This was last summer. I am all set to visit my best friend in Jaipur. I book a comfortable AC cab in Delhi and head out on NH 48. My cabbie happens to be an old man, who has probably seen it all in life, making for a great storyteller on the drive. He asks me about my travel plans and we get into a conversation about the spirit world, the dead, the undead, and the works. He then moves onto a story about this old, derelict fort in a place called Bhangarh Fort, in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. I initially laugh it off saying that such stories are always a hoax, mostly to dissuade people from encroaching on a property. But I hear him anyway.
The Story of Bhangarh
Nestled in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort is renowned not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the eerie legends that shroud its history. Constructed in the 17th century, this fort has earned the reputation of being one of India’s most haunted locations, drawing both history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The Legend of Princess Ratnavati and the Warlock
The most prevalent tale associated with Bhangarh Fort revolves around Princess Ratnavati, famed for her beauty and charm. A local warlock, deeply infatuated with her, resorted to sorcery in an attempt to win her affection. He concocted a love potion intended for the princess. However, aware of his intentions, Ratnavati thwarted his plan, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the warlock’s death. With his dying breath, he cursed the fort, proclaiming that its inhabitants would meet tragic ends and that the site would remain unoccupied forever. Subsequently, the fort faced a Mughal invasion, leading to widespread devastation and the demise of its residents.
Paranormal Activities and Local Legends
Over the centuries, numerous accounts of paranormal activities have emerged from Bhangarh Fort. Locals and visitors have reported hearing mysterious sounds, including the cries and screams of women, especially during the night. There have also been claims of strange lights and unexplained scents wafting through the air. Such reports have instilled a deep-seated fear among the local populace, leading authorities, including the Archaeological Survey of India, to prohibit entry into the fort premises after sunset and before sunrise.
A Visitor’s Experience
A traveler en route to Jaipur decided to make an impromptu detour to Bhangarh Fort, driven by curiosity about its haunted reputation. Upon arrival, the fort appeared like any other historical site, with tourists exploring its vast expanse. However, as she ventured deeper into the darker, less restored sections, she encountered unsettling experiences. The air grew damp with a moldy odor, and an eerie silence prevailed. At one point, she found herself disoriented, repeatedly arriving at the same dead-end, unable to find her way back, with her phone devoid of network coverage. This inexplicable incident left her pondering the mysteries that Bhangarh Fort holds.
Rationalizing the Unexplained
While tales of hauntings persist, some attribute these experiences to natural causes. The fort’s proximity to the Sariska Tiger Reserve suggests that sounds attributed to spirits could, in fact, be the calls of wild animals venturing close to human settlements. The deteriorating architecture, with its dark corridors and collapsing structures, might also play tricks on the mind, leading to feelings of unease and disorientation.
Conclusion
Bhangarh Fort stands as a testament to Rajasthan’s rich history, intertwined with legends that blur the lines between myth and reality. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the fort offers a unique experience—a blend of historical intrigue and enigmatic allure. For those seeking to explore its mysteries, it is advisable to visit during daylight hours, adhering to local guidelines and respecting the sentiments of the community.
Note: Visitors are strictly advised against entering Bhangarh Fort after sunset, in compliance with regulations set by local authorities and the Archaeological Survey of India.