The Great History
During the 12th century AD the Turks were ruling Delhi and in 1194AD Qutub-ud-Aibak captured Ranthambhore fort from the Rajputs. On Aibak’s death in 1210AD Altamush was appointed his successor who realised that in order to gain control over

Turkish possessions in India he would be required to make the Sultanate stronger than before. By 1220 Altamush had established the northern frontier along the river Indus. However, with Qutub-ud-din Aibak’s death the Rajputs had realigned themselves and had come together as a force to reckon with. Ranthambhore fort which they had lost to the Turks had been regained and Ajmer and its surrounding areas were secure. Delhi saw different rulers in Altamush’s successor Raziya Sultan and subsequently Balban, who were unable to make much headway into Rajasthan, and Ranthambhore remained in Rajput hands.

Then came Alauddin Khilji, a ruler of Afghan descent. The Rajputs had mastered the art of guerilla warfare and counted on that to hold out against the Sultanate, but had not contended with Khilji’s military tactics. Alauddin Khilji captured Ranthambhore fort in 1303 and destroyed the temples within its walls. Later, the Rajputs reclaimed the fortress and held it till the Mughal emperor Akbar came along in 1569. Akbar laid siege to the fort with an artillery barrage which lasted for 37 days, but ultimately it was a ruse which got him the fort. The emperor disguised himself as a common mace bearer and was accompanied by one of his Rajput generals, also in disguise. Within a few hours the fort had been taken and Akbar acknowledged as its ruler. Being of generous disposition, the emperor gifted away the fort to the Maharaja of Jaipur.

Location
Travel Guide to Ranthambhore Rort in Rajasthan, IndiaThe fort is located on a high cliff surrounded by jungles and has a bloody history. In the 14th century, the fort became the site for the first ever jauhar (self immolation by women) in Rajput history. Jauhar, put simply, meant that wives of Rajput warriors immolated themselves in a huge bonfire when confronted with defeat. All this happened during the reign of Raja Hammir Dev who was fighting the Persian forces. The women left behind in the fort came to know of Hammir’s death in battle and consequently decided to end their lives. However, Hammir was very much alive. On his return to the fort and learning about the jauhar, he beheaded himself before a statue of Shiva within the fort.

Ranthambore Travel Attractions

Ranthambore fort
Perched at the top of the Aravali and Vindya Hill ranges, The Ranthambore fort spans over 7 kilometers in circumference. It is believed that this fort was built in 944 A.D by a Chauhan warrior. The interiors of the fort are beautifully carved. The most fascinating is the Hamir court where even a whisper could be heard. The architecture of the fort makes it an important travel attraction of Ranthambore, India.
Ranthambore National Park
Spanning over 400 sq km, Ranthambore embrace a network of lakes and rivers. The terrain endorses forest and open bushland. Forest is basically deciduous type with dhok being the prominent tree. The place also boasts the second largest Banyan tree In India. The national Park is majorly known for its tiger population. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Malik Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population. It was converted into a National park in 1980 and came under Project Tiger scheme of India in 1973...More