Badalgarh Fort in Jhunjhunu

Horses were an integral part of ancient wars. Rajputana is known as the land of warriors famous for their bravery and gallantry. They were famous for assembling huge cavalries (Risalas) fit for conquering big wars through their upbeat Risala skills. Horses playing an imperative role thus were required to be nourished and kept in stables fit for sustenance.

Badalgarh fort was not build for habitat rather as a stable. Horses and camels were valuable assets for the then rulers. It was an essential requirement for these animals to have an appropriate place to stay and not just an ordinary stable. This is a prime reason of Badalgarh fort not portraying the grand and eye catching ‘Baradaris’ as in case of other forts. Badalgarh fort is located at the top of a rocky hill and is known as one of the most impressive construction of Shekhawatis. Though it is designed with the purpose of a stable still the massive size of this fort is quite an astounding fact which makes it quite different from other Forts.

History of Kayamkhanis

Badalgarh fort was originally known as Fazalgarh, constructed by Nawab Fazal Khan at the close of 17^th century. Nawab Fazal Khan was a Kayamkhani Muslim ruler of Jhunjhunu. Kayamkhani or Qaim Khani have been known to embrace Islam more than 600 years ago and are still considered to be Rajputs. The originator of Qaim Khani was Karamchand who was born in Chauhan clan. He was converted into Muslim by Firuz Shah Tughluq and named as Qaimkhani. Thus his descendants are known as ‘Qaimkhanis’ (Kayamkhani).

Nawab Qaim Khan (an ‘Ameer’ of the Delhi sultanate) was brutally murdered by Khizar Khan for their differences over Hisar sultanate. It is assumed that Nawab’s body was thrown in Jumna as history nowhere states his burial place.  After the death of Taj Khan (eldest son of Qaim Khan) his eldest son Fateh Khan was handed the throne of Hisar however he soon was expelled by Bahlol Lodi. Taj Khan’s brother Muhammad Khan and Fateh Khan took over the Shekhawati area of Rajasthan and established two states namely; Fatehpur and Jhunjhunu. All other imperative constructions in Jhunjhunu were undertaken by these Kayamkhani rulers from here on.

Badalgarh Fort is well protected within its high walls. The view from Badalgarh fort is quite scenic and beautiful. It may not consist of high end architecture of that of Amber Fort or Jaisalmer Fort yet it is quite an interesting and worthwhile site to be explored by tourists.