Mehrangarh Fort

India · architecture · history · Rajasthan

Built by a ruler. Mehrangarh Fort was started around 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput leader of the Rathore clan, who wanted a strong fortress to protect his kingdom in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Towers above plains. The fort sits on a hilltop about 400 feet high, which means it rises dramatically above all the surrounding flatland, making it visible from very far away.

Seven impressive gates. The fort has seven different gates to enter through, including the famous Jai Pol gate built to celebrate military victories, and the Fattehpol gate that marks another important win against the Mughals.

Writer's amazement. A famous English author named Rudyard Kipling visited and was so blown away that he said the fort looked like it was built by mythical giants and painted by the sunrise itself.

Expanded over time. While started in 1459, most of what you see today was built in the 1600s when Rao Jodha's family added more buildings and structures to make it even more impressive.