Global Treasures: Fort Mehrangarh

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

---

Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1162

UPC: 879061007613

---

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Tall, proud and powerful, Fort Mehrangarh is located on a hill 120 metres above the Indian town of Jodhpur. The fort dates back to 1458, when Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore, moved his capital from Mandore.

The rooms, halls and courtyards of the palace still exude the legendary atmosphere and magical power of the former maharajas. However, gruesome events once took place in this location. The handprints of a former ruler's wives serve as a reminder of a cruel Hindu tradition. The burning to death of widows on their dead husband's funeral pyre was practiced right up until the middle of the 20th century, even though the then British colonial leaders of that time prohibited it.

Within sight of the fort, there is another intriguing landmark of Jodhpur, the Jaswant Thada, magnificent burial place of the Rathor Dynasty. The garden was once used for cremation ceremonies. Its most striking memorial was built in honor of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

It is not surprising that Fort Mehrangarh and the funeral monuments of Jaswant Thada are considered to be among the most important sites in Jodhpur, former capital of the Marwar princes.