Nestled atop the majestic Cheel ka Teela hills in the picturesque Pink City of Jaipur, lies the grand and imposing Jaigarh Fort. Commissioned by the visionary ruler Sawai Jai Singh II in 1726, this fort was built to protect the nearby Amer Fort. Perched on the cliff’s edge, the fort is surrounded by lush greenery and towering battlements that make it truly a sight to behold.
As you step inside the fort, you will be transported back in time to the days of yore. Jaigarh Fort is famously known as the “Fort of Victory” as it withstood every attack and was never conquered. It’s a symbol of the city’s rich and prosperous past and reflects the architectural brilliance of the talented architect Vidhyadhar who designed it. The fort also houses the world’s largest cannon on wheels, the legendary “Jaivana” and offers a breathtaking view of the city below.
During the Mughal dynasty, Jaigarh fort served as the main cannon foundry and was used to store ammunition and other metals required for war. It was protected during the various wars that broke out during the dynasty, until Dara Shikoh was defeated and executed by his own brother Aurangzeb. The fort was later handed over to Jai Singh II who moulded the great “Jaivana Cannon” along with the devices and foundries.
As you stroll through the fort, you’ll be treated to a feast of exquisite architecture including the Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, Laxmi Vilas and Aram Mandir. The fort also houses two ancient temples, the Ram Harihar temple built in the 10th century and the Kal Bhairav temple built in the 12th century, adding to its charm.
The red sandstone walls of the fort stretch over a length of 3 kilometres and are about a kilometer wide, making it an impenetrable fortress. A well-tended square garden sits within the bounds of the fort and embankments provide access to the upper levels of the structure.
You’ll also find a well-maintained garden, an armory and a museum within the fort’s walls. The entry to the stunning Aram Mandir is through the Awani Darwaza, a magnificent triple-arched entrance, and offers a breathtaking view of the nearby Sagar Lake.
The fort is open to visitors from 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM and is a must-visit for anyone who loves history, architecture, and adventure. So pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready for a journey to the Fort of Victory – Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur!
The fort, rugged and similar in structural design to the Amer Fort, is also known as Victory Fort. It has a length of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) along the north–south direction and a width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). The fort features a cannon named “Jaivana”(Jaivana Cannon), which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are connected by subterranean passages and considered as one complex.
Amer was known in the ancient and medieval period as Dhundhar (meaning attributed to a sacrificial mount in the western frontiers). which was ruled by Meenas before 10th century AD. What is known in the present day as Jaigarh Fort, which was actually the main defensive structure rather than the palace itself. The two structures are interconnected by a series of encompassing fortifications and ruled by the Kachwahas from the 10th century onwards. The history of Amer and Jaigarh is indelibly linked to these rulers, as they founded their empire at Amer.
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