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