The Jaigarh Fort is located at a distance of about 15
km from Jaipur. Also called the Victory Fort, the Jaigarh Fort stands in
the midst of thorn-scrub hills that impart a sterner look to the already
forbidding Fort. As one approaches the fort from the steep road that
leads to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, one cannot help but remark
at the amazing view it offers of the city below.
The Jaigarh fort was built to bolster up the defense of Amber, so one
should not be amazed to find that the fort unlike most palaces and forts
of Jaipur is quite plain and simple. It has moats and all the features
you would expect of a full-fledged citadel. The highlight of the tour of
Jaigarh Fort is definitely the Jaivana, which is the world's largest
cannon on wheels. It was built in Jaigarh's foundry in the year 1720.
Many say that the cannon was only used once and the ball fell some 35kms
away on a village. But that's quite doubtful, since a closer inspection
of the cannon actually revealed that it has been fired at least a couple
of times.
The Jaigarh fort has wide water channels, which were a part of a
rainwater harvesting system. There are 3 underground tanks at the fort,
the largest one of which could store 60,00,000 gallons of water. An
interesting story about this tank is that, many believed it contained
hidden treasure but unfortunately Indian Government searched for it and
did not find anything at all.
While taking a tour of the Jaigarh Fort, one might want to visit the
armory and the museum. The armory has many swords, shields, guns,
muskets and even a 50 kg cannon ball. One can also see old photographs
of two of Jaipur's Maharajas, Sawai Bhawani Singh and Major General Man
Singh II, both of whom were senior officers in the military (Indian
Army). The Museum has many photographs, of Maharajas, royalty, buildings
and processions and even a circular pack of cards besides many other
relics of the past.






