The Fort of Dundlod – Cultural Heritage of Rajasthan :
Dundlod Fort shares ancestry with the many forts and havelis of the Jhunjhunu district of Dundlod. It was built in 1750 by Keshari Singh, the fifth and youngest son of a Rajput ruler Sardul Singh. Dundlod fort is an incredible fusion of Rajput and Mughal art and architecture.
Kila of Dundlod the 17th century Rajputana Fort studded with monumental nostalgia of Shekawats, the warrior Rajputs who with stood the onslaught of Mughal hordes . Since then the cultural heritage of splendid Rajasthan is preserved as its ethos are imbibed in architectural grandeur of the Dundlod Fort.
Architecture :
The Diwan-e-Khas features stained glass windows, heritage antiques and an impressive library collection. A common decor theme is the famous Rajasthani miniature paintings you’ll find everywhere. The Diwan Khana has Mughal architecture, but uses Louis XIV furniture, and a library of some incredibly rare books of history. Unlike many forts and palaces in the region, there have been no attempts to replace the authentic cultural artifacts. Flowers and foliage motifs, Mughal era minarets, mythological paintings depicting diverse periods of Indian culture and authentic wall hangings of arrows and shields. Modern room decor and amenities are all sourced locally from Rajasthan via artisans specialising in the Rajputana style. In front of every room there are terraces and chowks to soak in the sun and admire views of the city and havelis. Can also walk on the fort’s ramparts and gaze upon the moat below. An interesting fact – no two rooms are alike.
About Fort :
The Dundlod Fort Dundlod or Dera Dundlod Kila has been wonderfully restored as one of the finest heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The fort has been renovated with utmost care and precision, keeping intact its motif of flowers and foliage, minarets, mythological paintings, archaic furnishings, wall hangings of arrows and shields.
The Diwan Khana of Dundlod Fort Dundlod showcases the magnificence of Mughal architecture and is furnished with archaic furnishings. It has a well stocked library, with a priceless collection of rare books on Indian history. Above the library lies the Duchatta, from where the ladies watched the court proceedings in purdah.
The Tuganram Goenka Haveli is often locked but one can see fine mirror work above the windows on the upper walls of the courtyard. Finely preserved paintings under the eaves mostly comprise portraits in round frames. The haveli opposite this one is interesting, as the work could not be completed and it is possible to see how the artist sketched the drawings before adding color. Pictures include those of an elephant, a camel and its rider, and a horse.
Other attractions in Dundlod include the Jagathia Haveli and Satyanarayan Temple.
Places Around Dundlod :
- Nawalgarh is situated around seven km south of Dundlod and famous for its fort, built in 1737. Other attractions here include the havelis of Anandi Lal Poddar, Aath Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan.
- Parsurampura is located some 27 km south east of Dundlod and has the distinction of having the best-preserved and oldest paintings in the Shekhawati region.
- Mukundgarh is around six km north west of Dundlod and a tiny village famous for its fort and havelis.
- Mandawa is around 30 km north west of Dundlod and now a popular destination with tourists. There are quite a good number of antique shops here. This village was settled in the 18th century and fortified by the wealthy merchants of the village. There are a few good havelis and heritage hotels in this village.