Taragarh Fort in Ajmer

Taragarh Fort or Star Fort is the most impressive of structures of city of Ajmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan. A rather ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation, It was constructed in 1354 upon a steep hillside and built under the reign of King Ajaypal Chauhan. There are three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. Most parts of these impressive gateways are now in ruins. During its heyday, Taragarh Fort was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside. However, these tunnels are now inaccessible for want of proper maps. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or 'Thunder from the Womb'.

This erstwhile Chauhan bastion has some huge water reservoirs. These reservoirs were built to store water and supply it to the residents during time of crisis. The reservoirs have been carved out of the rocky base of the fort. Rani Mahal is a small palace within the fort complex, built for the wives and concubines of rulers. The Mahal has, however lost most of its charm as the shine of its spectacular murals and stained glass windows have completely faded away. The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargah. He was the governor of the fort and laid down his life in an encounter, in 1210.

History of Taragarh Fort
The history shows that this fort was constructed by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan on top of a sandstone hill. This hill is some 40 km away from Ajmer. This fort was also known as the Star fort in olden days and this fort served as home for a princely state, which was ruled by Rajput clan. The entire fort is covered with six massive gates and that this fort served as the military hub during the period of Mughal ruling. In those days this fort was well known for its water harvesting system that was the best during that time. All the stone reservoirs found nearby were used for storing water.