History: The fort's origins trace back to the 5th century when it was constructed by Maharaja Jayant of the Yadava dynasty. The Yadavas ruled until the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan ousted them. Over time, the fort witnessed shifts in control, being governed by the Delhi Sultanate, the rulers of Mewar, and eventually the Mughals. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the surrounding national park.
Originally known as Ranastambhapuram, which translates to "City of the Battle Post" in Sanskrit, the fort played a pivotal role during the reign of the Chauhan dynasty. Prithviraj-I, a ruler from the 12th century, associated the fort with Jainism, establishing it as a revered site. Jain scholar Siddhasenasuri included the fort in his list of holy Jain tirthas, and a temple dedicated to Mallinatha, the 19th Jain Tirthankara, was constructed within its walls during the Mughal era.
Following Prithviraja III's defeat in 1192 AD, the fort came under the control of the Muslim ruler Muhammad of Gori. Sultan Iltutmish seized Ranthambore in 1226 AD, but it was reclaimed by the Chauhans after his death in 1236 AD. Subsequent battles saw the fort besieged multiple times, including unsuccessful attempts by Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud’s armies led by Balban. In 1283 AD, Shakti Dev recaptured and expanded the kingdom, strengthening Ranthambore’s defenses. However, in 1301 AD, Sultan Alauddin Khalji conquered the fort after a fierce siege, marking the end of the Chauhan stronghold.
The fort later came under the dominion of Mewar, ruled by notable kings such as Rana Hamir Singh, Rana Kumbha, and Rana Sanga. Their reigns saw Ranthambore fortify its reputation as a bastion of Rajput valor and resilience.
During the late 15th century, the Hada Rajputs of Bundi briefly controlled the fortress. Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat captured it temporarily from 1532 AD to 1535 AD, but it was Mughal ruler Akbar who decisively seized Ranthambore in 1568 AD, incorporating it into the Mughal kingdom.
In the 17th century, the Kachwaha rulers of Jaipur took over Ranthambore Fort. It remained under Jaipur’s control until India’s Independence, and its surrounding area served as hunting grounds for Jaipur’s Maharajas. Post-independence, the fort became part of the state of Rajasthan.
Architectural Layout and Features: The sprawling fort complex encompasses numerous buildings, bastions, and gates, each reflecting the architectural ingenuity of its time. The fort is roughly rectangular in shape, spreading over 4 square kilometers. Its periphery is fortified by walls that extend for approximately 7 kilometers, interspersed with bastions and watchtowers. The walls, constructed using locally sourced sandstone, are about 15-20 feet thick and vary in height depending on the terrain. The fort’s design incorporates natural defenses, with steep cliffs on three sides and dense forests surrounding the base. The massive stone walls, intricate carvings, and strategically placed watchtowers highlight its military and aesthetic design. The fort’s entrances (massive gates), designed to withstand invasions, feature robust structures and sharp turns to impede enemy advances. Bastions and ramparts provide a panoramic view of the surrounding forest, enabling effective surveillance and defense. Ingeniously designed to ensure a continuous water supply, the water reservoirs demonstrate advanced engineering skills.
Ranthambore Fort is accessible through seven massive gates, each built with robust stone and metal reinforcements to thwart enemy attacks. Navlakha Pol, Hathi Pol, Ganesh Pol and Andheri Pol are prominent among them. Each gate is strategically located and reinforced with sharp turns and slopes, making it difficult for enemy forces to breach.
Water conservation was a critical aspect of the fort’s design, and several stepwells and reservoirs were constructed to ensure a steady supply of water. These intricately designed structures served as water storage and also provided cool resting places.
Temples Within the Fort: Ranthambore Fort houses several temples that reflect its spiritual and cultural significance. Three prominent Hindu temples, built during the 12th and 13th centuries, are dedicated to Trinetra Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Ramlalaji. Constructed from red Karauli stone, these temples showcase the craftsmanship and devotion of their era. Additionally, the fort is home to a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Sumatinath, the 5th Jain Tirthankara, and Lord Sambhavanath, further emphasizing its religious diversity.
Among these, the Trinetra Ganesha Temple is especially renowned, drawing large crowds every Wednesday. The Trinetra Ganesha Temple, located near the main entrance of Ranthambore Fort, is renowned as Rajasthan's oldest and most revered temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Constructed in 1300 AD by King Hammir Dev Chauhan, the temple has a fascinating origin. Legend says that during a fierce battle with Alauddin Khilji, King Hammir had a vision of Lord Ganesha, who assured him that the conflict would end the following day. True to the vision, a three-eyed idol of Lord Ganesha was discovered the next morning. The king enshrined this unique idol alongside Riddhi, Siddhi, and their sons, Shubh and Labh. Each September, the temple hosts a grand annual fair during Ganesh Chaturthi, drawing countless devotees from across the country.
Location: Ranthambore Fort is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, approximately 130 kilometers from Jaipur. Its location within Ranthambore National Park adds to its allure, allowing visitors to combine historical exploration with wildlife adventures. The fort is accessible only through the park’s entrance. Visitors need to obtain entry permits to the national park to reach the fort. Guided tours are available for an enriched experience.
In nutshell, Ranthambore Fort stands as a symbol of Rajasthan’s enduring legacy of bravery and architectural excellence. Its walls narrate tales of battles, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of its rulers. Today, the fort is a key attraction for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and spiritual seekers alike. Its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its global importance, preserving its legacy for future generations.