Kumbhalgarh Fort, the second largest fort in India after Chittorgarh Fort, was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1458 AD. It stands on a craggy hill, 1087 metres above sea level. Rana Kumbha was famous for his bravery and construction of many forts in Rajasthan. He was fond of music and literature. Along with it, he was also a patron of writers and poets. The glory of Mewar was established by Rana Kumbha first. He had many victories on sultans of Gujarat and Malwa, but, unfortunately, he was murdered by his own son and Kumbhalgarh lost its glory. Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the few forts in India that remain unconquered until the date. One reason for this is the inaccessibility and hostile topography of the fort. Maharana Fateh Singh had the fort renovated in the 19th century. The fort provided refuge to the Mewar rulers in times of conflict, especially Udai Singh, the Mewar’s baby king. It is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, a legendary King of the Mewar.
Architecture: Being perched at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level on a hilltop, Kumbhalgarh Fort commands an impressive view of the Aravalli hills and deserts of Mewar. The architecture of the fort was very efficiently designed & built in terms of security from enemies. It was said about the fort that if you want to enter Kumbhalgarh, you can go by being mosquito only; otherwise, it is impossible to penetrate the defenses of this fort. Anyhow if someone entered, he could not reach to uphill because wild animals were found there adequately. Even then too if one reached, there were seven gates as barriers. The fort was built so that it was visible from a sufficient distance, but attackers were not able to harm it.
A self-sufficient fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort was built with almost everything in its premises, with a view to endure a long siege. There was provision of agriculture with seven ponds inside the fort. Hence the fort was so self-sufficient in terms of basic needs that if the fort were to be seized even for a year, the whole population along with soldiers could survive with no much difficulty. Only once in its lifetime, the fort has fallen to the combined forces of the Mughal and the Amber, only because of shortage of drinking water. For emergency exit, there was an underground passage to escape out from the fort safely. There are many Hindu & Jain temples within the fort. Beautiful ‘shikharas’ and statues are the part of temple architecture. But the residential buildings are very simple as the main focus of Rana Kumbha was on needs than comfort.
The most striking feature of Kumbhalgarh Fort is its wall, which stretches over 36 kilometers, earning it the title of the second-longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. The sheer scale of Kumbhalgarh Fort is awe-inspiring. The fort covers an area of approximately 268 hectares, making it one of the largest forts in India. The wall, ranging from 4.5 to 15 meters in width, is so broad that eight horses can ride side by side. Constructed primarily with large stone blocks and lime mortar, it was designed to withstand sieges and invasions. The fort’s entrance is marked by the grand Aaret Pol, followed by other gateways such as Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Vijay Pol, Bhairon Pol, Nimboo Pol, Chaugan Pol, Pagda Pol and Ganesh Pol. These gateways were strategically positioned to create a zigzag path, making it challenging for invaders to use battering rams or elephants to breach the fort. The fort’s gates, each designed to serve a specific purpose, are massive and fortified with iron spikes to resist battering and elephant charges. Additionally, the fort’s layout includes numerous bastions, watchtowers, and narrow passageways, all designed to provide maximum protection and create strategic advantages during conflicts.
Structures Within the Fort: Kumbhalgarh Fort houses over 360 temples, both Jain and Hindu, making it a spiritual center as well as a defensive stronghold. These temples are adorned with intricate carvings and architectural details, reflecting the religious and artistic inclinations of the period. Among the most notable temples are the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, the Mataji Temple, and the Vedi Temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the most revered structures within the fort. It houses a massive Shivlinga made of black stone, measuring approximately six feet in height. The temple’s architecture includes intricately carved pillars and a sanctum, exuding a serene spiritual ambiance. It remains a significant place of worship and a key attraction for visitors.
Vedi Temple: This Jain temple, built by Rana Kumbha, served as a site for rituals and religious ceremonies. Its three-storey structure, supported by 36 pillars, is an excellent example of Jain architectural brilliance. The temple’s design combines simplicity with elegance, emphasizing the spiritual purpose it served.
Mataji Temple: This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who was worshipped as the clan deity of the Sisodia Rajputs. It showcases traditional Rajput temple architecture, with a sanctum, an open courtyard, and intricate stone carvings.
Apart from temples, the fort includes a variety of structures that reflect the fort’s defensive and administrative importance.
Palaces:The fort’s palaces, including the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds), are marvels of Rajput architecture. Badal Mahal, with pastel-tinted chambers, appears as a pleasant surprise in the grimness of the area. Situated at the highest point of the fort, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli hills and forests. This two-storey palace is divided into separate sections for men (Mardana Mahal) and women (Zanana Mahal). Its rooms are adorned with colorful murals, latticework, and intricate designs, showcasing the artistic excellence of the era.
Water Reservoirs and Stepwells:The fort’s water management system is another remarkable feature. Numerous stepwells, tanks, and reservoirs were constructed to ensure a consistent water supply, even during prolonged sieges. The Lakhola Tank, located near the fort’s western gate, is one of the largest and most significant reservoirs. These water structures also served as a source of irrigation for the surrounding areas.
Watchtowers and Bastions: Kumbhalgarh Fort’s strategic location and design were enhanced by the inclusion of numerous watchtowers and bastions. These structures provided a 360-degree view of the region, enabling guards to monitor enemy movements and signal the presence of approaching armies. Some of the bastions are adorned with cannon placements, which were used during battles.
The fort’s role in safeguarding the cultural and political heritage of Mewar cannot be overstated. It provided a sanctuary for rulers and their families during times of upheaval, allowing them to regroup and launch counterattacks against their adversaries. Its temples and palaces also served as centers of art, culture, and spirituality, fostering a rich tradition of creativity and innovation. Visitors from around the world are drawn to its majestic walls, intricate structures, and the stories of heroism and sacrifice that echo within its confines. The fort’s preservation and restoration efforts ensure that its legacy continues to inspire future generations.