Gagron Fort
Gagron Fort, also known as Jaladurg (which means Water Fort), is a unique fort located in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, India. This fort is special because it’s surrounded by water on three sides and a deep moat on the fourth side. It’s the only fort in North India that’s surrounded by water. The fort is built at the meeting point of two rivers, the Ahu River and the Kali Sindh River. This strategic location provided natural protection to the fort and made it difficult for enemies to attack.
History
The fort was built by a Rajput king named Bijaldev Singh Dod in the 12th century. Over the years, it has been controlled by various rulers, including Sher Shah and Akbar. The fort has seen a lot of action in its time. It has witnessed 14 battles and two instances of ‘jauhar’, a tradition where queens and royal ladies would sacrifice their lives to avoid capture. The last ruler of the fort was King Achal Das Khinchi.
The fort has a rich history and has seen many ups and downs. It has been a witness to the rise and fall of many empires and has stood the test of time. The fort has been a silent spectator to the changing political landscape of the region and has seen the transition from the rule of the Rajputs to the Mughals and then to the British.
Structures
The fort is a great example of a hill and water fort. It has three ramparts, which is unusual because most forts only have two. The fort is built into the Mukundara Hills of the Vindhya Range. The mountain that the fort sits on is the foundation of the fort. The fort has two main entrances. One gate leads towards the river, while the other gate leads towards the hilly road.
The fort is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the time and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. The fort is built in the traditional Rajput style with ornate carvings and intricate designs. The fort has several palaces, temples, and residential quarters within its premises. The fort also has a museum that houses artifacts from the period of its construction.
The fort is surrounded by a lush green landscape and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The fort is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
The following are some important sites of the fort:
- Ganesh Pol
- Nakkarkhana
- Bhairavi Pol
- Kishan Pole
- Selekhana
- Dewan-i-Aam
- Diwan-e-Khas
- Janaana Mahal
- Madhusudan Mandir
- Rang Mahal