The book deals exhaustively with Military Architecture of Rajasthan in the shape of forts and their fortifications. Modern researches have brought to light the fact that the art of fortification had reached a high state of development even at the dawn of history. With the rise of the Aryans the development received a fresh impetus and in the process of extending and consolidating their gains. The Aryans built fortifications in different parts of the country.
During the middle ages the forts were designed for defence by artillery.
This book study mainly during the medieval period and describes a large number of forts of the region technically and historically. Some hitherto unknown forts have been brought to light for the first time.
The components of fort structure, methods of defence and attack the arms and ornaments, account of siege and defence form the subject matter of some chapters of the present work. Sketches, plars, maps together with a large number of illustrations enhance the utility of the book.
The book is more of a advanced type. It is hoped that the present work will prove useful not only to general readers but also to advanced students and candidates for competitive examinations.
Born in Mandwa town of Jhunjhanu district in Rajasthan in 1925, Ratanlal Mishra retired from the government service as Deputy Director. Since then he has devoted himself to research and writing work. He has more than Forty books to his credit, in subjects like art, architecture and history. He has been awarded Gold Medal from Rajasthan University together with a number of awards and honours for his achievements in the field of writing. At present he is engaged in preparing a comprehensive historical account of Rajasthan.
PREFACE
Rajasthan could well be classified as the land of forts. No-where in the country except Maharashtra such a large number of forts are found. Military defences are
innumerable throughout Rajasthan. Almost every hill has a fortification on its summit. Some forts also stand on the banks of or near a river. Most of them perch on the top of a precipitous hill. Their presence consolidated the defences of the region and acting as unsurpassable barrier for the enemy. These forts contain renowned temples, palaces, mosques, tombs within their four walls. The present book describes and illustrates them.
Unfortunately many of these forts stand in a delapidated condition, today. But, still, a large number are so well preserved as to retain their medieval defences, intact. But as time passes, the ravages of man and nature are likely to make a dent on their solidity; consigning them to oblivion. Timely steps are urgently needed for their preservation.
This is primarilly a work dealing with technical military aspects of the forts. Detailed account has been given about the defence and mode of construction. The work deals with the hidden unknown forts for the first time. These forts were indispensable during the medieval times in history and played a great role in making the career of the rulers belonging to different clans. Their subsequent inaccessibility has been the main reason for their oblivion.
Short notes about the outstanding forts of India have also been appended to introduce them to the reader. Besides, some popular couplets in the local language are translated to provide a literary tinge to the account. A brief account of investment and attack of the forts is also included, here.
I do not claim to have given exhaustive treatment to the subject so vast in such a limited space and am fully aware of the deficiencies and limitations of the following pages.
There was a persistent need to be selective; still, I hope that the work being the first of its kind would prove a useful contribution to this interesting field of study.
A map of Rajasthan and sketches of sume forts are included together with the illustration of the forts, for the discerning readers.
My thanks are due to Dr. A.K. Das, Ex-Director, Maharaja City Palace Museum, Jaipur for his constant encouragement and guidance.
I shall be failing in my duty, if I do not make a grateful mention of Shri Sher Singh, Thakur of Baler for his help and late Shri Sukhbir Singh Gahlot and other numerous friends and well-wishers who offered valuable suggestions for the improvement of the work.
If the present work kindles a feeling of pride, admiration and emotional attachment in the heart of the reader towards the ancient monuments as relics of our national heritage, the author will regard his labours amply repaid.
Dr. Ratanlal Mishra
CONTENTS
Political History of Rajasthan
History of Fortifications
Fortifications in Rajasthan: Pre and Proto-Historic Period Medieval Forts and Fortifications of Rajasthan
Fort Builders & Fort Destroyers
Rajasthan Fortresses: Strategy of Defence and Attack
Forts of Rajasthan
1. The Fort of Chittor
2. The Fort of Ranthambhor
3. The Fort of Kumbhalgarh
4. The Fort of Jalor
5. The Fort of Jaisalmer
6. The Fort of Amber
7. The Fort of Mandalgarh
8. The Fort of Taragarh (Ajmer)
9. The Fort of Taragarh (Bundi)
10. The Fort of Bayana
11. The Fort of Bharatpur
12. The Fort of Deeg
13. The Fort of Kumher
14. The Fort of Weir
15. The Fort of Gagron
16. The Fort of Achalgarh
17. The Fort of Nagaur
18. The Fort of Bikaner
19. The Fort of Bhansrodgarh
20. The Fort of Bhatner
21. The Fort of Sahabada
22. The Fort of Siwana
23. The Fort of Basantgarh
24. The Fort of Mandor
25. The Fort of Alwar
26. The Fort of Kota
27. The Fort of Fatehpur
28. The Fort of Chomuhagarh
29. The Fort of Lachhamangarh
30. The Fort of Akbar
31. The Fort of Nahargarh
32. The Fort of Jodhpur
33. The Fort of Utgir
34. The Fort of Devagiri
35. The Fort of Timangarh
36. The Fort of Mandrail
37. The Fort of Jaigarh
38. Saga of Forts & Fortifications The Fort of Sirohi
39. The Fort of Rajagarh
40. The Fort of Dausa
41. The Fort of Sojat
42. The Fort of Shergarh (Dholpur
43. The Fort of Khandar
44. The Fort of Shergarh (Kota)
45. The Fort of Jaigarh
46. The Fort of Karauli
Small Forts of Rajasthan
1. Bahadurpur
2. Bissau
3. Dooni
4. Jhilai
5. Kelawada
6. Kankwadi
7. Nahargarh
8. Ramagarh
9. Churu
10. Jahajpur
11. Badnor
12. Danta-Ramgarh
13. Indore
14. Kalakh
15. Monija
16. Boraja
17. Patan
18. Achrol
19. Ajabgarh
20. Kuchaman
21. Malkot
22. Banera
23. Khetari
24. Khandela
25. Baghor
26. Sahar
27. Bawai
Appendix 1 – Some additional facts about forts
Appendix 2 – Couplets about forts
Appendix 3- Forts of India
Appendix 4-Dates of Forts
Appendix 5- Glossary of Technical Terms Bibliography
