Cities and Citadel

Group Members:
Abhiprai Srivastava Aryan
Ananya Bansal Ashish Thakur
Apoorva Bhatnagar Sanyum jain
Kalash Ashish Raj
Sukrati Mishra Suryansh Singh
Content

• Jaisalmer Fort
• Jodhpur Fort
• Orchha Fort Complex
• Datia Fort
• Mandu Fort Complex
• Chhitorgarh Fort
 JAISALMER
FORT

• Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
• It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such
as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides
within the fort.
• Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by
the Rajput Rawal (ruler) Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stood at the
crossroads of important trade routes (including the ancient Silk road).
• The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day,
fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow
desert. For this reason it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.
• The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill. It is
today located along the southern edge of the city that bears its name; its dominant
hilltop location making the sprawling towers of its fortifications visible for many miles
around.
Jaisalmer Fort and City Evening view of Jaisalmer Fort
Street plan of Jaiselmer citadel Jaiselmer citadel, "Royal Square"

Street views
Architecture
• The fort is 1,500 ft (460 m) long and 750 ft (230 m) wide and is built on a hill
that raises above a height of 250 ft (76 m) above the surrounding countryside.
• The base of the fort has a 15 ft (4.6 m) tall wall forming the fort's outermost
ring, within its triple ringed defence architecture.
• The fort's upper bastions or towers form a defensive inner-wall perimeter that
is about 2.5 mi (4.0 km) long.
• The fort now incorporates 99 bastions, of which 92 were built or substantially
rebuilt between the period of 1633-47.
• The fort also has four fortified entrances or gates from the townside, one of
which was once guarded by cannon.
Suarj Pol, one of Haveli in the Corridor of Jain temple -
the entry gates to Jaisalmer fort Jaisalmer Fort
the Jaisalmer Fort
Other points of interest within the fort's walls and grounds
• Four massive gateways through which visitors to the fort must pass, situated along with the main
approach to the citadel.
• The Raj Mahal Palace, former residence of the Maharawal of Jaisalmer.
• Jain Temples: Inside Jaisalmer Fort, there are 7 Jain temples built by yellow sandstone during 12-16th
century. Askaran Chopra of merta built a huge temple dedicated to Sambhavanatha. The temple has
more than 600 idols with many old scriptures.Chopra Panchaji built Ashtapadh temple inside the fort.
• The Laxminath temple of Jaisalmer, dedicated to the worship of the gods Lakshmi and Vishnu.
• The fort has an ingenious drainage system called the ghut nali which allows for the easy drainage of
rainwater away from the fort in all four directions of the fort. Over the years, haphazard construction
activities and building of new roads has greatly reduced its effectiveness.
Numerous Merchant Havelis. These are large houses often built by wealthy
merchants in Rajasthani towns and cities in North India, with ornate sandstone
carvings. Some havelis are many hundreds of years old. In Jaisalmer there are many
elaborate havelis carved from yellow sandstone. Some of these have many floors and
countless rooms, with decorated windows, archways, doors and balconies. Some
havelis are today museums but most in Jaisalmer are still lived in by the families that
built them. Among these is the Vyas haveli which was built in the 15th century, which
is still occupied by the descendants of the original builders. Another example is the
Shree Nath Palace which was once inhabited by the prime minister of Jaisalmer.
Some of the doors and ceilings are notable examples of old carved wood from many
hundreds of years ago.
Jaiselmer, Haveli: a. Street;
b. Varendah; c. Courtyard; d.
Front Room; e. Dining; f.
Room; g. Store; h. Kitchen;
j. Bath; k. Void; m. Window
Seat; n. Balcony; p. Terrace
JAISALMER FORT
• Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state
of Rajasthan.
• It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such
as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still
resides within the fort.
• Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by
the Rajput Rawal (ruler) Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stood at the
crossroads of important trade routes (including the ancient Silk road).
• The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the
day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the
yellow desert. For this reason it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden
Fort.
• The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta
Hill. It is today located along the southern edge of the city that bears its name;
its dominant hilltop location making the sprawling towers of its fortifications
visible for many miles around.
JODHPUR
• Known as the Blue City, Rajasthan’s second largest city is dominated
by the formidable 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. Palaces, citadels and
cenotaphs set in lush gardens surround Jodhpur, but it is the iconic
shade of blue that gives it its identity.
• "Blue City" (for the most prevailing color in its constructions and the blue color was also, in the
past, associated with the Brahmin upper caste) or the "Sun City" (in connection with the
worshipping of Lord Sun).

• Nevertheless, it is mostly known nowadays for its majestic "Citadel of the

Sun" - the "Mehrangarh Fort", one of the largest forts in the whole India.

• Its construction, in red sandstone, was started in 1459 by local ruler Rao Jodha.
Within its almost 500 years old thick walls, a sequence of seven gates and
numerous palaces, gardens, courtyards and "jharokhas" (latticed windows),
maintain alive the saga of the Royal Rathore Dynasty! Take your time and visit
this extraordinarily beautiful fortress.
Panorama view of Jodhpur, with the Mehrangarh Fort to the right,
and the city centre below
MEHRANGARH FORT
Mehrangarh Fort covers an area of 1,200 acres (486 hectares)
in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

The complex is located on a hilltop around 122 metres above the

surrounding plain, and was constructed circa 1459 by Rajput ruler Rao
Jodha.

Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate
carvings and expansive courtyards, as well as a museum housing various
relics. A winding road leads to and from the city below.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory gate'),
built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur
and Bikaner armies. There is also a Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory
gate'), which commemorates Maharaja Ajit Singh Ji’s victory over
Mughals.
GATE Intricate carvings and expansive
courtyards of Mehrangarh palaces
Mahadol, the Palanquin at Night view of Mehrangarh fort
Mehrangarh Museum
Umaid Bhawan Palace
• One of the largest royal residences with 347 rooms,
Umaid Bhawan is still a private residence to the royal
kings of Jodhpur. Built in 1946, there are three parts to it
— the royal residence, a museum and a luxury hotel.
• Construction began in the 1920s when the city was going
through a severe drought and the palace became a
source of employment to many people. Located on the
outskirts of the city atop Chittar Hill, the Palace is made
of marble and golden sandstone in the Indo Deco style,
with ornate rooms and grand courtyards. The museum
displays some of the treasures of the royal family
including a private collection of classic and antique cars.
 Features
• The palace complex is set in an area of 26 acres (11 ha) of land including 15 acres
(6.1 ha) of gardens. The palace consists of a throne chamber, a private meeting
hall, a Durbar Hall to meet the public, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining halls, a
ballroom, a library, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a billiards room, four tennis
courts, two marble squash courts, and long passages.

• The interior central dome sits above

the sky blue inner dome. The inner Umaid
vaulted dome is a major attraction in Bhawan
Palace as
the palace which rises to 103 feet seen
(31 m) in the interior part which is from Mehr
angarh
capped by an outer dome of 43 feet Fort
(13 m) height.
• The interior decoration is credited to
J.S. Norblin, a refugee from Poland,
who created the frescoes in the throne
Painting (Fresco)
room on the east wing. An inside Umaid
architectural historian commented that Bhavan Palace,
depicting a Rajput
"it is the finest example of Indo-deco. war (probably with
The forms are crisp and precise" the Mughals) with
the Mehrangar fort in
the backdrop.
A panoramic view of the Palace.
 ORCHHA
FORT
COMPLEX
• Orchha is a historically famous site of Bundelkhand region in Niwari district of
Madhya Pradesh. It has the wide collection of tremendous Imperial monuments
with historic importance and natural and living heritage at National and
international level. The Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are the
three sections of Orchha Palace Complex.
• The blend of Mughal and Bundelkhandi style of architecture is really appreciable
for its harmony, intelligent engineering and magnificent building. Jahangir Mahal
was built in honour of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Orchha is also famous for the
Ram Raja temple where the Bhagwan Ram is worshipped as a king. Lakshmi
Narayan temple and Chaturbhuj Temple have unique Temple designs. There are
14 Chhatri or cenotaphs of the rulers of Orchha. The art, architecture, legends
and the myths celebrate the glory of Orchha.
 Raj Mahal Palace

• The Raj Mahal was started to be built at the time of King Rudra Pratap Singh in 1531 and
in 1539 it got completed at the time of Bharti Chandra the successor of king Rudra
Pratap.
• It is a residential palace and earliest building of the citadels which was constructed.
• The Palace has two wings, one side is four storey and other three sides have five storey.
• Deewan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khaas are the important one.
• Diwan-e-Aam- is used for public meeting. It is a twenty eight pillered hall with three
platforms. The utmost platform is for royal seat. The heights of the platform were used
according to the rank of ministers and nobles. The entrance is the Eastern and opens in a
courtyard of Diwan-e-Khaas.
• Diwan-e-Khaas-These courtyards were used for the everyday gathering and on the
occasion of festivals and rituals.
 • The interior of the building has a royal touch. The mural paintings have the life and
deeds of Bhagwan Ram and Krishna, Dashavatar, Raag- Ragini, Nayak-nayika ,
hunting, amusement, folk and the other subjects are the representation of the
iconic imagination of the cultural world of Bundela reign
• The exterior of the palace looks simple without any ornamentation.
 Jahangir Palace
• Jahangir Palace was built by the ruler Veer Singh Dev.
• The construction of the palace started in 1605.
• It is said that this palace was constructed in honour of
the Mughal Emperor Jahangir who stayed here for one
day. It is a fine example of harmonious visual language
of Indo-Islamic style of monument, built with red and
yellow sandstone.
• It is situated at the bank of Betwa River.
• Jahangir Mahal is square in plan, with four bastions at
each corner with eight topped dome.
• It is a three storied palace with a fountain in the
centre.
• The ceremonial Gateway of the palace is east facing in
traditional and artistic grandiose.
• Two stone elephants guard at the entrance stairway 12
with ringing bells for the announcement of the king's
arrival.
• This magnificent Palace has a square
shaped courtyard each side has
38x38m.
• All four sides have doors of ornate
design with intricate arches. The
bracket used to support the eaves. It
has flora and fauna designs such as
lotus-bud, peacock elephant.
• A V-shaped hanging balcony is also
remarkable for its unique pattern of
Rajput architecture.
• The East facing wall is decorated with
Turquoise tiles.
• The Hanging balconies with latticework,
delicate trellis, graceful Chhatris, ribbed
domes, terraces, marvelous sculptures
and several rooms with painted murals
represents the architectural brilliance,
unique aesthetic approach and
Grandeur of Bundela dynasty.
Sheesh Mahal palace

It is located on the west side of Jahangir Palace. It is a retreat palace of Raja

Udait Singh which was built during early eighteenth century. Now it is
converted in to a Hotel. There is a camel stable named Unth Khana behind
the palace.
 Datia
fort

• . The palace of Datia is famously known as the Bir Singh Deo palace, after its
founder, is quite significant in the history of architecture as it one of the few
palaces in central India which presents a spectacular amalgamation of Mughal and
Hindu architecture.
• Govind Mahal at Datia is located on an elevated plinth; it is one of the most
noticeable palatine structures in the time of Raja Bir Singh Deo.
• Govind Mahal rises out of a vast landscape as a lotus grows out of the water. This
citadel holds resemblance with a stepped pyramid having rendered with domes
and central tower.
The builders used Jahangir Mahal, Orchha as the model while they were designing
the Datia Palace. Similar floor plans, the location, and form of eight domed towers,
the hanging external towers and battered bastions are the elements which were
borrowed from Jahangir Mahal. Yet, Govind Mahal maintains a great sense of
fineness and visual restraint which make it more imposing than Orchha Palace.
From its eastern facade, one can get a view of five stories while in the case of
Orchha there are three stories visible.
• The palace is square in shape and
symmetrical also. It offers different views
when is seen from different directions.
From the east, it seems tall, squared block
and punctuated by domes, chhatris and
corner bastions. From the north and west
the structure seems more horizontal and
less block-like.
• From the west only 4 stories are visible as
hills slopes upwards here. Seen from
different directions the stepped pyramidal
profile, culminating tower and corner
bastions accentuate greater visual
prominence.
• Like the Jahangir Mahal in Orchha, Datia
Palace allows space for a neighboring
citadel and huge interconnected tanks to
the south and west of the palace. Water
tank in the west direction of the palace
which is called Lala ka Talab is a huge water
tank situated in the west direction of the
mahal helps to cool air which flows from the
west.
1.DILAWAR KHAN'S MASJID
2.CHAMPA BAOLI
3.HINDLA MAHAL

Mandu
4.JAHAZ MAHAL
5. KAPUR TALAO
6. ROYAL PALACE

fort
complex
The citadel of Mandu is perched on upon a rocky out spur of the Vindhya Range,
at an altitude of 634 m.. To southern slopes of the Mandu hill has a 305 m incline
and merges to the Nimar plain, which is fed by the mighty Narmada River. They
have constructed Mosques, pleasure palaces, hunting lodges, pavilions, tombs,
gateways, inns and shops, all within the natural and man-made fortifications of
Mandu. No wonder the Muslim rulers call Mandu Shadiabad, meaning the City of
Joy. The fortified royal enclave, on the northern edge of Mandu plateau, is the
prime attraction of Mandu. Spread over a large area it covers a diversified
assortment of ruins from stable to pleasure palaces and from step wells to
hammam and even a mosque. This royal group of monuments was constructed by
the Ghuri and Khalji dynasty spanning from 1320 to 1531. In these two centuries
Mandu experienced a unique blend of architecture and came to be known as the
city of joy.
Jahaz Mahal

Jahaz Mahal is not only the most prominent monument of the royal enclave but also
serves as the icon of Mandu. The elongated building stands on a narrow stretch of
land sandwiched between the two water bodies of Kapur and Munj Talao. The Jahaz
Mahal towers above the two water bodies and in monsoon the water reaches right
up to the edge of the monument giving it a ship like appearance and hence the
name Jahaz Mahal. By knowing the potential of Jahaz Mahal, later Khilji kings
surrounded the Munja talao with a series of summer retreats and fancy palaces
These includes Champa Baori ,consists of subterranean passages communicating
with vaulted rooms.
• Jahaz mahal is two storied architecture marvel of 110mt in length and 15mt in width .
• It is a rectangular structure, three feet tall with two floors and thick walls.
• Inside the fort, there are three huge halls, separated by corridors, having small rooms in the
end. Northern end of the terrace leads to a bath with broad steps leading into it.
• The two pavilions at the northern and southern end of Jahaz Mahal are larger in size and are
divided into three compartments. The central compartment is crowned with a massive dome
while the two side compartments have pyramidal roofs. The dome towers above the the two
adjacent pyramidal roofs.
• Each of the two longer sides of the two pavilions have three arched entrances. The arches are
pointed and the curved part of the arch is separated from the pillars by a horizontal beam.
• Just opposite this pavilion on the middle of western side is another square pavilion, but much
larger in size and crowned with a gigantic dome. On the open three sides is a balcony
supported with ornamental brackets. Each side has a arched opening, flanked on both ides
by decorative windows.
Hindola Mahal

Hindola Mahal or the swing palace is located north of the Jahaz Mahal. The T-shaped
building with its sloping buttressed wall was constructed during the later part of the
reign of Ghiyathuddin Khalji (1469 – 1500). The roof of the Hindola Mahal has long
collapsed exposing the massive pointed arches to the sky.
North of the Hindola Mahal are a series of scattered ruins leading to the Dilwara
Khan Masjid, built in 1405 this is the oldest surviving Islamic architecture of Mandu
and the only religious structure in the royal enclave complex.
Mandu Royal Palace
West of the Hindola Mahal and north
of the Munj Talao is Mandu’s Royal
Palace complex. Although in ruins the
complex still provides the grandeur of
the golden days of Mandu. At the
entrance of the royal palace lies the
step well of Champa Baodi (Baodi
means step well), which is relatively in
good condition, although the railing has
been added by the ASI. A subterranean
passage connects the base of the well
to a labyrinth of vaulted rooms, thus
keeping them cool through the
blistering summer.
Jal Mahal

South – west of the Royal Palace and on the furthest end of the Royal Enclave is
the Jal Mahal. Barely visited by the tourist it is one of the most enchanting parts of
the entire Royal Enclave. During the height of the monsoon when the Munj Talao
is full to its brim a narrow passage connects the Royal Palace to the Jal Mahal. The
passage contains three pairs of stairs leading to the water on both sides
 CHITTORGARH
FORT
COMPLEX

• The royal state of Rajasthan in India is known for its magnificent palaces
and breathtakingly huge forts which stand testimony to the grandeur of
the Rajput era. The fort of Chittorgarh stands out among the popular
forts of India for its spirit of honor, valor, sacrifice and freedom. The
citadel fort which is also the largest of all the forts in India crowns a
180mtr tall hill covering an area of over 700 acres with its fortification
walls, towers, palaces, temples, and lakes.
• Chittorgarh (Chittaurgarh) is the epitome of
Rajput pride, romance and spirit.
• The one mile long serpentine road to the fort
is quite steep and exhaustive.
• The fort is approached through seven huge
gateways or 'pols', which are guarded by
watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.
• Chittorgarh fort is also called as Water Fort.
The fort had 84 water bodies, out of which
only about 22 exist today. These Include
talabs (ponds), kunds (wells), and baories
(stepwells).
• All the talabs have a natural catchment. The
kunds and baories are located below the
talabs, so that even the seepage from the
latter is not lost.
• The fort spreads over 700 hectares, 40 per
cent of which are given over to water bodies.
The average reservoir depth is about 2 m.
• Tower of Victory - (Vijay Stambh) Built in
1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha to
commemorate his victory over Mohamed
Khilji this 9- storyed tower is adorned by
sculptures of Hindu deities around. There are
around 157 narrow steps leading to the
terrace where the balconies give a beautiful
top angle view of the whole town. When
illuminated in the evening, the tower reflects
a mesmerizing effect and the view is worth
capturing in the camera. Tower of Victory -
(Vijay Stambh)
• Tower of Fame - (Kirti Stambh) dedicated to
Adinathji the 1st Jain Teerthankar adorned by
the naked figures of the Digambars
[Adherents of the Digambar sect who does
not believe in covering the natural body] A
narrow stairway goes through seven stories of
the tower to the top.The 22 metres high
tower was build by a wealthy jain merchant in
the 12th century A.D. Tower of Fame - (Kirti
Stambh)
Seven Gates of the Fort To enter in to the Fort Of
Chittorgarh, the person has to go through seven huge
gates(Pol). Each gate is different in its name, design
and its size. Below is the list of these gates: Padan Pol
• Bhairon Pol
• Hanuman Pol
• Jorla Pol
• Ganesh Pol
• Laxman Pol
• Ram Pol
Gaumukh Reservoir A deep tank filled by a spring
coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the edge of
the cliff.