A famous strength hold the Chauhan Rajputs is the Ranthambhor only 13 kms from Swai Madhopur is the entry point to Ranthambhor and iis an important town with its own historic city, but it is later which is known the world over and founded in the 11th century is one of the oldest in Rajasthan and was the 8th century and later of the Chauhans. Govind, grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reigns of this land in the 13th century. Later he was succeeded by Vagabhata who built a stately temple at Jhain and beautified Ranthambhor.
Situated on a hill and rising 1579 above sea level the forested valleys, Fort was constructed in the 5th century AD by Maharaja Jayant. The fort has massive Ramparts, mighty gates and Bastions all around the hill. Inside are the ruins of palaces, some ancient temples and cenotaphs of the rulers. The fort has been many furious battles with the Mughals and successfully faced several attacks and was transferred into several possessions. Jalaluddin Khilji attempted to conquer the fort in 1348 AD, but he failed. Finally its most valiant ruler was Hammir who faced Allauddin Khilji like a true Rajput and refused to bow to the enemy inspite of the severe shortage of food and provision that his fort faced (the bloody annals of Ranthambhor recall the legendary). Finally his nephew
Allauddin could take over in 1569 AD. It was occupied by Emperor Akbar in the middle of the 15th century. Rana Kumbha captured the fort and later handed it over to his son. There after Hada Rajputs of Bundi, Mughal EMPEROR Akbar, Aurangzeb occupied this magnificent structure. When Aurangazeb died, the fort was taken over the ruler of Jaipur, Ranthambhor was then the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Among the more famous who were part of these hunting parties were queen Elizebeth 11 and the Duke of Edinburgh.
One of the most famous places on the fort is temple of Lord Ganesh of 8th century. Every year thousands of people gather here during the Ganesh Chaturthi to worship at the temple. One of interesting aspect is the mail that is sent to Lord Ganesh consisting mainly of wedding invitations. The letters are brought up to the temple in large sacs everyday.
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