As Mehrangarh Fort is not just a 30-minute tour, type of site. So, you must keep two hours aside to explore this huge castle.
Similarly, I have to share my trip to Mehrangarh Fort in three different posts. Here is the link to post 1, that share all the features, pictures of the outer structure of Mehrangarh Fort, entry ticket and some interesting stories connected with this Rajasthani sensation.
In this part of the story, I will share my trip to the rooms inside the Mehrangarh Fort.
So, after crossing seven elephant size gates, I first entered Shringar Chowk.
The Stunning sites of Shringar Chowk
Shringar Chowk
Here the first thing which I noticed was a marble throne, where as per my guide, the new ruler of Jodhpur is presented to its people. The last person, name King of Jodhpur, is Gajaraj Singh II.
Marble Throne
The Howdah Room
In this room, there is a beautiful collection of Elephant Howdah (a seat used as a sitting platform on Elephants and camels). Some prominent ones are the with Loin statue carved on one side. Have a look at these four howdahs.
Elephant Howdah
Elephant Howdah
Elephant Howdah
Elephant Howdah
The Palki Khana
In this room, there is a collection of Palki’s or Palanquin (Definition – a covered litter for one passenger, consisting of a large box carried on two horizontal poles by four or six bearers). Some of them even have names like Pinjas Palki and Tamzam which has a peacock on both sides.
Well, this is the first time I have ever seen a collection of Palanquin in any Palace or Fort of Rajasthan. I have visited the Garh Palace in Bundi and City Palace in Jaipur, but this Palanquin collection is unique and here are some pictures from Palki Room.
Palhi Khana
Pinjas Palki from Palhi Khana
Palki or Palanquin
Palanquin
Tamzam Palanquin
A traditional Jodhpuri hookah
And the last attraction of Shringar Chowk is an old man teaching tourist, how to make and use an original Jodhpuri hookah. FYI, he is an old man, so he might not be in a position to teach all travellers. So don’t get too high hopes over here :)
traditional Jodhpuri hookah
The breathtaking collection of Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana
The term Daulat means money and Khana here means treasury. So this is a treasury room, and I must say that the collection here is just breathtaking.
The first thing which made me say WOW in Mehrangarh Fort was the Golden Palanquin name Mahadol, standing just at the entry gate of Daulat Khana.
Mahadol Palki
This Palanquin was a gift from the governor of Gujarat (in 1730 AD) which was under the British Rule at that time.
Apart from this, I saw a wide variety of swords and a collection of the rifle, helmet, shield, dagger, wine flask, Huqqa spout, etc. Below I have added some pictures from this room, have a look.
Small Cannon
Sword collection
Sword collection
Sword of Ajit Singh of Jodhpur
Totamukhi sword of Murad Ali Khan and other is from mughal emperor Akbar
Matchlock gupti helmet sheild and dagger
Wine flask terracotta cup for chilum huqqa spout
hookah
The spectacular Marwar paintings
Next to Daulat Khana, there is a room which displays the story of Marwar Paintings.
As per my guide, Marwar Painting is not just from Jodhpur. It is spread all across cities like Bikaner, Kumbhalgarh, etc. So the correct term for these paintings will be Marwar-Jodhpur Paintings.
Have a look at the below pictures which I took in this part of the castle.
Marwar Paintings
Marwar Paintings
Marwar Paintings
Marwar Paintings
If you think that you have seen a lot, then wait. I have not even shared 50% sites of Mehrangarh Fort. I thought that I would be able to cover all the points of interest of Mehrangarh in this post, but that would be impossible as there is so much to see here.
So for the remaining part, do check the third part of my post series on Mehrangarh Fort – A Palace built by the Titans
Hey Sunny, When did you visited Jodhpur?
Last month, this one was reserved for Gujarat.
You just reminded me of my days at Jodhpur. Beautiful clicks,I love the royalty of this fort.
Thanks Humanshu, collections here are amazing.