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56 NADFAS REVIEW /WINTER 2016 www.nadfas.org.uk Above: Decorated gateway at the Amber Fort, JaipurHigh cultureRising from a sheer cliff face that towers 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur, as though it was built out of the rock itself, the red sandstone edifi ce of Mehrangarh Fort is a haunting sight. Once described by Rudyard Kipling as “the creation of angels, fairies and giants”, it is one of the largest and most spectacular forts in India.These forts are situated throughout the Aravalli mountain range in western India. Many were built and rebuilt over the course of hundreds of years, from the fi fth century AD up until the 18th century, by the clans who divided Rajasthan (formerly Rajputana) between them. These included the Meenas, Gurjars, Jats and Rajput, after whom the region was originally named, and who dominated much of central and northern India from the late sixth century until the 20th century. The forts are breathtaking historical sites that combine natural beauty, extraordinary architecture and an intoxicating glimpse of pre-colonial Indian courtly life, full of music, art and intellectual activity.Mehrangarh was the creation of the chief of a Rajput clan called the Rathore. This leader, Rao Jodha, built the citadel in 1459 after ascending to the throne and deciding that his capital needed to be in a safer location. According to legend, the site he chose was home to a hermit known as the lord of birds. Although Rao Jodha built the hermit a house and temple within the fort, the hermit cursed the The magnifi cent forts of Rajasthan offer a fresh insight into pre-colonial India. Jess Holland explores some of the region’s most enigmatic buildings