SHARADSTHAN
Rajasthan through eyes of Sharad
SHARAD | November 28th, 2017
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The Undiscovered Palaces of Rajasthan
What beseeches people to travel to new places is the conundrum that fills the soul and your photo albums. Whether you’ve been to a place for the first time or a destinationyou call your ‘second home’, there is no joy that parallels the ecstasy of wanderlust. India is a country that abounds in destinations that entreat your senses to natural beauty as well as architectural feats. And if there is a state that whispers endearments to the traveler’s soul, it is Rajasthan! Rajasthan is a state that gives meaning to the popular saying – Travel turns you speechless and then turns you into a story teller. It is where you see the beautiful amalgamation of history, culture, and folklore, where scenic marvels come together in a dance of harmony to bring forth unforgettable memories. No matter how many times your feet have traversed the lanes and by-lanes of the state; there is hardly any person who can lay claim to the stake that they know all the secrets that ‘TheLand of Kings’ holds. It’s better to see something than to hear about it a million times; and that is why we have this small list ofpalaces in Rajasthan,which offer incomparable opportunities to immerse into the unspoken grandeur of the state’s lesser known history.
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Bhamashah Ki Haveli
Not every person who walks the earth is able to leave behind a long lasting impression, yet there are some who surpass the ordinary with their skills and manage to etch their names in the pages of history. One such person was Bhamashah, the minister to Maharana Pratap. He, along with his brother Tarachand, demonstrated high prowess in battles under the Rajput leader. It is said that in the battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap ran out of funds for his fight against the Mughals, when Bhamashah and Tarachand gave him their own wealth. While the populace is well in the know about the legacy of Bhamashah that includes a memorial in Udaipur, a postage stamp was issued in his honor, the Bhamashah Award (presented to honor students), and the Rajasthan Government’s Bhamashah Yojana; many remain unaware about Bhamashah ki Haveli in Chittorgarh. Away from the throngs of tourists, the Haveli is a serene spotthat’s surrounded by greenery.Traces of the former grandeur of the Haveli are a constant companion as you pass through the main gate into the open area which can be favorably compared to the ‘diwaan-e- aam’ as found in the various forts of the country.A beautiful pool that must have storedwater in its time, leads the way towards the back where you can see clear evidence of the fact that the Haveli was once an intriguing structure whichrose up to three storey.
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Bhainsrorgarh Fort
British historian Col. James Todd once said that if he was offered a land in Rajasthan and could choose which one, he’d choose Bhainsrodgarh. If that doesn’t offer you an insight into the intricate beauty and desirability of the fort, we don’t know what will. Dramatically perched on a steep slate ridge of about 200 ft. high, surrounded by serene waters of the Brahmani and Chambal rivers, the fort has been around for a long time, since the 2 nd century BC. Now converted into a luxury heritage hotel, Bhainsrodgarh Fort provides the perfect union of modern facilities in rooms that still hold an old world charm,taking you back in time to experience the life of royalty. The best time to visit this fort is during the monsoons, when both rivers are at the peak of their power, and the greenery around the fort creates a spell-binding ambiance. The royal family still resides in a wing of the fort, and is always available if you wish to have a conversation. With anawe-inspiring landscape, the tranquil surroundings, and the royal treatment, this fort is one of the best guarded secrets of Rajasthan, and a must add to your bucket list.
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Gagron Ka Kila
Amagnificent fortbuilt between the 8 th and 18 th centuries, the Gagron Ka Kila has the Ahu and the Kali Sindh flowing on either side, has the Mukandra hill and forest guarding its back, and is unique in its construction; it is built without a foundation. While the locals frequent the fort a lot, it has still eluded popularity as a tourist destination. The resplendence of the fort is magnified by the illustrious architecture and placid surroundings.The entrance is home to two burj, or watchtowers, that were used in the earlier times by the soldiers of the fort to keep an eye on impending encroachments. In ancient times, a wooden bridge allowed entrance to the fort, but has now been replaced with a cemented road in its place. Replete with Turk, Sultanate, Rajput, and Mughal architectural instances, the fort is a true testament to the diverse history of the state. Start treading on the untraveled paths of Rajasthan, and you’ll find true gems in the offing that are waiting to be discovered and pontificated on–take it all in, and let the beauty of Rajasthan feed your wanderlustwhileit satiates your soul.