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Luni Fort, Jodhpur
The
fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards towers, water, wheels, stables,
passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops
spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings
on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone
days.
The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and
is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into
intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the  centuries
by their ancestors. The village elders solemnly reflect the changing times under
shady trees, while the children enjoy running around narrow carefree streets.
The women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani colours go about their daily
chores to give water and sustenance to the village.
The Fort has been
beautifully restored to its former glory by its owners Maharaj Dalip Singhji,
( The youngest son H.H Maharaja Umaid Singhji) and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room
has been created and decorated with its own particular charm and the many courtyards,
verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and ambiance set to capture your heart.
Fort chanwas's courtyards are peaceful havens where guests can unwind for the
day and spend the afternoons leisurely reading or relaxing in the sun.
There
is a beautiful pool to cool off fatigue and refresh oneself. The fort has a bar
which is well-stocked to suit different tastes and an evening bazaar to pick up
gifts and nick-nacks. The family takes pleasure in organizing gala lunches and
Dinners (upto 150 Pax) with traditional or made to order menu. The guests can
enjoy their meals as well as witness local dances at the same time and get the
true taste of Indian hospitality and culture.
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II Ruler
of Jodhpur Marwar from 1876-1895 A.D is remembered as the benign Monarch who steered
the administration and economy of Marwar away from chaos and instability to a
period of sustained development and security and justice for all.
Amongst
the prominent civil servants in this Ruler's coterie of adminstrators, was a young
Charan by the name of Kaviraj Muraridanji. He was an astute politician and a farsighted
adminstrator. In 1894 Kaviraj Muraridanji received in Jagir the little known hamlet
of Chanwa. There he build an exquisite little fortress Palace today known as Fort
Chanwa.
In 1941, however the village of Chanwa became "Khalsa"
( belonging to the State ) as, ironically Muraridanji fell victim to a law introduced
by him in the best interest of Marwar, whereby feudal estates lacking a male successor
and without a recognized adoption in the life time of the deceased Jagirdar were
automatically resumed by the state, after his death.
In the year 1948
Chanwa was granted in "Jagir" to Maharaja Dalip Singh, the youngest
son of Maharaja Umaid Singh, However over the years the Fortress sank into years
of neglect and decay. In 1992 inspired by a wave of successful restorations to
heritage properties and encouraged by the burgeoning tourism traffic into western
Rajasthan Maharaj Dalip Singh, the 24th generation of direct descent from Rao
Jodha, ruler and founder of Jodhpur in the 15the century decided to throw open
the gates of Chanwa to these new 'invaders".
Today Fort Chanwa restored
to its pristine glory and charm by its proud owners Maharaj Dalip Singh &
Rani Madhu Devi, warmly welcome travellers from distant lands offering princely
hospitality in an inimitably enchanting setting- a Heritage Hotel in the finest
traditions. Fort Chanwa has Thirty one authentically renovated rooms ( with attached
bathrooms) each different from the other. Ourhonoured guests can relish traditional
Rajasthani cuisine which is specially prepared by cooks who have served the family
through the generations. Candle-light dinners with folk musicians singing in the
background brings in nostalgia and old world charm.
Luni Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan Forts
& Palaces Reservation Form
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