Taragarh Fort in Bundi, Rajasthan is also referred to as the `Star Fort` and is believed to be one of the most beautiful historical structures of this western Indian state. It is situated at a distance of nearly 39 km away from Kota and had been constructed during 1134 AD by Rao Raja Bar Singh, over a steep hill-slope. `Gagudi ki Phatak`, `Lakshmi Pol` and `Phuta Darwaza` are the three gateways which lead to the majestic fort, though a majority of the portion of these gates are presently ruined. During the time when Taragarh Fort was in the zenith of its glory, it was quite reputed for its numerous tunnels which ran criss-crossing across the entire hill. Unfortunately, these ancient tunnel-ways are presently inaccessible due to the lack of proper maps and information. Historical sources have asserted that Taragarh Fort had been erected during the regime of Rao Deva belonging to the legendary `fire-born` clan of Hada Chauhan Rajput who founded Bundi in 1341.
`Bhim Burj` is the largest battlement of the fort, built in the 16th century which was once placed on top of gigantic cannon known as `Garbh Gunjam` or `Thunder from the Womb`. Huge water reservoirs were once a part of the interiors of the bastions of the Chauhans, which were created with an aim to preserve water and supply it to the local inhabitants of Bundi during acute crisis or emergency. These large water reservoirs have been carved out from rocky bases of the Taragarh Fort. Existent within the premises of the fort is a tiny palace named `Rani Mahal`, which had been established for the concubines and wives of the kings. However, currently Rani Mahal has lost much of its grandeur and gloss, since the lustre of the stained glass windows and the mural paintings have gradually faded away, being subjected to the ravages of times. Miran Saheb ki Dargah is yet another interesting structure present in the grounds of Taragarh Fort. Miran Saheb was the fort`s governor who had been killed in a fierce encounter.
Tourists and visitors will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the entire city of Bundi, while they stand near some of the windows of the famous Taragarh Fort. During the 18th century, when Rajasthan was under the administrative control of the ruler of Jaipur, Fauzdar Dalil of Jaipur had added a second protective wall around the Taragarh Fort, which boasts of several exquisite monuments.
