Exploring the Majestic Ranthambhore Fort: A Historic Gem of Rajasthan

From Tigers to Temples: Exploring Ranthambhore Fort's Diverse Attractions

About Ranthambhore Fort:

Ranthambhore Fort is established in Swai Madhopur district of Rajasthan state in India. A national park is also established near this fort, this park is also famous by the name of Ranthambhore National Park. This park was considered as the hunting ground of the Raja-Maharajas of Jaipur till the time of India’s Independence. Where is it the focal point of the historical development of Rajasthan. For some time in the 13th century, the kings of the Delhi Sultanate captured this fort by imprisoning it.

In 2013, Ranthambhore Fort was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 37th session of the world Heritage Committee along with other five forts of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore Fort also under the group of hill forts of Rajasthan. Being close to Ranthambhore National Park, Ranthambhore Fort also has a district identity of its own. The panoramic view of Ranthambhore National Park from this fort can be seen.

 

History of Ranthambhore Fort:

The foundation of Ranthambhore Fort was laid by king Sapaldaksha of Chouhan dynasty and it was he who completed the construction of this fort. The kings of king Sapaldaksha of Chouhan dynasty also helped in making this fort attractive by adding more and more structures. The name of Ranthambhore fort was first Ranstambh, then Ransthambh was kept complete, which during the first reign of Prithviraj Chouhan, this fort was related to jains. In 1192 AD, there was a war between Prithviraj Chouhan and Mohammad Ghori, in Which Prithviraj Chouhan was defeated, so his son Govind Raj IV accepted the sovereignty of the Ghurid dynasty and established his rule over this state.

After this, in 1226, the Ranthambhore fort was captured by the king of Iltutmish slave dynasty and until his death, this fort was in the slavery dynasty for some time but after that the Chauhan’s took it again. After this reign, Jaitra Singh Chouhan was defeated during a war in 1259 AD and this Ranthambhore fort came under the rule of Delhi Sultanate. These too were attacked one by one on this fort. In 1283 AD, Shakti Dev attacked this fort and took possession of it. In the end, Jalaluddin Khilji had successfully fell this fort, but Jalaluddin Khilji did not live there in 1301AD, Alauddin Khilji started his rule by capturing this fort.

During the British Period, the population of Swai Madhopur city was also increasing, which was very dangerous for the forests, so in 1940 the Jaipur Forest Act was made in which trees were cut and grazing of animals was banned.

Thus, during the promotion of Muslim rule over Ranthambhore fort, the fort was attacked several times to gain Rajaput power over the western part of the country. But in the end not Khilji conquer it and this fort continues to remind us of these events even today and in the history of India even today this fort is a monument of high importance. The forest area was protected under some act. Similarly, the area of Ranthambhore National Park was preserved.

Raja Rao Hamir Dev Chauhan

If talk about Ranthambhore Fort and don't talk Rao Hamir Dev Chauhan it would be unfair. Raja Rao Hamir Dev Chauhan also known for his victory over Alauddin Khilji thrice. Rao Hamir is remembered for his bravery and his stubbornness.The Horse name of Raja Rao Hamir Dev Chauhan was Badal.

The most significant and powerful member of the Chauhan dynasty of Ranthambore was Raja Hamir Dev. He goes by the name Hathi Hamir as well. As the third child of Rao Jetrasingh of the Chauhan dynasty, Rao Hamir was born on July 7, 1272. As soon as he ascended to the throne, King Hamir first defeated King Arjuna of the Bhamras.

 

Raja Rao Hamir Dev Chauhan Vs Alauddin Khilji:

Alauddin Khilji's rebel general, Mir Muhammad Shah, had found asylum by Hamir Dev Chauhan. In 1300 AD, Khilji launched a massive military assault on Ranthambore out of wrath over the situation and to pursue his imperialistic desire. Nusrat Khan, his general, was slain in this. Attempts were made to capture the fort during this time, but they were unsuccessful.

On July 1, 1301, Khilji's troops eventually succeeded in taking the Ranthambore fort after three failed attempts. Even Hamir Singh is said to have triumphed in the last battle. According to native legend, Hammir Singh instructed the queens that if they display saffron flags after the battle, it means they have won, while if people hoist Alauddin Khilji's black flags, they have lost. Although Hammir Singh won the battle, his three conspiring generals Ranmal, Ratipal, and Samant Bhojraj fled toward the fort while their soldiers waved black flags. Upon observing the black flag, the queens decided to embraced the Jauhar.

Following the conflict in the Ranthambore fort between Hammir Dev Chauhan and Alauddin Khilji, Rani Rangadevi and other queens committed Jauhar. Princess Padmala, the daughter of Hammir Dev Chauhan, had also committed Jal Jauhar at the same time as other princesses and young women who were not yet married. For Rajasthan, this was the first Jal Jauhar.

Near the elephant pole, Hammir Dev grabbed Ranmal and used a sword to sever his skull. The Ganesh Pol was shut as the other two commanders approached. Then, thanks to Shiva, Hammir remembers his patron god and rides a horse that is as swift as the wind across the fort's wall. However, the princesses and queen had already embraced the Jal Johar and Agni Jauhar, before arriving Rao Hammir. When Hammir Dev Chauhan notices this, he chops off his head and presents it to Shiva. Since then, this couplet is popular...

 

सिंह गमन, सत्पुरुष वचन, कदली फलै इक बार।
 

तिरिया तेल, हमीर हठ, चढ़ै न दूजी बार।।

 

Ranthambhore Fort Images and Nearby Attractions:

Temples Inside Ranthambhore Fort:

Three Hindu temples to Ganesha, Shiva, and Ramlalaji were built inside the Ranthambore fort in the 12th and 13th centuries from red Karauli stone. Additionally, there is a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Sambhavanath and Lord Sumatinath (the fifth Jain Tirthankar).

 

Nearby Visiting Places at Ranthambhore Fort:

1. Kachida Valley
2. Malik Talao
3. Bakaula
4. Lakarda And Anantpura
5. Rajbagh Talao
6. Ranthambore National Park
7. Raj Bagh Ruins
8. Trinetra Ganesha Temple

1. Kachida Valley - In Rajasthan, Kachida Valley is situated near to the boundaries of Ranthambore National Park. Panthers moved to this region in significant numbers to escape clashes with Royal Bengal Tigers. Sloths, which are drawn to the area's bee hives and huge ant hills, also live there in significant numbers. Only a Jeep Safari will get you to Kachida Valley. The surrounds are also really lovely and ideal for some shooting.

2. Malik Talao – A lake called Malik Talao can be found inside Ranthambore National Park. There are several birds that frequent the serene water body, which lies inside zones 3 and 4. Indian Marsh crocodiles, kingfishers, storks, egrets, herons, ibis, cranes, and several more birds and reptiles can all be seen here. Due to the stunning views of the lake and the surrounds, it is also a photographer's dream location. Visitors can access the lake from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

3. Bakaula – Bakula is one of many locations in Ranthambore National Park where you may go on a Jeep Safari to see the Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife. There are numerous little lakes and water holes dispersed across the heavily forested area. Visitors may see tigresses with their cubs and other wild creatures at the water holes in the summer.

4. Lakarda and Anantpura – Lakarda and Anantpura are two sections of Ranthambore National Park that are situated in its northern and western parts. These places are home to many sloths, which are drawn to the ant hills that are dispersed over the landscape. Although they are quite rare, tourists occasionally have the chance to see Indian Striped Hyenas.

5. Rajbagh Talao – In the Ranthambore National Park, the Rajbagh Talao is a very gorgeous location that spans a significant area. It has thick forests and numerous ancient ruins around its boundaries, and a hill on one side looks down on it. One of the creatures you can easily see at Rajbagh Talao is the sambar (Lake). During a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, Royal Bengal Tigers may also be seen since they frequent the Rajbagh Talao to quench their thirst in the summer.

6. Ranthambore National Park – There are several locations to visit in the gorgeous and historic Ranthambore National Park. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the park's biggest attraction, making it one of India's most well-known national parks. Ranthambore National Park offers a variety of fascinating locations and tourism attractions. The Ranthambore National Park is considered to be the best location in the world for wildlife photography.

7. Raj Bagh Ruins – In Ranthambore National Park, the Raj Bagh Ruins are located halfway between Padam Talao and Raj Bagh Talao. Stone buildings in the shape of domes, steps, outhouses from palaces, and arches make up these old remains. In Ranthambore National Park, you can take a wildlife jeep safari and observe these stone remains from a distance. 

8. Trinetra Ganesha Temple – One of the oldest temples in Rajasthan, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple is located inside the Ranthambore Fort. The temple houses the entire family of Lord Ganesha along with his three-eyed statue, which is the only one in the entire world. 

Aarti Timings at Trinetra Ganesh Temple:

• Prabhat Aarti - At Sunrise
• Sringar Aarti – 9:00 AM
• Bhog – 12:00 Noon
• Sandhya Aarti – Sunset
• Shayan Aarti – 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

 

Trinetra Ganesha Temple Image:


 

Other Places to Visit are Near Ranthambhore Fort –

1. Surwal Lake
2. Sitla Mata Temple
3. Jogi Mahal
4. Padam Talao
5. Jain Temple
6. Ranthambhore School Of Art
7. Ranthambhore Natural History Museum

How To Reach Ranthambhore Fort:

 By Road:

• Udaipur – 407 Kms
• Jaipur – 190 kms
• Delhi - 384 kms
• Ahmedabad - 661 kms
• Kota - 160 kms

 By Air: The Jaipur International Airport in Jaipur is the closest airport to Ranthambore Fort. There are frequent flights to Jaipur from all the main cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. The distance between Jaipur and Ranthambore is around 185 kilometres. From Sanganer Airport, tourists can safely go via direct taxi or bus to Ranthambore.

 By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, which is 10 km away from the park, is the closest railway station that connects Ranthambore Fort to other significant cities. Local buses, taxis, or cabs are available for tourists to use.

 

Ranthambhore Fort Visiting Timing and Fees:

 Visiting Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 Vehicle Charges: INR 500 per trip (Vehicle can hold four tourists)

 Cost of Entry for Indians: INR 50 per head; INR 25 for students and senior citizens

 Cost of Entry for Foreigner: INR 200 per head

 

Place to Stay or Hotels near Ranthambhore Fort:

Tiger Moon Resort, Ranthambhore - Ranthambhore Fort is about 6.5 Km from Tiger Moon Resort, Sherpur Sawai Madhopur.

The Sher-Garh Resort, Ranthambhore - Ranthambhore Fort is about 5.1 Km from Sher Garh Resort, Sherpur Sawai Madhopur.

The Ranthambhore Heritage, Ranthambhore - Ranthambhore Fort is about 0.7 Km from The Ranthambhore Heritage.

Jungle View Resort, Ranthambhore – Ranthambhore Fort is about 0.3 Km from Jungle View Resort.

The Village Resort, Ranthambhore – Ranthambhore Fort is about 60 m from The Village Resort.

Tiger Machan Resort, Ranthambhore – Ranthambhore Fort is about 4.5 km from Tiger Machan Resort.

Ranthambhore Nature Camp Resort, Ranthambhore - Ranthambhore Fort is about 7.4 km from Ranthambhore Nature Camp Resort.
 

You Can Also Check Out Our Other Blog in the Rajasthan Fort Series -