MANDAWA FORT JAIPUR
Heritage Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan !!
MANDAWA FORT JAIPUR
Mandawa Fort is a striking example of unique Rajasthani-style architecture. Built in the 18th century by Nawal Singh, the fort is situated 170 km from Jaipur and boasts beautiful archways, mirror works, and paintings. Mandawa was once an important city in Rajasthan and was founded by the Rajputs in the 18th century. The main attraction here is the Mandawa Fort, around which the town developed. Ensconced in the Aravallis, the fort was established to protect the flourishing trading outpost of Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Today, it has been converted into a heritage hotel and is famous for its painted arched gateway, beautiful frescoes, exquisite carvings, paintings of Lord Krishna, and mirror work. The Mandwa Fort was built by Nawal Singh, the first descendant of the Shekhawati rulers. Mandawa is also famous for its beautiful Havelis which are a trademark of the Shekhawati region, which is also known as the world’s largest open-air art gallery. It is located about 168 km from Jaipur. Mandawa Haveli was originally built in 1896, as the townhouse of Thakur Bhagwat Singh ji the 15th ruler of Mandawa. True to form, it is resplendent with terraces offering views of Nahargarh Fort, shaded verandahs for the hot summer months, beautiful gardens in the cooler winter months, and boasts some of the best architecture of the day. The modern additions of a swimming pool, and choice of restaurants, add to the experience.
There are many elements to Jaipur, some expected and some not quite so! It is the capital of, and the gateway to, Rajasthan, but it is also one of India’s fastest-growing cities, with a verve vibrancy that is addictive. It is a city where modern technology and design rub shoulders with ancient monuments and traditions which showcase the wonderful juxtaposition of old meets new. For the traveler, it is the history and heritage they seek, and the stories are woven into its forts and palaces and monuments, the better-known ones being the City Palace, The Amber Fort, The Palace of Winds, and the Observatory but there are many more to discover. There are fascinating temples, both ancient and modern, where age-old traditions take place. And its labyrinthian old townhouses have countless treasures with its bazaars, designers, street food, and age-old culture. Jaipur is also emerging as a soft adventure destination, there are city as well as countryside cycling routes, treks to ancient forts, horse riding, and hot-air ballooning. A great way to spend a weekend in a city that you think you may already have discovered.
HISTORY OF MANDAWA FORT JAIPUR
The Mandawa Fort, also known as the Castle Mandawa was built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh with a medieval theme. This is a colossal fort that has a painted arched gateway with pictures of Lord Krishna and his cows. Paintings of Lord Krishna, exquisite carvings, and amazing mirror works are fundamental to the rooms of this fort. Several antiques and paintings enhance the beauty of the darbar halls of this fort. The Castle Mandawa has now been converted into a heritage hotel with all modern facilities and is managed by the royal family of Mandawa, which highly attracted tourists.
Mandawa Fort is an important heritage site of Shekhawati. It was built by the then Thakur Nawal Singh Bahadur at Mandawa town, situated in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. The fort is now run as a hotel by the Rajasthan Tourism Department. The town of Mandawa was a thikana of Jaipur State. Mandawa once functioned as a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes in Shekhawati for goods from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, then ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa built a fort to protect this outpost. Over time, a township grew around the fort and soon attracted a large community of traders, who then settled down at Mandawa. The great Ghazal Singer of South Asia Mehdi Hassan was born here and migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India.
MANDAWA FORT JAIPUR ARCHITECTURE
The fort of Mandawa is not only attracts tourists because of its historical importance but also because of its scenic and beautiful architecture and paintings that depict a certain theme both inside and outside the castle. At the entrance of the fort is an elegant and admirable painted arch. Most of the paintings both inside and outside of the castle depict lord Krishna and Radha. Along with the painting the fort also boasts of its intrinsic and delicate mirror work. Through its medieval charm, the fort takes one back to the 18th century.
The interior of the castle is the same as it was back in the day. With an antique collection from the Rajputana era, a painting depicting various themes, and its tranquilizing mirror work, the fort is the perfect example of the then and the current Rajputana and Shekhawati culture and traditions. The best time to visit the historical site is from October to march. Though the Mandawa fort has been converted into a heritage hotel, it has not lost its magical touch of the Rajputana era.
ATTRACTIONS AT MANDAWA FORT JAIPUR
Located in the heart of the Aravali hills is the small town of Mandawa. Mandawa is a small beautiful town situated in the hub and the center of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The modest town of Mandawa is known for its Havelis and forts. Because of its historic monuments, the town is also a famous shooting site for many Bollywood movies. Found in the 18th century Mandawa like the town itself has a very smooth and transparent history. It was founded by Mandujat and later was taken over by the Rajput rulers. The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Mandawa Fort is counted among the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. It reflects the royalty, magnificence, and splendor of the bygone period. The Mandawa fort has painted archways that are decorated with interesting forms of paintings of Lord Krishna along with his cowherds.
One of the alluring and eye-catching monuments of Mandawa is the Mandawa fort or Castle Mandawa. Castle Mandawa is not only an important historical site of the town but also of the state of Rajasthan. The fort was built in the 18th century along with other historical sites. It was built by Nawal Singh who was the first direct descendent of the Shekhawati rulers. Because of the construction of the fort a township was able to be set up in the town of Mandawa.
The fort also stands strong as a symbol of Rajasthan’s heritage and vibrant culture. The castle has also been given the name of an “open art gallery” because of the various paintings present inside the fort that are sure to turn heads around because of their beauty and intrinsic artwork and designs. In conclusion, the Mandawa fort or the Castle Mandawa is a must-watch tourist destination and it also is historically significant not only for the town of Mandawa but for all of Rajasthan. Castle Mandawa acts as a magnet and allures people with its architectural beauty and leaves them both amazed and charmed. Castle Mandawa is a fusion of royal and rustic.