Rajasthan is a world in itself. From the HawaMahal in Jaipur to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, every nook and corner of the state has some exclusivity. The museum in Mehrangarh Fort is considered to be one of the best stocked in India.

This rise to pinnacle for Mehrangarh Fort museum started with setting up of Mehrangarh museum trust in 1972. The museum was set up by Maharaja Gaj Singh II with the objective of making it the best in the region.

Mehrangarh museum has distinct galleries and period rooms which offer a glimpse into the cultural richness of Rajasthan.

Galleries

Elephant Howdahs

Elephants have had a significant importance for Rajput rulers. The galleries in Mehrangarh Fort house a range of elephant howdahs that have historical significance of their own. One of the prized elephant howdahs at display is the silver howdah of Shahjahan which he offered to Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur.

Palanquins

Considered to be a popular means of travel for royal ladies, palanquins held a significant relevance for the royal. The gallery at Mehrangarh Fort have a rich collection of palanquins. The most exclusive ones are the Pinjas, a covered palanquin and Rajat khasa, a lotus shaped palanquin that was used by the Maharaja.

Daulat Khana

As the name signifies, Daulat khana is home to the finest pieces of textile, paintings, manuscripts and headgears. One can have a glimpse of sword of Mughal Emperor Akbar, the painted Jama and head gear of the royal rulers.

Armoury

Rare collection of armoury from different generations of rulers of Jodhpur is also at display in Mehrangarh Fort museum. Personal swords of many Rajput rulers including Khanda of Rao Jodha, sword of Akbar and sword of Timur the Lame is also at display in the gallery.

Paintings

The finest of Mewar paintings including colors of Mewar-Jodhpur are at display in the gallery of Mehrangarh Fort museum. Dozens of paintings completed during the reign of Maharaja Man Singh (1804-43) are at display in the gallery. Religious depictions highlighting different historical events during Ramayana and Mahabharata are too at display in the gallery.

Turbans

Turbans hold a special significance in culture and history of Rajasthan. The turban gallery in Mehrangarh Fort museum is home to a distinct collection of turbans that depict the changing cultural scenario that was present during the royal era.

Cradle

Royal cradles are at display in Jhanki Mahal from where the royal ladies used to have a glimpse of all the official proceedings. Cradles were a significant part of the royalty and Mehrangarh Fort Museum maintains a rich collection of the same.

Folk Musical Instrument Gallery

Folk music has had a special significance in Rajasthani culture. The same was much prevalent during the royal era. Realizing the significance of the same, the Mehrangarh Fort museum has set up a folk musical instrument gallery wherein recorded rendition of the music is played, adding a vibrant colour to the ambiance of the gallery.

Period Rooms

Sheesh Mahal

Though originally inspired by the prevalent Mughal fashion, the Rajput Sheesh Mahal is unique in itself. The brightly painted religious figures add a distinct touch to the Sheesh Mahal that has been developed at Mehrangarh Fort museum.

Phool Mahal

Phool Mahal was created under the guidance of Maharaja Abhaya Singh during 1724-1249. Jaswant Singh II did add much glory to the Phool Mahal in form of royal portraits, paintings and raga mala.

Takhat Vilas

Takhat Vilas is aptly named after Maharaja Takhat Singh (1843-1873) who was Jodhpur’s last ruler to reside in Mehrangarh Fort. The wooden beams on the ceiling along with depictions from religious Krishna Leela add a unique blend to Takhat Vilas. The floor is unique as the floor has been painted like a carpet adding a unique ambiance to Takhat Vilas.

Moti Mahal

This is largest of the period rooms added to the Mehrangarh Fort museum. Build by Raja Sur Singh during 1595-1619, the Moti Mahal had been used as a Darbar Hall where all important decisions by the royal rulers were taken and only those considered close to the ruler were granted access to Moti Mahal.

Facilities for Visitors

Considering the popularity of Mehrangarh fort, the authorities have added facilities, thereby making a journey to the fort, an unforgettable one. Exclusive among these are an elevator, a museum shop, availability of a palmist and a trained guide along with a restaurant and a craft demonstration and sale shop.

Entry Fees and Timings

Entry fee at Mehrangarh Fort for Indians is Rs 220 and Rs 250 for Foreigners. Summer timings are 8:00 to 13:00 hours and 14:00 to 17:00 hours. Winter timings are 9:00 to 13:00 hours and 14:00 to 17:00 hours.