Bala Quila Fort, Alwar

Bala Quila Fort, Alwar | History, Entry Fee & How To Reach

The Alwar Fort, also known as Bala Quila Fort, is located above the town of Alwar in the Aravalli Ranges. It was constructed by Hasan Khan Mewati in the fifteenth century and has been ruled by the Marathas, Yadavas, and Kachwaha Rajputs. “Bala Quila” is an acronym for Young Fort. The sole metalled road that runs between the Fort and the city of Alwar is Laxman Pole. According to the silver pages of history, this was the only way Pratap Singh, the founder of Alwar state, accessed the Fort.

Pratap Singh, a Kachhwaha Rajput, laid the foundation stones for Alwar city and took control of the fort in 1775 A.D. The enormous fort can be seen from the city proper at a distance of 595 meters. Because it is situated atop a 300-meter cliff, it offers a magnificent view of the town. It covers an area of 1.6 km from east to west and 5 km from north to south. Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Krishen Pol, and Andheri Gate are the six gateways of the forts. Ancient texts and sculptures adorn the exquisitely built walls.

History of Bala Quila Fort, Alwar

Bala Quila was formerly inhabited by Nikumbh Rajputs. In 1492, Khanzada Alawal Khan defeated the Nikumbh Rajputs to seize Bala Quila. His goal was to put an end to the custom of human sacrifice. In the 1500s, Khanzada Alawal Khan’s son, Hasan Khan Mewati, rebuilt the fort. After that, the Marathas, Yadavas, Kachwahas, and even the Mughals occupied the fort.

Even before the Mughals came to power, they utilised the fort as a base from which to assault Ranthambore. Babur and Akbar, the Mughal rulers, stayed overnight, while Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) was banished by Emperor Akbar and spent three years in exile in Salim Mahal.

Architecture of Bala Quila Fort

• It is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The artistically designed walls transport you to the heyday. The fact that each gate bears the name of a ruler illustrates their generosity.
• Jai Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar Pond, Suraj Kund, and temples, including Sita Ram Temple, Top Wale Hanuman Ji Temple, and Chakradhari Hanuman Temple, are among the fort’s noteworthy structures. These structures still capture the grandeur of the past.
• Encircled by eight citadels, fifteen huge towers, and fifty-one lesser towers, the fort contains 446 openings for Musketry.
• Salim Mahal is the area of the fort where Jahangir resided during his three years of exile.
• The fort also houses a radio station which can only be visited with the permission of the Superintendent of Police, Alwar.

How To Reach Bala Quila Fort, Alwar

The fort and the city are roughly 12 km apart. Private taxis or autorickshaws can easily reach the cliff’s foothill. There is a 7-kilometer steep path that must be walked from the foothill.

Timings : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Time Required : 3 to 4 hours

Entry Fee : Free

Constructed in : 1500s

Constructed By : Hasan Khan Mewati