Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

Perched on the rugged promontory of the Aravalli Hills in the Pink City of Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort is a testament to Rajputana magnificence and military architecture. Built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the fort was constructed to protect the Amber Fort and its palace complex nestled below. Unlike many other forts of the period, Jaigarh was never captured, and thus it remains remarkably well-preserved.

The fort's strategic position offers a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, making it an excellent location for defense. It is renowned for housing the world's largest cannon on wheels, the Jaivana, which was cast in 1720 within the fort precincts. The cannon's sheer size is a spectacle in itself, and it symbolizes the military prowess of the Rajput rulers.

Jaigarh Fort is constructed of red sandstone and is spread over a length of 3 kilometers with a width of 1 kilometer. The fort's thick walls and massive bastions are interconnected by extensive watch paths, and its layout includes everything a self-contained military fortification would require, from an armory and a well-planned cannon foundry to granaries and water reserves.

Visitors to Jaigarh Fort can explore the palatial structures within its premises, including the Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir, and the Vilas Mandir, which are fine examples of the blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The fort also houses a well-maintained museum that displays a collection of weapons and armaments, photographs of the royal family, and other historical artifacts.

One of the fort's unique features is its sophisticated water harvesting system, which was ingeniously designed to collect rainwater in huge storage tanks, ensuring a year-round water supply during the arid conditions typical of Rajasthan.

Jaigarh Fort is open to the public all year round, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Rajput warfare and strategy. The fort's elevated vantage point also provides visitors with panoramic views of the Amber Fort and the surrounding valley, making it a popular spot for photography.