About The Fort
Ranthambhore's royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved
imposing fort, built in 994 A.D. atop a steep high creek 200 meters
above sea level. Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid
monuments are interspersed within the majestic fort. An 8th century A.D.
Ganesh temple on an open land attracts thousands of devotees and is the
venue for an annual fair held on. Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi, fourth day
of the bright half, in the month of Bhadra.
The fort is believed to be the site at which the first jauhar
in Rajput history was performed. In the early 14th century, the ruler of
the fort, Hammir deva, was engaged in a protracted battle with the
muslim forces. Although Hammir repulsed the Muslim invaders; the women
who were installed in the fort for their safety heard that he had
succumbed on the battlefield. In usual Rajput style, preferring death to
dishonor, they committed mass suicide. When confronted with the grisly
news, the victorious Hammir beheaded himself before the image of God
Shiva in the temple at the fort.
From a distance, the fort is not an imposing edifice, being almost
indiscernible on its hilltop looking out over the lake of Padam Talab.
However it offers very fine views form the disintegrating walls of the
Badal Mahal, on its northern side, and its seven enormous gates still
intact.
Picture of Ranthambore Fort
