Bhangarh Fort: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Historical fort in Rajasthan, India}}
{{short description|Historical fort in Rajasthan, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{IPA|}}
{{IPA|}}
{{Infobox military installation
{{Infobox military installation
|native_name        =
|native_name        =
|location            = [[Rajasthan]], India
|location            = [[Rajasthan]], India
|image              = Haveli at Bhangarh Fort.jpg
|image              = Bhangarh Fort - Royal Palace Bhangarh (July 2022) - img 16.jpg
|caption            = Haveli inside Bhangarh Fort
|caption            = Fortification gate looking towards the royal palace of Bhangarh
|pushpin_map        = Rajasthan
|pushpin_map        = Rajasthan
|pushpin_map_caption = Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan
|pushpin_map_caption = Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan
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|demolished          =
|demolished          =
|condition          = Vacant; tourist attraction
|condition          = Vacant; tourist attraction
|ownership          =  
|ownership          =
* Mihir Nagar (prior)
* Mihir Nagar (prior)
* [[Government of India]] (current)
* [[Government of India]] (current)
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}}
}}


The '''Bhangarh Fort''' is a 16th-century [[fort]] built in the [[Rajasthan]] state of [[India]].<ref name=haunt>{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/slideshow/top-10-most-haunted-places-in-india_39.html|title=Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Zee News}}</ref> It was built by [[Bhagwant Das]] for his younger son Madho Singh.{{Disputed inline|Father and son|for=Dates of death/birth don't overlap|date=April 2019}} The fort and its precincts are well preserved.{{Sfn|Singh|2010|p=188}}<ref name=Census2001>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/PopulationFinder/View_Village_Population.aspx?pcaid=856194&category=VILLAGE | title=View Population | access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}</ref>
The '''Bhangarh Fort''' is a 16th-century [[fort]] built in the [[Rajasthan]] state of India.<ref name=haunt>{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/slideshow/top-10-most-haunted-places-in-india_39.html|title=Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Zee News}}</ref> The town was established during the rule of [[Bhagwant Das]] as the residence of his second son, Madho Singh.<ref name="ParveenSharma">{{cite book |last1=Parveen |first1=Wajeda |last2=Sharma |first2=Anrukati |title=Dynamics of Commerce and Management |date=2014 |publisher=Archers & Elevators Publishing House |isbn=9789383241439 |page=62 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3PxvEAAAQBAJ&dq=Bhangarh+Fort+history&pg=PT59 |chapter=Bangharh Fort: a case study of dark tourism}}</ref> The fort and its precincts are well preserved.{{Sfn|Singh|2010|p=188}}<ref name=Census2001>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/PopulationFinder/View_Village_Population.aspx?pcaid=856194&category=VILLAGE | title=View Population | access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
The Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the [[Sariska Tiger Reserve|Sariska Reserve]] in the [[Aravali range]] of hills in [[Alwar district]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.holidify.com/blog/bhangarh-fort-haunted/|title=Known As The Most Haunted Place In India, Bhangarh Fort Is Not Just Another Place To Visit |website=Holidify|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-12}}</ref> of Rajasthan.<ref name=Place>{{Cite web |url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/bhangarh-fort-most-haunted-place-india-080410692.html|title= Bhangarh Fort: The 'most haunted' place in India?|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Yahoo News}}</ref> The nearest village is Gola ka Baas.{{Sfn|Si''ngh|2010|p=188}}The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. The ruins of the king's palace are located on the lower slope of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.{{Sfn|Rajputana|1880|pp=289-90}}
The Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the [[Sariska Tiger Reserve|Sariska Reserve]] in the [[Aravali range]] of hills in [[Alwar district]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.holidify.com/blog/bhangarh-fort-haunted/|title=Known As The Most Haunted Place In India, Bhangarh Fort Is Not Just Another Place To Visit |website=Holidify|language=en-US|access-date=12 August 2016}}</ref> of Rajasthan.<ref name=Place>{{Cite web |url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/bhangarh-fort-most-haunted-place-india-080410692.html|title= Bhangarh Fort: The 'most haunted' place in India?|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Yahoo News}}</ref> The nearest village is Gola ka Baas.{{Sfn|Si''ngh|2010|p=188}}The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. The ruins of the king's palace are located on the lower slope of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.{{Sfn|Rajputana|1880|pp=289-90}}


The fort is located {{Convert|235|km}} from [[Delhi]] and the approach to the entrance gate of the fort in the last {{Convert|2|km}} stretch of the road is unpaved.<ref name=Place/> The fort is {{Convert|20|mi}} from Thana Ghazi.{{Sfn|Rajputana|1880|pp=289-90}} The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is 88.2 Km from the fort.
The fort is located {{Convert|235|km}} from [[Delhi]] and the approach to the entrance gate of the fort in the last {{Convert|2|km}} stretch of the road is unpaved.<ref name=Place/> The fort is {{Convert|20|mi}} from Thana Ghazi.{{Sfn|Rajputana|1880|pp=289-90}} The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is 88.2&nbsp;km from the fort.


==Legends==
==Legends==
[[File:Notice board at Bhangarh Fort.jpg|thumb|Notice by Archaeological Survey of India.]]
According to  legend, a [[sadhu]] lived within the fort area, and it was his injunction that any house built in the precinct of the fort should not be taller than his own, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his, it would result in destruction of the fort town. When columns were added to the fort that cast a shadow on the sadhu's house, the result was destruction of the fort and surrounding towns. According to another tale, a priest who was a practitioner of [[black magic]] fell in love with a beautiful Bhangarh princess with many suitors. One day, the priest followed the princess to the marketplace and offered her a [[Potion|love potion]]. However, she refused it, throwing it onto a large rock that consequently rolled onto the priest and crushed him to death. Before he died, the priest cursed the entire village, condemning it to destruction and desolation.<ref name="Stern2011">{{cite book|author=Steven L. Stern|title=Cursed Grounds|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=je1xnGxMcLgC&pg=PA7|date=1 January 2011|publisher=Bearport Publishing|isbn=978-1-61772-147-2|pages=7–}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-most-haunted-fort-in-india/article20231373.ece|title=Bhangarh: the most haunted fort in India|last=Safvi|first=Rana|date=12 November 2017|work=The Hindu|access-date=3 August 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="Souls">{{Cite news|url=http://hindi.oneindia.in/news/2011/07/26/bhangarh-most-haunted-place-india-aid0154.html|title=किला जहां सूरज ढलते ही जाग जाती हैं आत्‍माएं Ravi|language=hi|date=11 May 2013|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher= Greynium Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd; Oneindia.in}}</ref>
[[File:Haunted-bhangarh-fort-rajasthan.jpg|thumb|Exterior of Bhangarh Fort]]


According to  legend, a [[sadhu]] named Baba Balak Nath lived within the fort area, and it was his injunction that any house built in the precinct of the fort should not be taller than his own, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his, it would result in destruction of the fort town.<ref name="Stern2011">{{cite book|author=Steven L. Stern|title=Cursed Grounds|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=je1xnGxMcLgC&pg=PA7|date=1 January 2011|publisher=Bearport Publishing|isbn=978-1-61772-147-2|pages=7–}}</ref> According to another tale, a [[Magician (fantasy)|wizard]] adept in [[black magic]] named Sinhai fell in love with Ratnavati, a beautiful Bhangarh princess with many suitors. One day, the wizard followed her to the marketplace and offered her a [[Potion|love potion]]; however, she refused it, throwing it onto a large rock that consequently rolled onto the wizard and crushed him to death.<ref name="Souls">{{Cite news|url=http://hindi.oneindia.in/news/2011/07/26/bhangarh-most-haunted-place-india-aid0154.html|title=किला जहां सूरज ढलते ही जाग जाती हैं आत्‍माएं Ravi|language=hi|date=11 May 2013|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher= Greynium Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd; Oneindia.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-most-haunted-fort-in-india/article20231373.ece|title=Bhangarh: the most haunted fort in India|last=Safvi|first=Rana|date=2017-11-12|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-03|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
==Layout and design==
[[file:Bhangarh Fort - Royal Palace Bhangarh (July 2022) - img 22.jpg|thumb|left|View of the inner fortified city as seen from the royal palace]]
 
Entering through the main gate of the completely ruined fort city, one can find temples, palaces, and [[haveli]]s. In addition, there are four more points of entry to the fort: the ''Lahori Gate'', the ''Ajmeri Gate'', the ''Phulbari Gate'', and the ''Delhi Gate''. At the entrance of the main gate are many [[Hindu temple]]s, such as ''Hanuman Temple'', ''Gopinath Temple'', ''Someshwar Temple'', ''Keshav Rai Temple'', ''Mangla Devi Temple'', ''Ganesh Temple'', and ''Navin Temple''.<ref name=Place/> The Gopinath Temple is built above a 14&nbsp;ft raised plinth, and yellow stones are used for the carvings of the temple.<ref name=Temple>{{Cite web|url=http://www.templenet.com/encwest1.html|title=The Templenet Encyclopedia – Temples of Western India|work=Gopinath Temple|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Temple Net.com}}</ref> The residence of the priest, called the ''Purohitji Ki Haveli'', is located in the precincts of the temple complex. Next in order is the ''Nachan Ki Haveli'' (dancer's palace) and ''Jauhari Bazar'' (market place), followed by the Gopinath Temple. The Royal Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort's limits.<ref name=Place/>


==Tourism==
Entering through the main gate of the completely ruined fort city, one can find temples, palaces, and [[haveli]]s. In addition, there are four more points of entry to the fort – the ''Lahori Gate'', the ''Ajmeri Gate'', the ''Phulbari Gate'', and the ''Delhi Gate''. At the entrance of the main gate are many [[Hindu temple]]s such as ''Hanuman Temple'', ''Gopinath Temple'', ''Someshwar Temple'', ''Keshav Rai Temple'', ''Mangla Devi Temple'', ''Ganesh Temple'', and ''Navin Temple''.<ref name=Place/> The Gopinath Temple is built above a 14&nbsp;ft raised plinth, and yellow stones are used for the exquisite carvings of the temple.<ref name=Temple>{{Cite web|url=http://www.templenet.com/encwest1.html|title=The Templenet Encyclopedia - Temples of Western India|work=Gopinath Temple|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=Temple Net.com}}</ref> The residence of the priest, called the ''Purohitji Ki Haveli'', is located in the precincts of the temple complex. Next in order is the ''Nachan Ki Haveli'' (dancer's palace) and ''Jauhari Bazar'' (market place), followed by the Gopinath Temple. The Royal Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort's limits.<ref name=Place/>
[[File:Bhangarh Fort Interior.jpg|alt=Bhangarh Fort|thumb|Interior of Bhangarh Fort<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onceinalifetimejourney.com/once-in-a-lifetime-journeys/sunset-yoga-indias-haunted-place-bhangarh-fort/|title=Sunset yoga at India’s most Haunted Place, Bhangarh Fort|last=Once in a Lifetime Journey}}</ref>]]
The temples dedicated to [[Hanuman]] and [[Shiva|Shiv Mahadev]] are built in the style of [[cenotaphs]] rather than temples. Jhiri marble has been used in their construction. A Muslim tomb found outside the gate of the fort is reported to be that of one of the sons of King [[Hari Singh]].{{Sfn|Rajputana|1880|pp=289-90}}
The temples dedicated to [[Hanuman]] and [[Shiva|Shiv Mahadev]] are built in the style of [[cenotaphs]] rather than temples. Jhiri marble has been used in their construction. A Muslim tomb found outside the gate of the fort is reported to be that of one of the sons of King [[Hari Singh]].{{Sfn|Rajputana|1880|pp=289-90}}


==See also ==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Bazaar ki Bhangarh Durg - Market street, Bhangarh (July 2021) - img 08.jpg|Ruins of the bazaar
Bazaar ki Bhangarh Durg - Market street, Bhangarh (July 2021) - img 05.jpg|Bazaar street
Fortifications of Bhangarh.jpg|An entrance to the royal palace
Bhangarh Fort - Royal Palace Bhangarh (July 2022) - img 02.jpg|A view from the top of the royal palace
Bhangarh Fort - Royal Palace Bhangarh (July 2022) - img 21.jpg|Ruins and discarded stones at the royal palace
Bhangarh Gopinath Mandir (July 2022) - img 04.jpg|Gopinath Temple
PurohitJi Ki Haveli, Bhangarh.JPG|[[Haveli]] of the [[purohit]]
Bhangarh Gopinath Mandir (July 2022) - img 04.jpg|Gopinath Temple
Kesav Rai Temple, Bhangarh.JPG|Kesav Rai Temple
Mangla Devi Temple, Bhangarh.JPG|Mangla Devi Temple
</gallery>


==See also==
* [[Hill Forts of Rajasthan]]
* [[Hill Forts of Rajasthan]]
* [[Tourism in Rajasthan]]
* [[Tourism in Rajasthan]]
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==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|author=Gaurav Madan|title=Braving The Bhangarh - A Journey to Asia's most haunted ruins|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H9MJSG|year=2017|publisher=Amazon Digital Serv.|asin=B071H9MJSG}}
* {{cite book|author=Gaurav Madan|title=Braving The Bhangarh - A Journey to Asia's most haunted ruins|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H9MJSG|year=2017|publisher=Amazon Digital Serv.|asin=B071H9MJSG}}
*{{cite book|author=Outlook|title=64 Wildlife Holidays in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wg9uAAAAMAAJ|year=2006|publisher=Outlook Pub. (India)|isbn=978-81-89449-02-5}}
* {{cite book|author=Outlook|title=64 Wildlife Holidays in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wg9uAAAAMAAJ|year=2006|publisher=Outlook Pub. (India)|isbn=978-81-89449-02-5}}
*{{cite book|author=Rajputana|title=The Rajputana gazetteers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yqYIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA289|year=1880}}
* {{cite book|author=Rajputana|title=The Rajputana gazetteers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yqYIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA289|year=1880}}
*{{cite book|author=Sarina Singh|title=Lonely Planet India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vK88ktao7pIC&pg=PA18|date=15 September 2010|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74220-347-8}}
* {{cite book|first=Sarina |last=Singh|title=Lonely Planet India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vK88ktao7pIC&pg=PA18|date=15 September 2010|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74220-347-8}}
*{{cite book|author=Steven L. Stern|title=Cursed Grounds|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=je1xnGxMcLgC&pg=PA7|date=1 January 2011|publisher=Bearport Publishing|isbn=978-1-61772-147-2}}
* {{cite book|author=Steven L. Stern|title=Cursed Grounds|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=je1xnGxMcLgC&pg=PA7|date=1 January 2011|publisher=Bearport Publishing|isbn=978-1-61772-147-2}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Wikivoyage-inline|Sariska Reserve and National Park}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Sariska Reserve and National Park}}
{{Forts in India}}
{{Forts in India}}
{{Tourism in India}}
{{Tourism in India}}
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[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1613]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1613]]
[[Category:Forts in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Forts in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Rajput architecture]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Alwar district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Alwar district]]
[[Category:1613 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1613 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Superstitions of India]]
[[Category:Superstitions of India]]

Latest revision as of 19:10, 2 December 2022


Bhangarh Fort
Rajasthan, India
Bhangarh Fort - Royal Palace Bhangarh (July 2022) - img 16.jpg
Fortification gate looking towards the royal palace of Bhangarh
Bhangarh Fort is located in Rajasthan
Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan
Coordinates27°5′45″N 76°17′15″E / 27.09583°N 76.28750°E / 27.09583; 76.28750Coordinates: 27°5′45″N 76°17′15″E / 27.09583°N 76.28750°E / 27.09583; 76.28750
TypeFort
Site information
Owner
Open to
the public		Yes
ConditionVacant; tourist attraction
Site history
Built1573
Built byRaja Bhagwant Das
MaterialsStone and brick

The Bhangarh Fort is a 16th-century fort built in the Rajasthan state of India.[1] The town was established during the rule of Bhagwant Das as the residence of his second son, Madho Singh.[2] The fort and its precincts are well preserved.[3][4]

Geography[edit]

The Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range of hills in Alwar district[5] of Rajasthan.[6] The nearest village is Gola ka Baas.[7]The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. The ruins of the king's palace are located on the lower slope of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.[8]

The fort is located 235 kilometres (146 mi) from Delhi and the approach to the entrance gate of the fort in the last 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) stretch of the road is unpaved.[6] The fort is 20 miles (32 km) from Thana Ghazi.[8] The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is 88.2 km from the fort.

Legends[edit]

According to legend, a sadhu lived within the fort area, and it was his injunction that any house built in the precinct of the fort should not be taller than his own, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his, it would result in destruction of the fort town. When columns were added to the fort that cast a shadow on the sadhu's house, the result was destruction of the fort and surrounding towns. According to another tale, a priest who was a practitioner of black magic fell in love with a beautiful Bhangarh princess with many suitors. One day, the priest followed the princess to the marketplace and offered her a love potion. However, she refused it, throwing it onto a large rock that consequently rolled onto the priest and crushed him to death. Before he died, the priest cursed the entire village, condemning it to destruction and desolation.[9][10][11]

Layout and design[edit]

View of the inner fortified city as seen from the royal palace

Entering through the main gate of the completely ruined fort city, one can find temples, palaces, and havelis. In addition, there are four more points of entry to the fort: the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Phulbari Gate, and the Delhi Gate. At the entrance of the main gate are many Hindu temples, such as Hanuman Temple, Gopinath Temple, Someshwar Temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Navin Temple.[6] The Gopinath Temple is built above a 14 ft raised plinth, and yellow stones are used for the carvings of the temple.[12] The residence of the priest, called the Purohitji Ki Haveli, is located in the precincts of the temple complex. Next in order is the Nachan Ki Haveli (dancer's palace) and Jauhari Bazar (market place), followed by the Gopinath Temple. The Royal Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort's limits.[6]

The temples dedicated to Hanuman and Shiv Mahadev are built in the style of cenotaphs rather than temples. Jhiri marble has been used in their construction. A Muslim tomb found outside the gate of the fort is reported to be that of one of the sons of King Hari Singh.[8]

Gallery[edit]

  • Ruins of the bazaar

    Ruins of the bazaar

  • Bazaar street

    Bazaar street

  • An entrance to the royal palace

    An entrance to the royal palace

  • A view from the top of the royal palace

    A view from the top of the royal palace

  • Ruins and discarded stones at the royal palace

    Ruins and discarded stones at the royal palace

  • Gopinath Temple

    Gopinath Temple

  • Haveli of the purohit

    Haveli of the purohit

  • Gopinath Temple

    Gopinath Temple

  • Kesav Rai Temple

    Kesav Rai Temple

  • Mangla Devi Temple

    Mangla Devi Temple

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan". Zee News. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  2. ↑ Parveen, Wajeda; Sharma, Anrukati (2014). "Bangharh Fort: a case study of dark tourism". Dynamics of Commerce and Management. Archers & Elevators Publishing House. p. 62. ISBN 9789383241439.
  3. ↑ Singh 2010, p. 188.
  4. ↑ "View Population". Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  5. ↑ "Known As The Most Haunted Place In India, Bhangarh Fort Is Not Just Another Place To Visit". Holidify. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Bhangarh Fort: The 'most haunted' place in India?". Yahoo News. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  7. ↑ Singh 2010, p. 188.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Rajputana 1880, pp. 289-90.
  9. ↑ Steven L. Stern (1 January 2011). Cursed Grounds. Bearport Publishing. pp. 7–. ISBN 978-1-61772-147-2.
  10. ↑ Safvi, Rana (12 November 2017). "Bhangarh: the most haunted fort in India". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  11. ↑ "किला जहां सूरज ढलते ही जाग जाती हैं आत्‍माएं Ravi" (in हिन्दी). Greynium Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd; Oneindia.in. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  12. ↑ "The Templenet Encyclopedia – Temples of Western India". Gopinath Temple. Temple Net.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

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