Bhangarh

Rajasthan has numerous forts and havelis spread across the state in varying conditions and each has its own tale to tell. During my visits to various villages in the Thanagazi area I came across an abandoned settlement called Bhangarh and like any other fort this one too has a tale.

The myth goes that Bhangarh was a very prosperous settlement and the queen was very beautiful. A hermit of the village fell in love with her and on being unable to win her, cursed the entire settlement to doom. Ever since Bhangarh lies in ruins (though recognized by the Archeological Survey of India as a protected site). The myth also says that whoever tries to settle there either goes mad or dies. Therefore no one ventures in the area after sunset even though it’s a tourist destination during the day.

The ruins of Bhangarh are simply majestic and convey signs of prosperity even in a dilapidated state. The settlement area is massive with 4 temples still there. One can see the equisite carvings on the temple walls and ceilings. Apart from temples there are havelis, an entire market and the majestic palace overlooking the entire settlement. The palace is covered by the Aravalis from 3 sides and the entire settlement is protected by walls and gates.

The visit compelled me to think and wonder if I should believe the myth. It made me wanting to go back in time and experience how life must have been in the settlement, how the king might come out at the palace balcony every evening and see with satisfaction the prosperous settlement he had created and how one curse could ruin it all. I don’t know whether to believe the myth or not but what I do know is that the palace, the temples, the havelis and the market of Bhangarh have stood the test of time and even in a dilapidated state reflect some glory. It seems as if they are all standing there waiting to tell their story.