Six forts in Rajasthan are recognized as World Heritage Sites.
- Chittorgarh Fort: Constructed on the “Mesa” plateau, shaped like a fish, by Chitrang Maurya.
- Largest residential fort with features from all forts, except those in the desert. Known for three Sakas.
- Notable structures: Kumbha Swami Temple, seven gates, Victory Pillar (Vijay Sthamb), Jain Kirti Pillar, Padmini Palace, Gora Badal Mahal, etc.
- Gagron Fort: A water fort constructed by Dod Parmar.
- Features vast surrounding ditches and strong walls.
- Testimony to devotion (Saint Pipa, Saint Hamiduddin, Prithviraj Rathore) and sacrifice (two Sakes, including by Achal Das khinchi).
- Structures → Temple of Madhusudan, Jalim Kot, Andheri Baori, A mint of kota state etc.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort: Built by Maharana Kumbha, designed by architect Mandan.
- Remarkable height and a wall length of 36 km.
- Notable structures include the 12-pillar cenotaph of the ‘Udna Rajkumar’ Prithviraj and the temple of Kumbhalgarh Swami.
- Ranthambore Fort: Constructed by Chauhan ruler Ranthamman Dev, renowned for the first Saka of Rajasthan.
- Oval shape with features of both a Mountain and Forest Fort.
- Surrounded by seven hills of the Aravali range and thick forests.
- Notable structures include Jogi Mahal, Badal Mahal, 32-pillar cenotaph, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Padam Pond, and the Mint of Akbar’s period.
- Jaisalmer Fort: Built by Bhati ruler Rao jaisal.
- Built with yellow stones on Trikuta hills, known as the “Sonar Fort.”
- Skirt-like wall surrounds the fort ; wooden roof and 99 towers.
- Famous for ‘Dhai Saka’ and houses rare manuscripts.
Structures include Rangmahal, Moti Mahal, Jawahar Vilas, and Jain temples dedicated to Parshvnath and Rishbhdev.
- Amer Fort: Built by Man Singh I, with palaces on a mountain slope.
- Structures include Suhag Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Jagat Shiromani, Shila Devi Temple, Sheesh Mahal, Deem-E-Aam, and Deewan-E-Khas.
Thus, Rajasthan forts provide a captivating tourism opportunity, offering a journey through the rich history and architectural brilliance of the region.
