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Lohagarh Fort Bharatpur

Constructed during the 18th century by the Jat Ruler - Maharaja Suraj Mal, Lohagarh Fort symbolizes the chivalry and bravery of all the Jat soldiers who fought to protect Bharatpur against its enemies. This fort is ranked as one of the most beautiful forts and palaces in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is also considered a popular tourist spot. True to its name, Lohagarh Fort or Iron Fort is one of the strongest forts ever built in the country and could even withstand the numerous attacks by the British in 1805.

Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur


History of Lohagarh Fort

Located in Bharatpur, Lohagarh Fort was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal, who used all his power and riches to construct several forts and palaces throughout his kingdom. However, unlike all the other forts in the state, Lohagarh Fort does not exude flamboyance; instead there is a special aura surrounding the fort that generates indisputable strength and magnificence.

It is one of the most powerful forts in India and has endured repetitive attacks by the British ruler – Lord Lake in 1805. To celebrate this, Maharaja Suraj Mal built two gigantic towers called Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj within the fort, which represent his victories over the British and the Mughals.

The fort is surrounded by deep moats, which have played an important role in protecting the fort against its enemies in the past. Legend has it that the only way this fort will fall is when a crocodile swallows all the water in the moats that surround the fort.

Structure of Lohagarh Fort


Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur


Even though this fort does not boast of any ostentatious features, it is still one of the finest architecturally built forts in the country. Lohagarh Fort consists of two main entry gates – one facing the north known as Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) Gate and the other facing south called the Chowburja (four – pillared) Gate. It is believed that the gates in Lohagarh Fort once belonged to the Chittorgarh Fort in Chittor (Rajasthan); however, it was taken away by the Sultan of Delhi - Alauddin Khilji. By the end of the 17th century, the gate was brought back to Bharatpur by the triumphant Jat armies.

Monuments and Palaces of Lohagarh Fort

Lohagarh Fort or the Iron Fort in Bharatpur is one of the most architecturally well designed forts in the country. The Ashtdhaatu Gate facing the north is decorated with lovely images of giant elephants. Besides that, there are also several enchanting monuments inside the fort including Kishori Mahal, Moti Mahal, Kothi Khas, Kamra Mahal and Mahal Khas.

Moti Mahal along with the two towers - Fateh Burj and Jawahar Burj were built to celebrate the forts’ victories against the British and the Mughal. Mahal Khas Palace located inside the fort stands as a stronghold in the walled city of Bharatpur.

Out of all the palaces in Lohagarh Fort, Kamra Palace is the only one that has been converted into a State Archeological Museum. Situated next to the Badan Singh Palace, Kamra Palace is now used for storing all the precious assets of the fort. The museum also consists of various other exhibits such as weapons, safety shields and other antiques including wood articles, hunted animals and jewellary boxes. Moreover, the famous Darbar Hall of the fort, which was once used as a meeting hall by the Maharaja, has also been converted into a museum recently.

Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur


The fort also houses a popular art gallery, which showcases various miniature paintings on mica, litho papers and peepal leaves. Tourists can also view old portraits of the Bharatpur Maharajas along with various ancient weapons such as guns and miniature cannons, which were used during the British siege.

Lohagarh Fort is also home to an iron pillar known as the Vijay Stmabha or Victory Column, which is situated inside the palace complex. One can also find various temples such as Ganga Temple and Laxman Temple inside the fort premises.


How to Reach Lohagarh Fort


Tourists can easily reach Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur by either hiring a taxi or an auto – rickshaw from the city. Visitors can also use the local transport available from the main Agra or Jaipur road. To reach Bharatpur, one can easily take the many trains that run daily between Bharatpur and Delhi.

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