FacebookTwitterSoClFollow Me on Pinterest

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort or Fort of Victory is located 15 Km away from Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaigarh or Chilh ka Tola (Hill of Eagles), 400 feet above the Amber Fort. It is considered to be one of the most well fortified structures in India. Jaigarh Fort is considered as one of the spectacular forts in India. This Fort is on top of the hill, while Amber Fort is at the bottom.

Many people regard the two as one complex however both of them are well connected with well guarded passages. Jaigarh Fort positioned centrally in the thorn-scrub hill, leaves a stern impact on the spectator at once. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jain Ban (Jaivan) the largest cannon in the world.

The fort stands above the Amber Palace and was never captured and hence is practically intact. The armoury has a large collection of swords and other weapons. There is a watchtower at an elevated part of the fort, offering a panoramic and imposing view of Amber and the neighbouring area.

The central courtyard has three enormous underground water tanks, one used by prisoners for bathing, one that was said to hold the gold and jewels and one, which was empty. There are also gardens, a granary, the 10th century temple of Ram Harihar and the 12th century temple of Kal Bhairav. Jaigarh Fort is a remarkable feat of military architecture.

After you enter, head straight for the gigantic cannon Jaivan perched on top of a tower. Weighing 50 tons with an 8m barrel and a trajectory of about 20km, it is said to be the world's largest cannon on wheels. Such was its might that it took four elephants to swivel it around on its axis. But surprisingly (and thankfully!) it was never used. Despite its awesome firepower, it has a delicate scrollwork of birds, foliage and a roaring elephant at its mouth.

Jaivan was test-fired once by Jai Singh in 1720 when the cannon ball landed at Chaksu about 38km away! and the impact of it was so enormous that a lake formed at the spot and many houses collapsed in Jaipur. The cannoneer died immediately after the firing, before he could even jump into water.

No wonder enemies didn't ever set their eyes on Jaigarh. There's even a notice here which proudly says, "because of the strong defence system, management and the foresightedness of the rulers, the enemy never dared to enter the fort." Jaigarh fort is also home to a striking museum. The museum has an extraordinary collection of armoury used during that period. This collection includes swords, shields, guns, muskets and cannon balls. Some old photographs of Jaipur's rulers and military generals are also on display in the museum.

In addition, Shubhat Niwas, the meeting hall of the warriors, acts as a storehouse of the precious items of Rajput warriors. One can imagine Rajput warriors meeting and devising military strategies in this hall, amidst the historical relics and weaponry displayed here.

The flag of the Jaipur royal family is hoisted at the top of the watchtower of the fort.

Nearby Shopping Attractions

No main bazaars are nearby except the shops selling beverages and camera reels.

For shopping Johari Bazaar, Chandpol Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Kishanpol Bazaar and Khazana Walon Ka Rasta are the better options.