History - The fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he transferred his capital from Mandore. Subsequently more additions were made by the other rulers of Jodhpur with passing time. The marks of canon balls from the past skirmishes are still prominent on the second gate of the fortress. The palm imprints that are smeared with vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil on a gateway leading to the funeral pyre site, reminds the tourists of the princesses and the queens who committed self-immolation or Jawhar for the sake of their consorts.
Description- The fort has 68-ft wide and 117-ft elevated walls which overlook the surrounding plain. The fort has seven gates and the most famous among them is the Jayapol(meaning victory). This gate was constructed by Maharaja Man Singh to celebrate his triumph over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. Another gate- Fattehpol also meaning victory gate was raised by Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints are placed on the porch leading to the place of funeral pyre. At the left, lies the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, the valorous soldier who died on the spot while guarding the fort against the Amber armies. The splendid cenotaphs testify the valor and fearlessness of the Rathore kings of Jodhpur.
The magnificent craftsmanship of the Jodhpuri craftsmen is exhibited in the fascinating sandstone palaces within the Mehrangarh Fort. The Mehrangarh Fort houses grand palaces like the Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace that houses the royal throne of Jodhpur known as the Sringar Chowki, the Phool Mahal whose ceiling is adorned by gold filigree work, the Rang Mahal and the Chandan Mahal. Other mansions are the Umaid Villas that showcases the Rajput miniature paintings, the Ajit Villas displays the musical instruments and the royal attires and the Maan Villas.
Currently the fort encloses the Mehrangarh Fort Museum where all the decorated rooms of the palaces and villas are exhibited along with the royal palanquins, miniature paintings, furniture, and historic armory and et cetera.
