The world of Maharajas

Researching for a project on the forts and palaces that one can see in Rajasthan tours, Arman, an architect student was glued to the computer. The more he researched, the more awed he was of the glorious and rich history of the country, where in various dynasties ruled over different regions giving the land a heritage that is second to none. Amidst all the historical glory of the destinations in India tours, Rajasthan emerges as a legendary land defined by the kingdoms and principalities that were till independence ruled by the Maharajas, Rajas, Ranas and Rawals.

It is in Rajasthan tour packages that many a silent, rocky outcrops transformed themselves into proud stone forts and stood tall in the deserted region as the sentinel of the terrain spread endlessly around them. Arman realised that in Rajasthan tours one refers to the forts as being important architectural relics of country’s long history, which offer an in-depth insight into the life of the royalty of the country. In fact the capitals of many royalties were based in a fort around which a township grew and developed- a trend which was quite common throughout South Asia.

Arman was surprised to know that in Rajasthan tours it was easy to differentiate forts by their mode of defense. For example the Jag Niwas palace situated in the middle of Lake Pichola basically falls in the category of Jal Durg, or a fort surrounded by water. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746. Today it has evolved as the most prestigious Taj Laka Palace hotel that is any tourists dream with its white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake and the lofty palaces on the other, this palace spreads across a four-acre island like a surreal vision in marble.

It was now easy for Arman to comprehend what he had heard from a Travel agent of Rajasthan that while many a forts of the erstwhile period have lost their glory, the government has indeed gone out of its way to restore and maintain many of these buildings in the best possible manner. Experts have also been roped in to preserve the special architectural highlights of arched gateways, arcade corridors, carved marble columns and limestone construction. Today strolling through these architectural wonders one can soak in the feeling of royalty and even relive the majestic grandeur that once was in the golden era of India.

The tour operators of Rajasthan state that over a period of time, many of the forts and palaces have opened their doors to visitors as luxury hotels and resorts. Often run by the members of erstwhile ruling families, these have given a new lease of life not only to the forts, but also to the heritage of the country. Staying in the rooms which once inhabited the royals is akin to almost travelling back in time to an era that was gracious, graceful and romantic.

The Architectural pleasures of Rajasthan forts:

In Rajasthan tours forts are undoubtedly the finest remnants of royals that ruled the place and spin the tales of Rajputs daring adventures. Arman tried to capture a glimpse of that bygone period through the forts listed below:

• Taragarh Fort: Situated 39 km from Kota, Taragarh was built in 1354. It consisted of three gateways and was well-known for its criss-crossing tunnels. Research made Arman realise how this very fort served as a military activity center when Ajmer was dominated by the Mughals, whereas Britishers used it as a sanitarium. One of the popular attractions of the fort is the manner in which it offers a bird’s eye-view of the region as it is beautifully placed on top of Nagpahari hill in Ajmer.
• Amber Fort: Merely eleven kilometres from Jaipur, this fort overlooks the Maotha Lake and is very popular amongst the tourist. It is a pleasure to espy the reflection of the ramparts and the terraces in the waters of the lake. In fact built in red sandstone and white marble, this fort is an attractive piece of architecture.