Page 52 - ranthambore

The Ranthambore Fort

This fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park. The fort offers many inter-

esting architectural and historical sights worth viewing and photographing. A trip to the fort

is a must if you are a first time visitor to the park. A guide with a good knowledge of the fort’s

history would always be a good idea.

History

The Ranthambore fort was built by a Chauhan ruler, although the exact name of the ruler is

disputed. A widely held belief states that the fort was built the reign of Sapaldaksha, in 944 CE.

Another theory states that the fort was built during the reign of Jayant, in 1110 CE. According to

Government of Rajasthan’s Amber Development & Management Authority, it is likely that the

construction started in the mid-10th century during the reign of Sapaldaksha, and continued a

few centuries after that.

Under Chauhans

Its earlier name was Ranastambha or Ranastambhapura. It was associated with Jainism during

the reign of Prithviraja I of Chauhan dynasty in the 12th century. Siddhasenasuri, who lived in

the 12th century has included this place in the list of holy Jaina tirthas. In Mughal period a tem-

ple of Mallinatha was built in the fort. The Yadavas ruled in this fort before Prithviraj Chauhan

conquered this fort in the 12th century. This has been depicted on a description atone at the