Jaigarh Fort
The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop
forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region
was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput
rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum.
It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved
almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon
foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the
Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh
Fort is also known as the fort of victory. The display includes
a collection of canons, many of which are exquisitely decorated
and were used in the Mughal campaigns led by the Rajput King,
Raja Man Singh.
Of the Jaipur's three forts, Jaigarh is perhaps the most motivating.
It does not have those delicate structures or palaces like that
of Amber but if you want a quick look at a hard-core fortress,
this is it. Jaigarh means `Victory Fort' and was built between
the 15th and the 18th century, and stands 15 km from Jaipur, amidst
rock-strewn, thorn-scrub covered hills, its forbidding stone ramparts
are visible from the Jaipur town. A steep road goes up to the
main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, from where the view is stupendous.
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It was the royal treasury for several years. It
was one of the few ancient Indian military structures to be kept
intact through the ages. There are passageways among the palaces
and you can see a collection of coins and puppets. This fort is
open to public since a few years only. It was sealed for seven
years, due to a rumour, that an enormous treasure in gold was
buried, in the fort area. The government ransacked the fort, emptied
the reservoirs of water but found nothing.
Jaigarh was once responsible for the security of both Jaipur and
Amber, is a huge moated fort and contains all the accoutrements
of a full-fledged citadel. 1 ½ or 2 hours are usually enough
to explore it- don't bother taking a guide; there isn't much use
for one, and sections like the armoury and the museum have adequate
signs.Entrance fee to Jaigarh is Rs. 20 for foreign tourists and
Rs 10 for Indian tourists.
