Why in News?
Kumbhalgarh Fort recently gained significant global spotlight after an international UNESCO survey officially designated its fortification perimeter as the second-longest surviving wall in the world.
"The Great Wall of India"
- Massive Dimensions: The fort features a continuous, sprawling protective wall that extends across 36 kilometres.
- Incredible Width: The massive stone ramparts are incredibly wide, specifically engineered so that eight horses can ride abreast across them.
- Strategic Elevation: It is built on a hilltop within the western Aravalli Range at an altitude of roughly 3,600 feet (1,100 metres) above sea level, offering strategic military dominance.
Origins and Architecture
- The Architect: It was commissioned and constructed during the 15th century (1448 AD) by Rana Kumbha, the legendary ruler of the Kingdom of Mewar.
- Chief Designer: The master layout and execution were headed by Mandan, who was the premier chief architect of the Mewar kingdom.
- Defensive Entryways: To prevent rapid enemy stampedes by cavalry or war elephants, the fort is guarded by seven highly fortified massive gateways that become progressively narrower.
- Religious Monuments: The expansive layout encloses over 360 ancient temples, comprising a mix of intricately carved Hindu and Jain shrines, including the prominent Neelkand Mahadev Temple.
- The Cloud Palace: Located at the highest peak of the fortress is the "Badal Mahal" (Palace of Clouds), famed for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views.
Historic and Strategic Significance
- Mewar's Sanctuary: Due to its hostile terrain and smart positioning, the fort remained largely impregnable and served as an emergency place of refuge for Mewar's royals during times of war.
- Birthplace of Maharana Pratap: The fort holds immense cultural and sentimental value across India as the birthplace of Mewar’s legendary warrior king, Maharana Pratap.
- The Only Breach: Throughout its entire history, its physical defences were successfully breached only once by a joint coalition of Akbar's Mughal forces and the armies of Amber. This breach was only achieved through the treacherous poisoning of the fort's freshwater supply during a prolonged siege.
- UNESCO Protection: In 2013, it was legally inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the unified cluster group named the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It is entirely maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Eco-Tourism Hub: The entire structural marvel is closely enveloped by the rich Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, combining heritage tours with wildlife trekking footprints.
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