Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort, also known as the “Star Fort,” is a historic fortress located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. It’s perched atop a steep hill, offering a commanding view of the city and the picturesque Ana Sagar Lake below. The fort stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of its time.
History
The fort was constructed in the 8th century by Ajayaraja Chauhan and was originally called Ajaymeru Durg. The fort was known for its strength and strategic importance. The first Islamic attack on the fort was made in 724, during the reign of Chauhan King Durlabhraj I. This war witnessed India’s first-ever Jauhar conducted by queens of King Durlabhraj I, along with other females in Taragarh Fort. The war is also known for the sacrifice of 7-year-old Chauhan Prince Lot, who bravely fought Muslim armies, and laid down his life.
Prithviraj, son of Rana Raimal of Mewar and elder brother of Rana Sanga, captured the Taragarh fort of Ajmer at the end of the 15th century, after slaying Governor Mallu Khan. The fort is also called Taragarh, named after Prithviraj’s wife Tarabai. It remained under the control of Mewar and later Rana Sanga granted it to Karamchand Panwar.
Architecture
There are three gateways to the fort known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza, and Gagudi ki Phatak. There were 14 bastions in the wall of this fort. Most parts of these gateways are now in ruins. The largest of its battlements is the 16th-century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or ‘Thunder from the Womb’. In the fort are water reservoirs. The fort also holds a shrine dedicated to Miran Saheb ki Dargah, who lost his life in 1202 CE during a Rajput attack. He was slain in a perfidious Rajput attack that took place while he and his men were conducting their prostration (namaaz). After conquering the fort of Kandahar, Emperor Jahangir built this Marble Cage (Kathera) in the dargah of Meera Syed Hussain in 1615.
How to Reach
This massive fort is located 10 kilometers away from the dargah. One could drive down here in approx 20 minutes from Dargah or even hire an auto rickshaw to reach here.