Kumbhalgarh fort is famous as the fort with longest wall in India, containing many Hindu and Jain temples. But what many miss to notice that this fort also has large number of water bodies constructed within its walls.
These water bodies are located at different locations, in forms of Baoris, dams, tanks and wells to collect as much water as possible. There are over 10 dams and more than 20 baoris in and around the fort, apart from wells and tanks.
Dams are built one after another at narrow valley with huge stone walls, catching overflow of upper dam into lower dam.
Length of dams gradually reduces with the downward slope of the valley.
Badva Bandh - located at downward slope of Ram Pol, it has the largest catchment area.
The other one is Chipola Bandh, Phootiya Bandh and Dudhla Talab. Two smaller dams are on the downward slope of Juna Bhilwara village.
(L) 2 of the big dams and Rana Baori.
(R) Dam below Badva Bandh.
Stone steps are provided from top to bottom of the walls of dam, arhat (Persian wheel) was also placed at many places to lift water.
(L): Second big dam and its catchment area
(R): Mamadeo Kund and well, this kund also gets the overflow of the second dam.
Water tanks were built to store rain water.
A huge rectangular water tank is near the birth place of Maharana Pratap for storing rain water.
Baoris or step-wells were regular source of supply of water. These are built by cutting rocks with landing from the sides and provisions for lifting water have been made through Persian wheel system.
Baori
Langan Baori, also known as Kali Baori is just below palace-complex on steep slope exclusively meant for the royal family.
Gate to baori. Water was lifted to the palace on top of the hill from baori through Persian wheel system installed at different stages.
Another big baori is Rana Baori, just below the Langan Baori, next to Badwa Bandh.
Many of these water bodies are still used by residents of the fort.
Baori and Dam towards Danni watta gate.
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This fake story of Jodhpur wanting to join Pakistan seems to be favourite of many. Jodhpur was actually one of the first states to join the Constituent Assembly in April 47. At that time,Liaqat Ali Khan had accused these States of being compelled by Congress to join the assembly.
In 1728 VS (1672 AD), Maharana of Mewar offered protection to ShrinathJi from Aurangzeb and ShrinathJi arrived in Mewar and was installed at Sihar village in Phalgun 1728 VS (Feb 1672 AD). Sihar became the town of Nathdwara.
130 years later, in VS 1858 (1802 AD) Maharana again came to rescue of ShrinathJi, when Jaswant Rao Holkar's invading army marched to Nathdwara to extort money. News of Holkar's march had already reached Tilkayat GiridharJi, who requested Maharana's help.
Maharana sent his force to safely rescue ShrinathJi to Udaipur. They safely escorted ShrinathJi, along with swarups of NavneetPriyaJi and VitthalnathJi to Udaipur in the month of Magh, 1858 VS (end of January 1802 AD).
Kumbhalgarh Fort, is spread over 14 sq Km on Aravali hills and protected with long outer fortification wall, series of bastions and fortified gates. This fort has many old temples, both Hindu and Jain. Mandan was the architect of this fort.
Unlike the popular legend, this fort doesn’t have 360 temples. The total number of both Jain and Hindu temples was over 70, out of which many still survives.
Majority of the temples were constructed during the reign of Maharana Kumbha and in subsequent period.
Shri Roopnarayan Ji in Sewantri (Rajsamand), is a very old temple dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. Main deity is seated with goddess Lakshmi and Bhudevi. #Mewar
Thakur Jagat Singh Chandawat of Balunda (Marwar) built the current temple in 17th century. Current temple was built without altering the old temple structure, which is now inside the garbhgriha of current temple.
Portrait of Thakur Jagat Singh of Balunda inside the temple.
Thakur Jagat Singh was son of Thakur Ramdas Chandawat of Balunda.
Rajsamand Lake, built by Maharana Raj Singh-I, is the result of dam built upon Gomati river. With total cost over 1.5 crore rupees of that time, it is the oldest known relief work in Rajasthan.
Work started in 1662 AD. Over 60,000 skilled workers were employed. Temporary structures were built nearby, which later became the town of Rajnagar. To make the river bed dry, every available water lifting technique was used.
Pavilion on Nauchauki ghat
Several chadas, arhat (persian wheels) were setup and water was taken to nearby villages using small canals. Consecration ceremony was held in 1676, in which various charities and donations were given away.
Shri Charbhuja Temple is a famous temple located in Garhbor, Rajsamand district.
There are 2 inscriptions in this temple which shows the activities of Maratha army related to this temple. This incident is lost in history and not widely known.
Inscription 1 is dated of Baisakh Sudi 3, VS 1873 (1816 AD) mentions that Maratha army insisted upon handing over entire valuables of this temple. More than 61 people were injured and 4 women committed "jauhar", while trying to save this temple from loot of Maratha army.
Inscription 2 dated of Magh Sudi 9, VS 1874 mentions that Jaswantrao Bhau assured that no marauding activities would be undertaken and people can settle peacefully here. At this time Mewar had already entered into treaty with British, which helped to stop predatory activities.