Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is renowned for its majestic forts and palaces that tell tales of valor, royalty, and architectural brilliance. Among the most imposing of these is the Jaigarh Fort, a formidable hilltop fort overlooking the Amber Fort and the Maota Lake. Built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort stands as a testament to the military might and strategic acumen of the Rajputs.
A Fort Built for Protection
Unlike other forts in Rajasthan, which served more as royal residences or artistic marvels, Jaigarh Fort was primarily constructed as a military stronghold. Its primary purpose was to protect the Amber Fort and the palace complex below. Strategically perched on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) in the Aravalli range, the fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Jaipur.
The fort’s massive red sandstone walls stretch for about 3 kilometers, enclosing palaces, reservoirs, temples, and an impressive armory. Because it was never conquered, Jaigarh retains much of its original structure, making it one of the best-preserved forts in Rajasthan.
The World’s Largest Cannon on Wheels
One of the main attractions of Jaigarh Fort is the Jaivana Cannon, which was once the largest cannon on wheels in the world. Forged in the fort’s own foundry, the Jaivana Cannon was a marvel of 18th-century military engineering. Though it was never used in battle, the cannon is a powerful symbol of the military strength of the Rajputs.
Weighing over 50 tons, the cannon could fire a 50 kg projectile over a distance of 35 kilometers. Today, it sits majestically on its ramparts, drawing admiration from visitors for its sheer size and craftsmanship.
Architectural Highlights
Despite its defensive purpose, Jaigarh Fort houses some beautiful architecture. The Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir, and Vilasa Mandir are stunning palace complexes within the fort, adorned with delicate lattice work, painted ceilings, and mirror-inlay designs.
A network of underground water tanks and an elaborate rainwater harvesting system showcase the foresight and engineering skills of the Rajputs. The fort also has a museum, displaying weapons, armor, artifacts, and photographs that shed light on Rajasthan’s martial heritage.
A Hidden Tunnel to Amber Fort
An intriguing feature of Jaigarh Fort is the secret subterranean passage that connects it to the Amber Fort below. This passage was likely built to provide a safe escape route in case of an attack. Today, parts of the tunnel have been restored and opened for tourists, adding a sense of adventure to the visit.
Visiting Tips
Jaigarh Fort is located around 15 kilometers from Jaipur city center, and is easily accessible by car or auto-rickshaw. Visitors can also trek up from Amber Fort for a more immersive experience. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for exploration.
Entry tickets are reasonably priced, and guides are available at the gate for those interested in detailed historical insights. Make sure to carry water and wear comfortable shoes, as the fort involves a fair bit of walking.