Lohagarh Fort – Rajasthan: The Iron Fort of Bharatpur Lohagarh Fort
one of the most interesting historic forts in northern India, situated in either side of the river Bandh Bareta at just 4 km distant from Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Lohagarh its name meaning in the local language as – the ‘iron fort’, is often misunderstood as it being the strongest of the forts in the region, the fort’s name being based on its bulwarks and heavy defensive design. In contrast with others forts (which were mostly erected to demonstrate the luxurious buildings and rich furnishings of the Kings) the fort was primarily built as a war establishment.
Built in 1732 by Maharaja Suraj Mal, for defense of his strategically located capital (Bharatpur), this fort reached the heights of significance during Jat rule in north India.
Its seemingly unstoppable walls, position, defensive design and deep penetrative defenses led it to suffer multiple attacks, ensuring its position as one of the most impregnable forts in Rajasthan. Its reputation as an ‘iron’ fort was cemented by its resistance to the British during the ‘Siege of Bharatpur’ of 1805. All about the ‘iron’ fort of Rajasthan This was due to several attributes: Its attractive location and the defensive design of the walls. The extensive fortifications spanning the wide and deep Moat.
The Forts had several entrances the fort had the Aspect of a military bastion, and remains watertight.
The strong fortifications proved to be a tough opponent for the ‘British’ attack led by the General – Gerard Lake. British desire to annex all of northern India, led them to besiege Bharatpur, but this iconic fort proved a major obstacle in their way. The British launched various attacks, but the fort’s defensive design ensured it was impervious to attack.
Its formidable reputation was cemented during the 1805 attack. The fort was finally reduced in 1826 after repeated and fierce assaults by the British forces.
Why ‘Iron’??
It was the formidable fortifications of the walls and the high-standard of construction, that gained it the epithet of ‘Iron’ during battles against the British forces.
Its formidable fortifications: The high stone walls, the earth-filled defenses, the Moat and well-thought out entrances. The fortifications were constructed with earth and the mud was mixed with other materials, that would mitigate the impacts of the artillery fire on the walls, particularly when the buildings were given a good coating of mud. The fortifications demonstrated an understanding of the changing nature of warfare – rather than depending on a huge stone wall, high earth works were developed to supplement the walls and around the fortifications lay a deep moat – all these features contributed to the ‘iron’ fort’s unassailable reputation. Architecture of Lohagarh Fort Covering a wide area, today there are several structures that are part of the expansive fort complex.
The fort was built with strong stone walls in some of its sections, supported on either sides by bastions and defensive points (for friendly troops).
The Main Gate the fort has several gateways that allow entry and exit into the core complex of the fort. Chief among these gateways are the ‘Ashtadhatu Gate’ and ‘Chouburja Gate’ – the former has eight of metals inlayed into it, and the latter has nineteen bastions defending the gateway. The Fort’s other constructions include temples, palaces, artillery structures, monuments and memorials that attest to the high – culture of the Bharatpur rulers inside the fort complex.
Jawahar Burj One of the notable structures built during the Battle between Bharatpur and the British is the Jawahar Burj, which was constructed to commemorate the victory of the Bharatpur Forces over the British in 1805. This served to celebrate the victory achieved by the Indian troops against the British marauders, and as a symbol of Indian military achievement. The structure also links the physical architecture of the city to the bloody history of the battle, which raged here.
Apart from this structure, ‘Fateh – Burj’ is another structure located here, whose name actually means, ‘Victory Tower’.
This structure also is a symbol of the military success of the Bharatpur forces. It is often constructed along with the Jawahar Burj, and represented the self-confident attitude of the Jat rulers of northern India. At the time, it would also have suggested that an era of Indian invincibility in the battle-field had been achieved. The moat.
This is one of the most impressive features associated with the fort.
The deep water-filled moat made entry into the fort extremely difficult for intruders – especially, the British who attempted to take the fort during the early 19th century. Its defenses worked to prevent the British from even getting close to the walls. Once the British did reach the walls, the moat would still have impeded their advance.
Lohagarh and the Jat rulers. For long, the construction of this formidable fortification of the Jat India rulers was equated with the rise of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur, through the formidable leadership of Maharaja – Suraj Mal, and the economic, social, religious and military character of the region changed immensely after the rise of the Jat rulers at this fort. How to Visit the fort today The best time to visit is during the winter season, when the temperature is slightly cooler – in the months of October to March.
One needs to allow enough time to explore this fort to avoid hurried viewing – you should remember that good shoes are a necessity for walking around the fortress.
The fort is often situated in this area along with the sights of the Bharatpur region. The joy of wandering around this lesser-known fort is to enjoy the history, architecture, warfare and local culture.
WRITTEN BY VISHAL GILHOTRA