In this land of kings, majestic history and sacred rituals lies a fort. I can see it in the distance, the spectacular view perched on a hilltop. The hazy sky pairs well with the lush surroundings that do much justice to the architecture, and I feel as if I’m being transported into the Mughal era. The slow steep bumpy ride along the cobbled pathway allow my eyes to scan every detail as I pass by the gates, the weathered stone structures of elephants and tigers still stand strong today and the intricately carved pillars and entry ways, they too tell stories about being a part of this noble heritage.
The regal dressed guardsman welcomed us at the ginormous gates and I feel no less than royalty. At one time, I suspect there were hundreds of guardsmen guarding this palace, guarding the ones that were fortunate enough to reside here. I am escorted to an imperial bench and wrapped with a silk veil as a token of my welcome to this land, and then from above, as if the heavens opened, rose petals showered me, I feel queenly.
I’m amazed at how well the entire place has been preserved, for us all, so we may pay our respect to the many that lent a hand in detailing this work of art. Nothing displeases the eye but the history lures me in further. I have always been drawn to architectural beauty, my creative side has welcomed the effort that goes into such work. As I make my way through winding staircases and narrow hallways, the rich colors and light follows. The slight breeze makes its way through small carved crevices and even in the heat of the day the rooms seem well vented. I’m amazed at how the craftsman knew where to position doorways and windows so air can pass freely, and how so long ago they knew how to strategically position pillars and beams so after all this time there is very little erosion of this solid structure. There is no glass, just holes that either shade or elude. Tiny marble pieces shimmer at me as I pass by, each puzzled together to create magnificent masterpieces, even ceilings are matched with charming illustrations that tell stories. The art here is unbelievable so detailed and intricate, so patiently perfected but elaborate.
Each marble piece, each paisley print and each iron figure tells a tale of it’s own. The inlay of mirror work dazzles around each corner. Even the dramatized brick walls are put together to please the eye. You are left in a daze gazing at the subtly manicured garden, not a leaf is out of place.
Inside, the palace is empty, except for visitors like me. The peacefulness here makes it seem no less than a place of worship. I perch myself on top of a wall and I imagine what it must be like if this scene was filled with impressive handcrafted furnishings and the family members that would have walked these grounds here in their intense aesthetically pleasing garments.
I look the other way to see the view from the top of the mountain, monkeys surround the perimeter and it makes me feel good they also are allowed to share this same space. the city below is colorful yet unusually calm from up here. A breathtaking view no doubt, one I could easily wake up to every morning.
What was once a fort to shelter the many maharanis while their maharajas were at war is now lacking that grand ambience. It’s very visible, the resilience of this fort as it battled turbulent history. Although the fort is somewhat empty and cold now, if you close your eyes, sit and imagine for a few minutes, you can almost feel the forgotten era. The sound of nature plays rhythmically with the organically crafted flute, it pairs well with the surroundings and before long you are transported into another world.
I watch a puppet show and leave feeling blithe and wrapped in history, it was organic yet a reminder that no matter how technology has grasped our minds, these simple things still touch the heart. Gazing at this fort I am bewildered at how life has evolved. I also feel proud that we were left such treasures to be valued and remembered and how each generation has preserved them with great respect. As I leave, I look back and pay tribute to the ancestors; I wish I had been a part of the bygone era, to have taken part in the majestic lifestyle that once was and to have been protected by this magnificent fort perched high on a hilltop, like a maharani on her throne, in this land of rich history, mystical India.