The Ghost Town of Rajasthan: Bhangarh and Ajabgarh

Bhangarh is a deserted town with some 10000 dwellings established in 1613 by Madho Singh, younger brother of great Mughal general, Man Singh of Amber. Bhangarh was abandoned soon after being built and supposedly after it was cursed by a magician. Bhangarh fort offers an intact view of the medieval past. Apparently, the Bhangarh town had been desolated by an old Mughal invasion, and is just reverting back to being habituated again.

                                                                     Bhangarh Hilltop Fort 

Chhatri on the hill top on the side of Bhangarh fort Bhangarh premises are enclosed by a partially ruined wall. Other than dwellings, ruins of Bhangarh also include gardens, havelis, banyan trees and temples of Lord Someshwar, Gopinath, Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai but But the enigmatic attraction is a secluded Chhatri on the hill top which catches attention of all the travelers. In entirety, the random placement of all these sites within Bhangarh premises may look freighting and mysterious at the same time.

Chhatri Temple

Other Forts near Bhangarh:

 There are some other forts near Bhangarh those were also built in the same era and share the related history. Ajabgarh is a picturesque garrison fort between Bhangarh and Pratapgarh, with a lovely reservoir nearby. Ajabgarh fort was built by Ajab Singh Rajawat, The grandson of Madho Singh. Ajabgarh fort is in good condition, and offers an incredible panoramic view of the eponymous walled town and the well –preserved, but less visited temple of Shri Raghunath Ji and old Chhatris, all nearby. Pratapgarh is a remarkable fort situated on hill top which dominates the region. Pratapgarh and its vicinity are famous for its natural surrounding and scenic countryside. Pratapgarh town has two temples and a mosque.

Ajabgarh Fort near Bhangarh

Archaeological importance of the haunted town of Bhangarh:

Bhangarh is an ancient town of archaeological importance. During recent excavations different types of tools used by early man have been recovered from the prehistorical site of Bhangarh. The old town of Bhangarh, as the ruins show was surrounded on three sides by elevated hills where wild undergrowth is seen today. There were natural springs and waterfalls there and one such is found near the temple of lord Someshwar. The Archaeological survey of India (ASI) has put up a sign board at Bhangarh stating (among others): “Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited.” Lot of tourists who visit this Bhangarh affirms that there is a strange feeling in the atmosphere of Bhangarh, which causes symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.