Jaigarh Fort
The Arsenal Above Amer
Overview
Jaigarh Fort ('Victory Fort') stands on the Cheel ka Teela, the Hill of Eagles, in the Aravallis above Amer, near Jaipur, India. Its origins trace to the 11th century under the Kachhwaha Rajputs, and Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II gave it its present form in the early 18th century. Built to guard Amer Fort and its treasury, it houses the Jaivana, cast in 1720 and reputed the world's largest cannon on wheels, an intact medieval cannon foundry, and vast rainwater reservoirs. Underground passages link it to Amer below. MyTripMyTravel pairs it with Amer on one escorted hill day.
Jaigarh is the fort that made Amer possible, the military stronghold on the ridge directly above the palace, built to defend the Kachhwaha capital and guard its treasury. Where Amer is ornament, Jaigarh is muscle.
Its origins reach back to the 11th century, but it was Sawai Jai Singh II who gave it its present shape in the early 18th century. Inside sits the Jaivana, cast here in 1720 and long held to be the largest cannon on wheels ever made, alongside one of the few surviving medieval cannon foundries, its wind tunnel and ox-driven boring machinery still legible.
The fort is also an engineering study: three underground reservoirs, the largest holding some six million gallons, and subterranean passages that connect it to Amer so the two forts function as a single complex. MyTripMyTravel sequences Jaigarh with Amer on one escorted morning up the hill.
At a glance
Jaigarh Fort in brief
What to see
Highlights
The Jaivana cannon
Cast in 1720, a ~50-tonne barrel over six metres long, reputedly the largest cannon on wheels ever built, fired only once in test.
The cannon foundry
A rare surviving medieval foundry with wind tunnel and ox-powered barrel-boring machinery.
The reservoirs
Three underground rainwater tanks beneath the courtyard, the largest holding some six million gallons.
Passage to Amer
Subterranean links that made Jaigarh and Amer a single defensive complex.
Ramparts over Amer
Commanding views down onto Amer Fort and Maota Lake.
Visitor information
Our tips
Sequence it with Amer on the same hill day, the two forts were designed as one.
Give the cannon foundry proper time; it is the most unusual thing in the complex.
An expert guide separates the fort's real history from the treasure-hunt myths.
Wear proper footwear, the fort involves significant walking on uneven ramparts.
Good to know
Jaigarh Fort, your questions
What is the Jaivana cannon?
A colossal cannon cast at Jaigarh in 1720, with a barrel over six metres long weighing around fifty tonnes, long regarded as the largest cannon on wheels ever built. It was fired only once, in a test.
Who built Jaigarh Fort?
Its origins are 11th-century Kachhwaha Rajput, but Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II gave it its present form in the early 18th century, so it is not the work of a single reign.
Is Jaigarh connected to Amer Fort?
Yes, subterranean passages link the two, and they functioned as a single defensive complex. We visit both on one escorted day.
Why was the fort searched for treasure?
Persistent rumours of buried Kachhwaha treasure led to government income-tax searches in the mid-1970s, reportedly without success, the legend still colours the fort.
How long does Jaigarh take?
About 2 to 2.5 hours with a guide for the cannon, foundry, reservoirs and ramparts.
More in Jaipur
Visit with us
See Jaigarh Fort, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Jaigarh Fort into a wider Jaipur and Golden Triangle itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Jaigarh Fort
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.