AHHICHATRAGARH
FORT
The
crowning glory of Rajasthan
Nagaur, the historic town of India also has become the crowning
glory of Rajasthan with a strong fort called Ahhichatragarh
or Nagaur. The mighty fort was supposed to be built around
the 4th century but the lost glory of the fort dates back
to 12th century when extensive renovations were carried out.
The castle is built on a hillock. Almost all the forts in
Rajasthan are built in such manner. The Nagaur fort has managed
to survive through the battles fought. Ahhichatragarh is fortified
by two huge concentric walls, with the inner one as thick
as 30 feet at the base.
The fort belongs to the member of Chauhana family called Rai
Bisala. The fort was renovated in 1119 by Mohammad Bahlim,
the governor in Gazanis court. The gateway to the castle displays
a plate which bears an inscription stating the date when the
fort was renovated.
The strong foundation and renovation helped the fort stand
out through all the battles. Today, the fort is in a very
bad shape where only the skeletal is remaining. However, the
broken structure of what once must have been a beautiful fountain
with 17 jets still speak of the long-gone glory of Nagaur
fort.
Inside the fort is also housed the Pil Khana (a place where
the elephants are kept), has still maintained its stability.
The Ahhichatragarh fort is still blowing the trumpets...of
course not announcing the battle but to welcome all the visitors.
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