The Cursed Fort of Bhangarh
Ever got the eerie feeling of someone’s presence behind you and then turning around only to find thin air ? While walking back home alone at night through an empty street, do you not get the urge to turn around once and see, but that you finally abstain from it from fear of unleashing a domino effect? Why is turning off the lights and reaching the bed a matter of life and death? Why do we prefer sleeping with our back against the wall? While washing our face with soap inside the bathroom, why do we hesitate to keep our eyes shut for more than a couple of seconds? Of course, there might not be an uniformity among us all regarding these psychic experiences. Some might act differently. But most of us would agree experiencing at least one of these emotions. Why is it so? What are we so afraid of ? In a village called Bhangarh, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, the accumulation of such uncanny experiences of settlers had led to the abandonment of the whole settlement. So what exactly happened there for people to flee and never come back? Why is it that still today that village is abandoned?
Let us find out!
Bhangarh
The history of Bhangarh dates back centuries when the Indian subcontinent was still under the yoke of the great Moghuls. The fate of Bhangarh is closely related to the fort that was central to the settlement. This fort was built by Rajput king Raja Madho Singh, the younger brother of the great Mughal general, Raja Man Singh of Amber. The Bhangarh fort is cornered by the Aravali Range, which is considered to be the oldest mountain range in India. The fort is located 50 kilometers from the Sariska Tiger Reserve between the city of Jaipur and Alwar. The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. Usually forts in hilly areas are built directly on top of the hill itself, but the makers of Bhangarh had taken a totally different approach. The ruins of the king’s palace are located on the lower slope of the hills. The fort complex consists of many temples and markets, everything made out of rocks. But perhaps the most interesting of all is the dancer’s palace. It is said that sounds of anklets of dancers can be heard from this area of the abandoned fort. There is also the tomb of a sage named Balau Nath atop a hill in the proximity. This sage is the principal figure of this whole curse thing, as we will find out later.
The Desolation of Bhangarh
Hisorical knowledge suggests that Bhangarh fell to the invading Mughal forces. But,there is little to no evidence as to which commander or emperor ordered it’s sacking, or if it was done at all. It’s desolation is a very mysterious occurrence, whence the creeping in of legends. Several structures lay in ruins. According to popular belief there are two instances which decided the fate of Bhangarh.
1st Instance: The curse of Balau Nath
It is said that long before Madhao Singh decided to build a fortress in that area a sage used to meditate there. Before starting construction of the fort, he had to consult the sage as he was well acquainted with the surroundings. The sage gave his consent to the project but only on the condition that the edifice must not be elevated to such a height that it overshadows his own self. Thus an agreement was made. Madhao Singh kept his word and never in his lifetime he exceeded that limit imposed by the sage. But, the posterity did not keep the ancestor’s word and started infringing upon the vow that was made. Inch by inch, metre by metre the fort started growing and finally a day came when it eclipsed the sage and devoured him completely. At this, the sage fumed with rage and brought ruin upon the fortress by pronouncing such words that are typical of holy men. It is noteworthy that the total height of the fort was seven storey of which only four remains today.
2nd Instance: The mad lover
Once, a princess was born into this lineage of rulers. Her name was Ratnavati. Ratnavati was unequalled in beauty and grace. Such was her fame that she received many marriage proposals from around the world. It was impossible to not fall into her charm. It so happened that a peddler who was adept in black magic fell for Rani Ratnavati. The name of this unusual lover was Sindhiya. Sindhiya was mad in love with Ratnavati. Everyday he would find ways to stalk her– Sometimes while passing by the countryside, sometimes at the local market and sometimes even through palace windows. Soon his love became obsession and his obsession turned into a violent urge for possession. He had to obtain her and by all means if necessary. Since he was an adept of black magic, he put spells in a liquid, which he disguised as perfume. When the maid of the princess came to the local market to buy toiletries for her majesty, Sindhiya managed to sell off this maleficent perfume to her. Sindiya then waited patiently for the desired effect to take place. Once, however, the perfume reached Rani Ratnavati, it had surprisingly the most unexpected effect. Rani Ratnavati, being gifted with beauty, was by no means dull. She was well educated in science and medicine and the moment she observed the perfume bottle, she doubted it’s contents and threw it away. The perfume bottle that had gone astray hit a rock and broke into shatters uniting the maleficent liquid and the giant rock. The magic started to brew and the affected rock rolled towards it’s summoner. When the heavy rock came into contact with the evil personage, it crushed him. Sindhiya, who lay in tatters, mumbled some spells before giving up life. And as expected, this was no salutary mantra. It was destined to bring ruin upon Ratnavati and her lineage. Accordingly, the kingdom was later sacked by the invading Mughal forces, killing all the inhabitants of the fort along with princess Rani Ratnavati.
The Ghastly aspect of Bhangarh
Even though Bhangarh is accessible to the general public and presented as a historical tourist site, the governing body is very clear as to it’s timings. It is formally prohibited from entry to that place before and after sunset. This shows the terror that Bhangarh incites. Generally the area is deserted up to a considerable area. The few people that live to it’s closest proximity report hearing strange sounds such as music and laughter, sightings of apparitions, disembodied voices, and a feeling of being followed or watched. Visitors have claimed to experience uneasiness, sudden drop in temperature, and an overall sense of dread while exploring the fort. There is a section inside the fort called Nartakiyon Ki Haveli. It is said that noise of anklets jingling can be heard from this room, as if someone were dancing. The place is generally lively in the day. Families come and spend their time here, children come to wander about, tourists come armed with their camera. But as soon as sun sets, Bhangarh transforms into a ghost town. Not the manliest of men dares to stay any longer. Locals generally refrain from venturing around and provoking the unnatural. They say that the one who enters the fort after sunset will never return. But some hardy people that come from different lands to prove a point also force themselves to spend a night there. Have they been able to return ? Obviously! But the question is: Have they been the same ever since ?
Takeaways
Whether one wishes to believe or not in these tales is purely a matter of faith in god. Because god is good. And one who believes in good also believes in evil. If a lot of people wish to believe in a tale, it becomes a legend. And the legend of Bhangarh is intact to this very day. Which is the reason why every year a multitude of people visit this picturesque site. So, what about you?
Do you have the guts to visit Bhangarh?
