythology. Jodhpur was the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. Marwar (Marward) was ruled by Rathod clan (decident of Sun god), although they did not belong to Marwar. They were the refugees who came from Central India, Kanoj 800 years ago. Rao Siyyaji was the founder of this dynasty. These paintings can be seen in the museum.

The Fort was built on a mountain called ‘Bhaurcheeria’ (mountain of birds) which is a mountain made of inactive volcanic rocks. ‘Khandwaliya’ were skilled rock cutters who cut these Volcanic rocks, ‘Chouwaliyas’ were skilled in carrying heavy stones who engineered the rocks to the heights by carrying them with simple chains and rods.

Gateways to Mehrangarh Fort
There are seven gates to the Fort which are named with specific importance.

JAIPOL – The main entrance to the Fort was built by Maharaja Mansingh in the 17th century (1806) to symbolize his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner armies.
FATEH GATE – This gate was the symbol of victory. It was made of spikes and barbicans to counter attack the enemies. This was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707.
DEDA KANGRA POL (gate) – here we see the scars of bombardment by cannonballs during the war between the Rathods of Marwar and the Jaipur kings.
LOHA POL – It is the last and the 7th gate which leads to the main part of the Fort complex. On the left side we see right hand prints of the Ranis (who performed ‘Sati’) in 1843 and immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Mansingh.

History of Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Mehrangarh was earlier called ‘Miheer Ghad’, Sun Fort as the Fort is very high and the first rays of the sun falls on it in Jodhpur. According to ‘Kundali’ (astrology) this Fort was called ‘Chintamani’. It is also called ‘Mayurdwaj Durg’ because it has a shape of Mayur Punk – peacock feather. Rao Jodha lost his empire after the death of his father, Rao Ranmal. During the rule of Rao Ranmal, the governance of Mewar was in his hands. As all the power was in his hands, the provincial chiefs of Mewar were unhappy, and they complained against him to the King of Mewar, Raja Maharana Kumbha and his mother Soubhagya Devi. In 1458, Rao Ranmal was brutally murdered in his deep sleep. The army of Mewar attacked Mandore with the leadership of Rawath Chuda, where Rakhawath and Marwad was captured. Rao Jodha who was one of the 24 sons of Rao Ranmal, became the 15th ruler of Jodhpur. One year after taking the charge of the throne he felt that the ort of Mandore was not safe, so he thought of constructing a new Fort on a hill 9kms away from the original Fort. This place (hill) was called ‘Chidiya Boar’ or ‘Chidiya Tuk’ as there were many birds habited on this hill. He started construction of the fort on 13th may, 1459.

The Museums of Rajasthan fascinate people cutting across all cross sections of society. These marvellous museums depicting 1000 years old history are worth a visit once in a lifetime. From coins to arms to tanks to garments, the galleries of Rajasthan houses everything. Museums are the store-houses of information and depict the art and culture of a Nation.. The glimpses of the past golden era of the Rajas and the Maharajas can be seen through the museums of Rajasthan which are filled with all the articles and evidences of the historical figures and happenings in the state. The museums of Rajasthan are the store of the very interesting articles of the Kings and the Queens and it holds their objects that were related to their lifestyle, clothing, and their stories that made a mark in the history. The museums in Rajasthan also hold many articles related to the wars and the warriorship of the Rajput Kings who fought for their motherland and made the land pious colored in the hues of bravery and patriotism. These museums are managed by the ‘Department of Archeology and Museum, Government of Rajasthan’ and also some of them are jointly preserved by the ‘Archeological Survey of India’ too and the tourists who visit to this state never miss to visit them to reminisce the golden eras.