Dholpur Fort Bharatpur
Travel to India > Bharatpur > Dholpur Fort BharatpurDholpur is in the eastern parts of the Rajasthan state of India. According to the epics, Dholpur was earlier known as Dhalwalgiri, which later became Dhaulagir and then Dholpur. Before the famous battle of Mahabharat, this whole region was under the Yadavas, whose other branches were all spread over the area. Being a part of India, Dholpur also shares many historical heritages which reflect the signs of each era in India. Dholpur in Rajasthan is an easy destination for a day. The town was originally called as Dhawalpuri after its founder Dhawal Deo. He was a Tomara Rajput chief and established this place in the 11th century.
This small sleepy town has seen a lot of turbulent history. This place is strategically located on the main route linking Kabul and Delhi to Deccan. It also lies in close proximity to major capitals like Gwalior and Agra. It was here that his younger brother Aurangzeb defeated Dara Sikoh, the eldest and most beloved son of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. One more major war was fought here after 50 years. Aurangzeb's sons fought at the same place for royal succession.
The main attraction of Dholpur is the Dholpur fort. This fort is famous as Shergarh fort. This fort was built by Sher Shah Suri on the site of an earlier Hindu fortress. This fort was earlier a religious site and was dedicated to lord Shiva. There is an Aura and mystery around this fort. It will definitely arouse your curiosity when you take a glance. It contributes significantly in making Dholpur a major tourist attraction.
This fort is ideally built. Delicate rich style of architecture surely draws the picture in front of your eyes of that bygone era. The walls, the pillars, and the door are decorated with the pictures craved on them of Hindu Gods and Jain motifs. It is an excellent example of the structures of belonging to the 10th century. Named after the Sultan of Delhi, Sher Shah Suri, the fort was built as an initial form of defense against the Mewar rulers who attacked Bundi. The fort is a model of rich and delicate style of architectures of the past.
The charm of this fort is that it was protected by water. The River Parwan structures a moat around the fort hence it is a Jal Durg. Shergarh fort is festooned with carved images of Hindu Gods and Jain motifs. The walls of this fort have a distinct style and are very strong. They are decorated with carved images and motifs.
The beauty of this fort fascinated Akbar, and so he built the palaces at Khanapur on the banks of Talab-sahi near Bari. The history goes on and on about this fort. It is believed that this fort is now a refuge of the dacoits. You can find some robust and tall men having ferocious mustaches. They are seen carrying guns on their shoulder and they belong to the Dacoit dynasty. Any of them have surrendered now and lead a normal life.
You should definitely visit this fort on your trip to Rajasthan.