Discover the timeless allure of Jaigarh Fort, a majestic fortress steeped in history and perched amidst the scenic landscapes of Rajasthan. This comprehensive virtual tour will reveal its mysteries and its architectural marvels.

Jaigarh Fort Overview

In 1726, Sawai Jaisingh constructed Jaigarh Fort on the Aravalli hill range to defend the Amer Fort and Palace. Spanning 3 km in length and 1 km in width, it boasts architecture reminiscent of the Amer Fort. It is located 400 meters above Amer Fort and offers a fantastic view of both Amer Fort and Maota Lake. Perched on the Hill of Eagles, also known as Cheel ka Teela, Jaigarh offers panoramic views of the Amber Palace, Fort, and the Aravali Mountains. The Rajputs and Mughals utilized the Jaigarh Fort as a center for cannon manufacturing. Referred to as Victory Fort, it houses Jaivana, the world’s largest cannon on wheels at the time.

Structure of Jaigarh Fort

The Jaigarh Fort has three entrances: the Awami Gate, Sagar Gate, and Doongar Gate. Accessible from Amer Fort, the Awami Gate once linked Jaigarh with Amer Fort via subterranean passages, forming a cohesive defense complex. The Sagar Gate allowed entry from Sagar Lake, while the Doongar Gate, formerly a rear gate, offers a commanding view of three large water tanks once vital to daily military operations.

Constructed of red sandstone, the fort’s walls are formidable barriers, with narrow passageways and high ceilings designed to deter intruders. Identical pavilions, featuring doors and windows cut from the same wall slots, contribute to the fort’s imposing symmetry. Some pathways are inaccessible, serving as remnants of secret passages from bygone eras. Further, the absence of directional signs within the complex can confuse navigation, making it challenging.

Key attractions within the fort include the iconic Jaivana Cannon, the Palace Complex housing Subhat Niwas and Khilbati Niwas, Laxmi Vilas, Vilas Mandir, the Puppet Theatre, Royal Dining Hall, Lalit Mandir, armory, and museums.

Jaivana Cannon

The Jaigarh Fort stands out as the most formidable of Jaipur’s three forts, boasting an unblemished record in battle and earning the nickname of Victory Fort. During Aurangzeb’s reign, this fortress witnessed a tragic ambush where the emperor orchestrated the assassination of his brother, who commanded a cannon outpost within its walls. Among its prized possessions is the Jaivana cannon, a marvel of engineering and a focal point of the fort’s allure. Crafted in 1720, this cannon holds the distinction of being the world’s largest cannon on wheels during the early modern era.

The Jaivana cannon only fired once, unleashing its mighty force with a charge of 100kg of gunpowder and extending 35 km. The Jaivana cannon, which originated in the Jaigarh foundry during the reign of Jai Singh II, has an astounding size. It has a barrel that is 20 feet long, 11 inches wide and weighs a whopping 50 tonnes. Equipped with wheels and a sophisticated mechanism, it boasts two back wheels mounted on roller pin bearings, enabling a full 360-degree rotation and firing capability in any direction. Adorned with intricate depictions of forests, elephant scrolls, and birds, the cannon’s barrel stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. A nearby plaque tells the narrative of its long history, while a modest shed provides shelter from the weather, preserving this magnificent artifact for generations to come.

Palace Complex of Jaigarh Fort

The palace complex of Jaigarh Fort is located on the north side. The complex has various sections constructed in different architectural styles to suit various occasions and weather conditions. Within this part, you’ll find the renowned Aram Mandir and the Charbagh Garden, both showcasing exquisite Persian architecture.

Subhat And Khilbati Niwas

The Subhat Niwas complex at Jaigarh Fort is an open space with verandas where troops gathered for parades before carrying out any actions. It is where kings used to address their armies. The complex houses large war drums, harmoniums, pianos, and other musical instruments.

Khilbati Niwas served as the special audience hall where the kings meet with ministers.

Vilas Mandir and Lakshmi Vilas

Vilas Mandir is the queen’s house within the royal complex. It also served as a gathering place for royal ladies.

Lakshmi Vilas, the king’s residence, is an intriguing part of the Jaigarh Fort complex. It boasts magnificent structures with floral-patterned walls. Doors on either side of the balcony open to an elevated balcony overlooking the Mughal gardens. The long, dark corridor of Lakshmi Vilas leads to various parts of the complex, including a Puppet Theatre and a separate Royal Dining Complex for men and women.

Puppet Theatre and Royal Dining Complex

The complex’s puppet theatre is a small venue where puppet shows, dance performances, and musical acts entertain the royals. It features a small stage where puppeteers currently showcase short performances. You can enjoy the live puppet show if you wish.

Mirza Raja Jai Singh commissioned the construction of the royal dining hall complex, which his successors repeatedly renovated. The artwork within portrays Jaipur’s Maharaja Bhawani Singh dining with his Saradars, depicting a typical meal of the era. It is complete with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes served in thalis. The jewelry, attire, and headgear worn by the kings and ministers showcase a variety of styles from that period. Another section of the dining hall also features the queen and royal ladies.

Lalit Mandir

Lalit Mandir, another notable structure, is a two-story building designed for summer stays. The upper level houses bedrooms with balconies, featuring stone jhorkha screens with jali work to allow cool breezes to flow within.

Drilling Complex, Surya Mandir and Bajrang Van

The drilling complex at Jaigarh Fort’s gun foundry provides insight into the technical evolution of cannon making. It offers a glimpse into the intricate process of cannon production. The complex was utilized for drilling holes in solid-cast barrels. Its center features an octagonal room where four wooden bars, powered by four pairs of oxen, rotate to operate the drilling mechanism. Beneath this room, a sophisticated gear system, comprising two vertical and one horizontal wheel, facilitates the drilling process.

Adjacent to the drilling complex lies Surya Mandir, a spacious structure boasting seven rooms on its deck. It houses not only a cannon foundry but also a collection of tools used by blacksmiths in the past. Within the vicinity, you’ll also find the cannon Bajrang Van, embellished with two dolphin designs. It is a garrison cannon, carried into battle by sturdy oxen.

Armory and Museum

Jaleb Chowk, situated at the southern point of the fort, stands as a significant courtyard facing the palace. It features a museum, armory, a modest temple dedicated to Ram Hairhar, and offices on either side.

The armory chamber has an extensive collection of swords, shields, guns, muskets, and a 50kg cannonball. During the Kachwaha period, the present-day Jaigarh Fort served as the principal defensive structure, with enclosing fortifications connecting it to the Amer Fort. The museum, positioned to the left of the Awami Gate, showcases portraits of Jaipur’s royalty, stamps, artifacts, and hand-drawn maps of the palaces. One of the most notable photograph collections features Sawai Bhawani Singh and General Man Singh II, an esteemed figure in the Indian Army.

Read our post on Golconda Fort for information on similar historical forts for exploring.

Attractions Near Jaigarh Fort

Amer Fort

Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort, stands majestically in Jaipur’s Amer town, just 1.5 kilometers from Jaigarh Fort. Built by Man Singh I in 1592, this opulent palace is a testament to Rajasthan’s rich architectural heritage. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the fort boasts four levels, each adorned with its courtyard. Among its highlights are the Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, and Sukh Niwas, where Rajput Maharajas and their families once resided, earning it the name Amber Palace.

Suraj Pol serves as the main entry gate to the fort, leading us to the first courtyard and the Sila Devi Temple. The second courtyard houses the Diwan-e-Aam, or Public Audience Hall, while the Ganesh Pol grants access to the private palace of the royals. Mughal gardens, Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, and Sukh Niwas are all nestled within this part of the fort, while the fourth courtyard, Zenana, served as the residence for royal women and concubines.

Although entry to Amer Fort is free, admission to the Amer Palace costs 105 rupees for Indians and 550 rupees for foreigners. You can hire guides at the fort’s base, some of whom may even offer transportation services. Additionally, the fort has one-way elephant rides from morning until 2 pm. It offers a unique perspective of Maota Lake and the Aravalli Mountain range. Amer Fort’s cinematic charm has been immortalized in numerous Bollywood films, adding to its allure and cultural significance.

Panna Meena Ka Kund

Panna Meena Ka Kund, a 17th-century stepwell located within a kilometer from Amer Fort, has a simple yet elegant design. The stairways leading to the Kund not only serve as a means of access but also as a way of conserving water.

Jagat Shiromani Temple

Adjacent to Panna Meena Ka Kund lies the Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Krishna, Meera Bai, and Vishnu. Constructed less than a kilometer from Amer Fort, Queen Kanakwati, wife of King Man Singh I, commissioned the temple in memory of her son, Jagat Singh, between 1599 and 1608 AD. You must ascend a few steps to reach the temple. Two elephant artworks grace the entryway. The temple’s most notable feature is its intricately carved toran, crafted from a single piece of marble.

The temple is located atop an Adhisthana complex. According to folklore, the statue of Lord Krishna housed in the sanctum, is the same one worshipped by Meera Bai in Mewar. During the Mughal conflict with the Mewar state, Amer rulers safeguarded the statue from destruction, relocating it to this temple. The sanctum also contains a statue of Meera Bai, a fervent devotee of Lord Krishna and wife of the Mewar King.

The temple further includes a garuda-mandapa in front of the sanctum. Elaborate marble carvings adorn the temple’s inner and outer walls, pillars, and ceiling. With its intricate details and historical significance, this ornate temple is a must-visit when exploring Amer Fort. Despite its allure, the temple tends to draw fewer crowds, allowing us to explore the complex for 15 to 30 minutes leisurely.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort lies approximately 4 to 5 kilometers from Jaigarh Fort. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II commissioned the construction of this fort in 1734. Formerly known as ‘Sudarshangarh Fort,’ it was later renamed Nahargarh, signifying ‘Abode of Tigers.’

Within the complex, you’ll find a small Bawdi or step well. Additionally, Nahargarh Fort houses a temple dedicated to Nahar Singh Baba. According to legend, Nahar Singh’s spirit hampered the construction of the fort, and a temple was built to appease it.

The most prominent structure within Nahargarh Fort is the Madhavendra Palace/Bhawan. Built by Sawai Madho Singh, this two-story palace was intended for his nine concubines. All of the chambers had connections to his chamber by passageways, allowing him discrete access. The design afforded him privacy while facilitating interaction with his queens. Featuring lobbies, bedrooms, kitchens, and toilets, each unit boasts intricately painted walls and ceilings adorned with floral motifs. The Madhavendra Bhawan served multiple purposes, including as a hunting lodge for the kings. Atop the palace, various viewing points provide panoramic views of Jaipur city, especially stunning during sunset at Sunset Point. Within the fort, you can also explore the Jaipur Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal for an additional fee.

The entry fee to Nahargarh Fort is 54 rupees for Indians and 200 rupees for foreigners. In addition, on Rajasthan Day, World Heritage Day, World Museum Day, and World Tourism Day, entrance is free.

How To Reach Jaigarh Fort

Travel Tips To Visit Jaigarh Fort

• Jaigarh Fort operates daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 150 for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 for foreigners. If you’re a student or a senior citizen, don’t forget to present your current student ID or senior card to avail a 50% discount on the entry fee.
• Guides are available for hire at a reasonable rate of 100 to 200 rupees, offering insightful tours of the key attractions of the fort and their historical significance.
• The fort has well-maintained restrooms and RO drinking water stations.
• Dining options are available at the vegetarian restaurant on the site. Remember that prices may be slightly higher than those in the downtown area. Besides that, the fort complex features one or two snack shops and a handicraft store for souvenir shopping.
• Photographers are stationed within the fort premises for those seeking to capture memories in traditional Rajasthani attire.
• Be mindful of your surroundings, as both Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts are nestled amidst lush forests teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for peacocks and other fauna on the way. Further, exercise caution when venturing out at night, as wild animals may roam nearby.

Jaigarh Fort is akin to a maze in that you won’t realize how large it is until you start exploring, but as you do, you’ll turn a corner and discover something new. Explore its obscure corridors and secret treasures to fully appreciate its majesty and importance. Overall, Jaigarh Fort reflects Rajasthan’s rich history, offering a glimpse into the region’s glorious past.