Built in the early 18th century by Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal, Lohagarh Fort ranks as one of the most beautiful Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan. Due to its unassailable defenses, the fort came to be known by the name of Lohagarh (Iron Fort). Lohagarh is a monument worth visit while on tour to Rajasthan. The fort stands proudly, as a living testimony to the chivalry and courage of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.
Situated at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India – Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal – the founder of Bharatpur. History mentions that Suraj Mal used all his power and wealth to erect various forts and palaces across his kingdom, Lohagarh Fort being one of them. One of the strongest forts ever built in India, Lohagarh withstood repeated attacks from the British forces led by Lord Lake in 1805, when they laid siege at Bharatpur for over six weeks.
Unlike the other forts in Rajasthan, Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur has almost no flamboyance associated with it; instead, the fort generates an aura of unassailable strength and magnificence. Maharaja Suraj Mal built two towers within the ramparts of the fort – the Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj, to celebrate his victories over the Mughals and the British.
Lohagarh Fort was surrounded and protected by deep moats, and there is a legend associated with the moats, stating that the fort would fall only when a crocodile swallowed up all the water of the moats. It is believed that the gate of Lohagarh Fort originally belonged to the fort of Chittorgarh, but was carried away by Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. Towards the end of the 17th century, the gate was brought back by the victorious Jat armies from Delhi to Bharatpur.
Of the two gates in the fort, one in the north is known as Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) gate while the one facing the south is called Chowburja (four-pillared) gate. It is very different from the other forts in Rajasthan state, there is no flamboyance associated to fort but it generates an aura of strength and magnificence.
Lohagarh Fort or the Iron Fort is one of the finest architectural monuments in Rajasthan India. Of the two gates in the Fort, the one in the north is called Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) gate and the gate facing the south is known as Chowburja (four-pillared) gate. The Ashtdhaatu gateway is adorned with paintings of huge elephants. Some fascinating monuments within the Lohagarh Fort include Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, Moti Mahal and Kothi Khas. One of the strongest forts in Rajasthan, Lohagarh was able to successfully thwart many a British attack.
How to Reach Lohagarh Fort Bharatpur
- By Road: Bharatpur lies on the Agra to Jaipur Road, and is hence quite accessible from major destinations in Rajasthan.
- By Rail: Bharatpur is located on the Delhi-Mumbai broad gauge railway line and also on the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Ahmedabad meter gauge line.
