Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built Jaigarh Fort, located on the Aravalli hills near Jaipur, in 1726. Known as the “Fort of Victory,” it served as a military stronghold to protect the nearby Amer Fort and the city of Jaipur. Famous for housing the massive Jaivana Cannon, it showcases impressive Rajput military architecture, including sophisticated water storage systems and underground tunnels. Jaigarh Fort Jaipur stands as a testament to the strategic brilliance and engineering skills of the Rajput rulers.
Jaigarh Fort History
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built Jaigarh Fort in 1726 on the Aravalli hills near Jaipur. They built it as a military fortification to protect the Amer Fort and Jaipur City. Known as the “Fort of Victory,” it housed the kingdom’s armory, including the Jaivana Cannon, the largest cannon on wheels at the time. The fort is renowned for its strategic design, water reservoirs, and underground passages. Today, Jaigarh stands as a symbol of the Rajputs’ military prowess and architectural brilliance.
Architecture of Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
The architecture of Jaigarh Fort reflects its primary role as a military stronghold. Built with thick red sandstone walls stretching over 3 kilometers, the fort features massive bastions, watchtowers, and a well-planned network of underground passages. It is famous for housing the Jaivana Cannon, once the largest on wheels, and for its advanced rainwater harvesting system, which includes large reservoirs capable of storing water for long sieges. The fort’s design integrates robust defense mechanisms while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, highlighting its strategic importance in protecting Jaipur and Amer Fort.
Things to see in Jaigarh Fort
Jaivan Cannon
The Jaivana Cannon, housed in Jaigarh Fort, is one of the fort’s most remarkable features. Built in 1720 during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it was the largest cannon on wheels at the time. The cannon weighs around 50 tons, with a massive barrel measuring 20 feet in length and a diameter of 11 inches.
The artisans designed the Jaigarh Fort Cannon as a symbol of Rajput military might, although they never used it in actual warfare. It could allegedly fire cannonballs up to 35 kilometers. They fired the cannon only once, for testing, and legend says the blast created a small lake in the nearby area. Despite its minimal use, the Jaivana remains an iconic symbol of the Rajputs’ engineering skill and the fort’s military legacy.
Shobhat Niwas
This area served as a meeting hall or assembly room for the royal family. They used it for formal gatherings, discussions, and important meetings. The architecture is simple yet elegant, showcasing the understated grandeur typical of the fort’s design.
Khilbati Niwas
The Khilbati Niwas was primarily a military office within the fort. Military officers used it to plan and organize defense strategies. Given the fort’s military focus, this space played a crucial role in administrative and military discussions related to the fort’s defense.
Laxmi Vilas
Laxmi Vilas is one of the grand palaces inside Jaigarh Fort Jaipur. It reflects the opulence of the Rajput royals and their penchant for intricate design. With beautifully carved windows, courtyards, and rooms, the royal family used it as a residential space. The palace also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the fort’s inner courtyards.
Lalit Mandir
This area served as a royal leisure and recreational spot within the fort. The Lalit Mandir was designed as a peaceful retreat for the royal family, providing them with comfort amidst the otherwise rugged military environment of the fort. Its architecture is more focused on aesthetics and relaxation.
At Lalit Mandir, you can see the puppet show that took place in the palace at that time for the entertainment purposes of the king and queen. In today’s time, this show is also organized.
You can also see here the recreated view of the dining hall and kitchen of that time and how the king and queen eat the food and how their maids cook the food for them. There is a separate dining hall for both the king and queen.
Vilas Mandir
Vilas Mandir is another royal residence in the fort.Craftsmen built this palace for ladies. Like the other palatial areas, designers designed it to offer a balance of comfort and luxury to the royals living within the fort’s confines.It features traditional Rajasthani architecture, with detailed stonework and windows offering a scenic view of the surroundings.
Aram Mandir
As the name suggests (“Aram” means rest), they designed Aram Mandir as another space for the relaxation and rest of the royal family. It was a quieter, more private area within the fort, likely used as a retreat away from the administrative and military sections.
Aram Bagh
Aram Bagh, which means “Garden of Rest,” was a peaceful garden area within the fort complex. It provided an ideal environment for the royal family to relax in. Aram Bagh was a green, peaceful haven where the royals could relax and enjoy the outdoors despite the fort’s defensive and military functions. It most likely had classic Rajasthani garden design elements such as fountains, shaded places, and tree-lined walks.
Museum
The museum within Jaigarh Fort Jaipur houses an extensive collection of Rajput weapons, artifacts, and relics related to warfare. Visitors can see an array of swords, shields, armor, and artillery used by the Rajput warriors. The museum also displays royal portraits, manuscripts, and photographs of the Kachwaha dynasty, offering insights into both the military and cultural history of Jaipur. The armory section is a particularly popular attraction, allowing visitors to explore the rich martial heritage of the Rajputs.
Canon Foundry
The cannon foundry at this fort manufactured the famous Jaigarh Fort Cannon, once the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The foundry was a fully functional center during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, producing cannons and ammunition for the fort’s defense. The foundry includes large furnaces, molds, and equipment used in the casting process, demonstrating the advanced military engineering skills of the time. This facility highlights Jaigarh’s role as a key site for weapons manufacturing during the Rajput era.
Diya Burj
Diya Burj, also known as Diya Tower, is a famous watchtower in Jaipur’s Jaigarh Fort. Named after its signaling purpose, the tower was used to watch the surrounding landscape for dangers and communicate with nearby forts using oil lamps or diyas. It has thick walls and narrow windows for defense, which is typical of the Rajputana architectural style. The elevated position of Diya Burj provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, especially the neighboring Amer Fort, making it a popular tourist attraction. The tower reflects the fort’s military significance as well as the brilliance of Rajput engineers.
Water Tank at Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
The water storage system of Jaigarh Fort is an impressive example of ancient engineering designed to ensure a reliable water supply for its inhabitants during sieges. It features a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system, including several large reservoirs capable of holding around 60 lakh gallons of water, along with interconnected underground tanks.
The fort’s architecture cleverly channels rainwater into these storage areas, maintaining a fresh supply while preventing contamination. This system was vital for the fort’s defense and showcases the ingenuity of the Rajput rulers in managing water resources in a region with limited availability.
Jaigarh Fort Treasure
During the 1975-1977 emergency, Indira Gandhi ordered a search for Jaigarh Fort Treasure, Jaipur. She claims there is a buried treasure in the water storage system of this fort. Thus, for several days, the Indian army conducted a search operation inside this fort. The general public cannot access the Delhi-Jaipur highway; authorities entirely restrict it. The number of army trucks travels from Jaipur to Delhi over a period of days.
After so many days, officials report that they discovered no treasure in the Jaigarh Fort. However, when this news reached Pakistan’s Prime Minister, they asked the Indian Prime Minister for a share of the wealth, but the Indian Prime Minister refused and stated that they only received 230 kg of chandi, or silver.It remains a mystery in present time whether anyone finds the treasure or not.
Jaigarh Fort Timings
The Jaigarh Fort Timings are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jaigarh Fort Ticket Price
- Jaigarh Fort Tickets for Indians: 150 Rs
- Jaigarh Fort Entry Fee for Indian students & children for 5 to 12 years: 75 Rs
- Jaigarh Fort Jaipur ticket price for foreigners: 200 Rs.
- Jaigarh Fort Ticket Price for foreign students and children from 5 to 12 years: 100 Rs
Best time to visit Jaigarh Fort
As Jaipur is a very hot place, the best time to visit Jaipur is between October and February.
How to reach Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is located high in the Aravali Hills. There is no public transport available, so you must visit with your private cab or taxi or by your private car.
Travel Tips
-
Water: There are limited facilities inside the fort, so carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
-
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun, especially if visiting during the day. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential to avoid sunburn or heat exposure.
-
Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, especially if visiting in the summer. Light cotton is ideal for Rajasthan’s climate. During winter, carry a light jacket, as it can get chilly in the early morning and evening.
-
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, as you will be exploring various parts of the fort, including some steep steps.
Conclusion
The Jaigarh Fort is more than a monument; it is a living reminder of Rajasthan’s illustrious past. Jaigarh, with its spectacular architecture and long history of military dominance, represents the Rajputs’ bravery and pride. For those with an interest in history, architecture, or discovering untold tales from the past, Jaigarh Fort provides an enthralling trip through time.
Visiting this fort involves more than just witnessing its walls; it also allows you to experience the courage, pride, and intelligence of the Rajput soldiers who once protected the Pink City.
Near By Attraction
Nahargarh Fort – Perched on the rugged ridges of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Rajasthan. Alongside Amber and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a crucial defence ring for the Pink City
Jal Mahal – Jal Mahal, located in the heart of Jaipur, is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions, known for its floating beauty and unique architectural design.
City Palace Jaipur – The City Palace Jaipur, located in the heart of Jaipur, is a stunning blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, it served as the royal residence of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur – Located in the heart of Jaipur’s bustling streets, Hawa Mahal is one of India’s most recognizable and photographed monuments. Its pink sandstone facade, intricately designed with latticework and small windows, rises like a crown on the skyline of Jaipur.
