Jaigarh Fort in Rajasthan is located on the promontory of the Aravalli range called Cheel ka Teela; it overlooks the Amer Fort and Maota Lake, near Amer in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The fort was built to protect the Amer Fort and its palace complex by Jai Singh II in 1726 and was named after him.

The fort is among the Top forts of Jaipur, rugged and similar to the Amer Fort in structural design, is also known as Victory Fort. It is 3 km long along the north-south direction, and 1 km wide. The fort features a cannon named “Jaivana” which was made in the precincts of the fort and was then the largest cannon on wheels in the world. Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are connected to each other through passages and considered one complex.

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Overview

Jaigarh Fort is a grand structure in the Pink City of Jaipur, perched on top of the hills of ‘Cheel ka Teela.’ In the year 1726, Sawai Jai Singh II commissioned this magnificent edifice to protect Amer Fort. It is a palatial structure, cradled on the top of the cliff, bounded by greenery and massive battlements. This magnificent fort is connected by underground passages to Amer Fort and is famously known as the ‘Fort of Victory’ as it was never conquered. The fort currently houses the largest cannon on wheels in the world – ‘Jaivana’ and offers a magnificent view of the city of Jaipur.

Conceptualized and designed by Vidhyadhar, a talented architect, Jaigarh fort is said to be the strongest of all three forts, and has never faced any major resistance. The fort reflects the prosperous past of the city and is named after the ruler who built it-Sawai Jai Singh II. Other than its elaborate architecture, the fort is also known for the enormous treasure that was thought to be buried beneath it. However, it is believed that in the 1970s the Rajasthan Government seized the treasure.

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History

Amer was known as Dhundhar in the Ancient and Medieval times. What is known today as Jaigarh Fort, which was the main defensive structure and not the palace itself? The two structures are interconnected by a series of encompassing fortifications and from the 10th century onwards ruled by the Kachwahas. Amer’s and Jaigarh ‘s history is indelibly linked to these rulers, as they founded their Amer empire.

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During the Mughal dynasty, the fort became the principal cannon foundry and was also used to store ammunition and other war-required metal. During the successive wars that broke out in the Mughal dynasty in 1658, the cannon outpost at the Jaigarh fort was protected, until its own brother, Aurangzeb, defeated and executed the protector, Dara Shikoh. Later the great ‘Jaivana Cannon’ is known to have been moulded by Jai Singh II when the fort was handed over to him, along with the use of the devices and the foundries.

Architecture

The royal structure reflects the style of a medieval building and is filled with various wonderful exquisite interiors. The huge and stunning Jaigarh Fort was built between the 15th to 18th centuries using the red sandstones during the period of Jai Singh ll. Once upon a time, this was the fort, which is responsible for both Jaipur and Amer ‘s safety from rivals. The majestic fort also has the complexes to store the gigantic weapons, cannons, and other weapons along with places like the assembly of warriors.

Jaigarh Fort is an imposing and striking structure that spreads across a wide range. Protected by thick red sandstone walls, the fort houses some of the finest architectures, including Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, Laxmi Vilas and Aram Mandir, among others. The fort’s fascination is compounded by two other temples, Ram Harihar built in the 10th century and Kal Bhairav temple built in the 12th century. The main highlight of the place, however, is the biggest cannon on wheels in the world known as the ‘Jaivana Cannon’ and a vast complex of palaces. Other than that, along with an armoury and a museum, one can witness a well-kept garden.

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The Jaigarh Fort’s red sandstone walls are spread over 3 kilometres in length and are about a kilometre wide making the establishment an impregnable one. Within the boundaries of the fort sits a well-tended square garden and embankments are built to provide access to the upper levels of the structure. Courtrooms and halls are delicately embellished with screened windows while the entire surrounding landscape is overlooked by a central watchtower. The entrance to the Aram Mandir is via the Awani Darwaza, a magnificent triple-arched entrance. Aram Mandir provides a panoramic view of the nearby Sagar Lake.

Features

In addition to its exceptional military architecture and other attractions, the gigantic canon Jaivana is the fort’s major attraction. This fort, being a military campus, holds an armoury that presents the swords, and other essential things mostly used in wars. The museum shows the Rajput rulers’ puppets, artefacts, photographs and war utilities.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Jaipur and Jaigarh Fort is from early November to February during the winter months i.e. The place is lush green during the monsoon season and offers a great respite from the scorching heat of summer sun. Morning and evening hours are perfect for a stroll through the fort premises.

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