Mehrangarh Fort

Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459 as the capital of Marwar (Mandore was the previous capital). He was one of Ranmal's 24 sons and became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. One year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the safer location of Jodhpur, as the one thousand years old Mandore fort was no longer considered to provide sufficient security. With the trusted aid of Rao Nara (son of Rao Samra), the Mewar forces were subdued at Mandore. With that, Rao Jodha gave Rao Nara the title of Diwan.

Entry to the fort is gained through a series of seven gates. The most famous of the gates are:

Jai Pol ("Gate of Victory"), built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to celebrate his victory in a war with Jaipur and Bikaner. Fateh Pol, built to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707; Gopal Pol, it is the second Pol after Fateh Pol. Dedh Kangra Pol, which still bears the scars of bombardment by cannonballs; Amruti Pol, it is in between Dedh Kangra Pol and Loha Pol. Loha Pol, which is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex. Immediately to the left are the handprints (sati marks) of the ranis and some princesses, who had committed Sati over the years after death of their husband.