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The Ranthambore fort was built by a Chauhan Rajput ruler, although the exact name of the ruler is disputed. A widely held belief states that the fort was built the reign of Sapaldaksha, in 944 CE. Another theory states that the fort was built during the reign of Jayant, in 1110 CE. According to Government of Rajasthan's Amber Development & Management Authority, it is likely that the construction started in the mid-10th century during the reign of Sapaldaksha, and continued a few centuries after that
The Ranthambhore fort is well protected by a massive fortification wall provided with stepped and Z-shaped gateway with two strong and massive doors. Inside the fort, the Hammir Badi Kachahari, chhoti Kachahari, Battis khambha Chhatri, Hammir Palace and Rani Palace, with later additions and in dilapidated condition, are important secular structure. Among temples, the Ganesa temple is important besides a few Jaina temples.
Structures of Ranthmbhore Fort
The fort is well protected by a massive fortification wall provided with stepped and Z-shaped gateway with two strong and massive doors. Inside the fort, the Hammir Badi Kachahari, chhoti Kachahari, Battis khambha Chhatri, Hammir Palace and Rani Palace, with later additions and in dilapidated condition, are important secular structure. Among temples, the Ganesa temple is important besides a few Jaina temples.
Hammir Kachahari
It is situated in the north-west corner of the fort near the Delhi Gate. Facing north, it is built on a raised plinth and consists of a central chamber (19.50m X 11.90m), flanked by two rectangular chambers on either side. The ceiling of the central chamber rest on pillars, arranged in two rows. This arrangement of pillars divides the chamber into fifteen, compartments. The base and shaft of each pillar is square. The front of the central chamber consists of five toranas resting on a double row of columns. The peripheral compartments have sloping ceiling. It is constructed of stone rubbles in lime mortar veneered by roughly dressed slabs. The construction of this building is attributed to Hammir (A.D.1283-1301).
Hammir Palace
The royal palace, named after the strongest ruler of the fort, is a magnificent building which is accessible from the north through an arched gateway approached by ramps from two directions. The eastern wing is triple-storeyed while the other sides are single-storeyed. Besides, an underground storey also occurs in the north-east corner. The ground storey is multi-chambered with all cells interconnected by small doorways and a common verandah. The ceiling of the verandah rests on plain pillars. The eastern facade of the palace is provided with projected balconies. The access to the first storey is through a ramp. The ceiling of the palatial compartment is flat made of sandstone slabs supported on beams. The palace is built of stone rubble in lime mortar, plastered in lime. Some walls are veneered by stone slabs. The construction of this building is attributed to Hammir (A.D. 1283-1301).
Battis khamba Chhatri
Situated near Hammir Mahal, the Battis khamba Chhatri is a three-terraced structure approached from north through a flight of steps. The top terrace measuring 12.5 m X 12.5m, has a roof which rests on thirty-two pillars. These pillars are arranged in two rows on each side. The outer row has six pillars and the inner one has four pillars on each side. The lower part of the pillar shaft is square and the upper part is octagonal. Surmounted by capital. The verandah has a flat ceiling while the central portion has a domical ceiling with three smaller domes on each side.
The inner faces of the octagonal drum of the dome are decorated with pot-and foliage and figures of Ganesa and Vanugopala. The first two terraces are made of stone rubble with lime plaster and the third one is veneered by red sandstone slabs. This building can be dated circa eighteenth century A.D.
Pols of Ranthambhore Fort
The Ranthambhore Fort formed a significant part of the Chahamana kingdom of sakambhari. It is said to have been constructed by Maharaja Jayanta. The Yadavas ruled over it and subsequently the fort was occupied by the Muslim rulers of Delhi. Hammir Deo was the most powerful ruler of Ranthambhore. The following pols are situated in the fort:
1. NAVLAKHA POL: This is the first gate provided with an arch facing east, having a width of 3.20 m. There is a provision of guard rooms and gun slits, It is made of ashlar masonry. A copper plate inscription affixed to the gate states that the existing wooden doors were provided during the period of Sawai Jagat Sigh of Jaipur.
2. HATHIA Pol: The second gate, facing the south-east, is 3.20 m wide. It is bounded by natural rock on one side and the fort wall on the other. A rectangular Guard room is built over the gate.
3. GANESH POl: This is the third gate, facing south, having 3.10m wide span. The beam of the gate is supported by brackets over which is provided a recessed ogee arch. The eastern side of the gate is attached to the rock.
4. ANDHERI Pol: The last gate, facing north, has a span of 3.30m. It is bounded on both sides by fortification walls and is provided with a recessed ogee arch having projected balconies on sides.
5. DELHI GATE: It is located in the north-west corner, facing north and measuring 4.70m wide. It is provided with a recessed arch. The gate also has a number of guard cells.
6. SATPOL: It is the loftiest gateway facing south and is situated on the western side of the fort along the nullah. It is 4.70 m wide and is provided with two-storeyed guard cells. Its recess is flanked on both sides by projected balconies. The battlements at the top are built of brick masonry.
7. SURAJ POl: comparatively, it is a small gateway facing east along the eastern fortification. It is 2.10m wide.
Amreshwar Mahadeo Temple
One of the oldest Shiva temples around, the Amreshwar Mahadeo Temple is thought to be over 1200 years old. The dense vegetation around the temple caused it to be hidden away for a really long time, before it was discovered and turned hugely popular for the Shivarathri fairs held ever since.
Even today, one has to walk a kilometre before reaching the temple. Besides its historical and cultural significance, the region around the temple has grown to be a major tourist destination. A cascading waterfall and the marshy groves during monsoon have been popular attractions. An accidental sighting of one of the big cats should always be listed on your agenda.
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