Indergarh Fort - The Forgotten Fort Of Bundi District
By Pawan Sharma
The only forgotten fort of the Hadoti region of Rajasthan, which is established on a hill of the Aravalli like a crown. The fort that is a topic of discussion among tourists but is not extensively mentioned in books. A fort that is associated with the Bundi princely state but is not in a well-maintained condition. Yes, we're talking about the Indergarh Fort located on a hill of the Aravalli range in the Bundi district of Rajasthan state, India.
People from different parts of the country and abroad come to Bundi to enjoy its culture, handicraft items, traditional clothing, and folk dance and music. The forts built on the mountains in Bundi district, along with their architectural splendor, also captivate tourists. These tall forts are not just buildings but also the heritage and pride of our ancestors and Bundi.
The Bundi district of Rajasthan has remained a stronghold of the Hada Chauhan Dynasty. It was under the patronage of a ruler from their lineage that the construction of Indergarh Fort was commissioned. In the 17th century, in the year 1605, Kunwar Indra Sal, the son of Kunwar Gopinath Singh Ji and grandson of Rao Raja Ratan Singh (1608 - 1632), the ruler of Bundi, laid the foundation of this fort.
The fort is located to the northeast of the Kota-Lalsot Mega Highway. Visitors can reach here by bus, taxi, or private vehicles. If a tourist is arriving by train, they can take a taxi from the Indragarh Sumeraganj Mandi Railway Station to reach here.
During the monsoons, the scenery around the fortress becomes enchanting. Everywhere there is greenery, waterfalls, and cool breezes that make one feel refreshed. Sometimes, clouds gather around the fort too. On the other hand, visiting this fort during the monsoons is not without its dangers because there is a fear of falling rocks, slippery paths, and poisonous insects on the mountain. During the monsoons, the entire mountain becomes a dense jungle. That's why it's best to visit here after the monsoon season. And going to the fort in summers is like climbing onto a blazing furnace. Everything around is dry, which can be quite depressing. The right time to explore the fort is from September to March.
To enter this fort one has to pass through the gate of the rampart. During that era, houses made of limestone and sandstone were built within the rampart for the residents and employees. Most of these houses still exist today, where people live after carrying out renovations. To reach the fort within this rampart, one has to climb through narrow alleys. The path of ascent is made of stones that still exist but has become smooth over time.
This is the entrance gate of the fort with a wooden door. Large square hole are made on the upper walls on the right and left sides of the entrance gate, through which soldiers used to keep an eye on incoming people. And through the smaller holes, they would strike at enemies or intruders with weapons. The entrance doors of these forts were quite strong. Mostly, teak wood was used to make the doors because it was strong and could withstand long periods in all weather conditions. To secure the doors from enemies and intruders, long iron spikes were often added in front of the doors.
The road filled with stone steps leading to the second gate is constructed after the main gate of the fort. This second gate is larger than the main gate. The door of this gate is also made of wood, with a thick layer of iron mounted on the wood. The iron layer has sharp spikes attached to it. This second gate was made strong from the main gate.
Soldiers were stationed at the main gate and the second gate. If a visitor wanted to meet the king, their message would be relayed by the soldiers from the main gate to the second gate. The arrangement to defend against attacks on the walls of the second gate is similar to that of the main gate. Stairs are built on the left side of the second gate leading up to the roof over the gate. Soldiers kept watch from this roof.
This is the final door inside the fortress from where one could reach the rooms of the king's family, galleries, and balconies. Inside is a courtyard surrounded by galleries on its right and left sides. Perhaps this courtyard is used for cultural programs, and people sit in these galleries to watch the programs. Stairs have been built to go to the galleries above this coutyard.
Inside the fort, large Jharokhe (windows) are built in the galleries to keep watch and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. These windows have attractive designs painted on their walls. Perhaps during that period, soldiers, ministers and the king used to stand in these galleries and look through the Jharokhe to watch the activities of the city. Additionally, after the rainy season, when one gazes at the city through these windows, cool breeze, the sight of mountains, and greenery is enchanting to the mind.
Beautiful Mahal (palaces) are built inside the fort - the Jaanana Mahal, the Supari Mahal, and the Hawa Mahal. These palaces showcase attractive paintings. The walls of these palaces depict stories of royal courts, battles, tales of valorous Rajput rulers, and Rajput cultural events. However, due to lack of maintenance at present, the colors of the paintings have faded and they have also deteriorated. It's difficult to recognize these palaces now.
Small Jharokhe were made to view the scenery outside from the palaces. During that era, the king, queens, women, and children would enjoy the view of the city from these Jharokhe. During the rainy and winter seasons, they must have enjoyed the sight of greenery, and in the summer, the breeze from the Jharokhe must have brought relief. The design of the Jharokhe in most Rajput forts is similar, but the artworks on them make them attractive.
Kunwar Indra sal had a dam constructed in the north-east direction of Indergarh Fort to provide water to the people. This dam was called the Shivdan Sagar Dam. It only fills up completely during the monsoon, and when there is excessive water, it overflows the dam's wall and enters the city. In summers, it completely dries up, leaving only dry soil visible.
From a security standpoint, Rajput forts were often built on high hills. However, it is not entirely true that security is achieved solely by building forts at high altitudes. Thick walls made of sturdy materials like limestone and sandstone were constructed to make the forts secure. These high walls provided security to the fort from all sides. Additionally, these walls were extended downwards from the hills to create a rampart where the population lived. These walls were stronger than the walls we see today. Enemies had to make considerable effort to breach the fort walls.
If you're planning to visit Bundi district, be sure to include Indergarh Fort in your travel list. Although the city is small, the fort built on the Aravalli mountain range offers enchanting views and an experience of witnessing the Rajput heritage up close. However, whenever you come here, make sure to visit after the monsoons.
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