Ranthambhor- The Impregnable Fort

About the Book Hammir of Ranthambor was the bravest of all brave. He was ambitious, resolute, indomitable, unflinching-undaunted, chivalrous, and lionhearted and a man of words which he kept till last, and even today he is well known for that.

A lioness gives birth to a cub only once; once alone is the word of a good man given; once only does a plantain bear fruit, a woman is anointed only once with oil for marriage' and once alone did Hammir gives his irrevocable promise.

In the present volume, the author gives us a connected history of the fort of Ranthambhor from the earliest period, of Chauhan dynasty and Hammir, the invasions of Allauddin Iqbalji and Akbar, to the time when it came under the erstwhile Jaipur State.

Beside the book, is richly illustrated with photographs of the fort and rare paintings of Hammir, and the invasion of Akbar, five inscriptions, Bibliography and Index.

The exhaustive study is based upon Hammirmahakavya, Bardic chronicles, Inscription I records ,Kabyats ,Raso, works of mediaeval Muslim historians and, modern historians.

About the Author Ranbir Sinh, Historian, Playwright, Directror, Actor,.Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain, Fellow of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi, Vice President of Indian Peoples Theatre Association, has served on several Governing Boards,Committees,and Councils.

Ranbir Sinh has several research papers on Indian History, Theater and Culture to his credit. Has written many journalistic articles in English and Hindi, on social issues, History, Theater and Culture in the leading journals of India and abroad.

Contributed to the Encyclopedia of World theater, Encyclopedia of Asian Theater, has attended several international Seminars on Theater in Europe and India. Has contributed several articles on Theater, History and Culture which have been published in books in English.

Books by him include:

Mauritius: The key to Indian Ocean, The History of Shekhawats, Wajid Ali Shah: The Tragic King, Genealogy of the Rulers of Amber and Jaipur, History of Parsi theater, Indra Sabha, Life and Times of Moliere, Ibsen, Eugene Oniell, and Luigi Pirandello. Presently engaged in translating and editing Banki Das Ki Khyat in English Has written more than twenty full length plays in Hindi. Hai Mera Dil has completed more than One Thousand performances. He has written several short plays. Has acted in films and T.V. As a broadcastor was commentator of test Cricket, Tennis and Hockey for All India Radio.

Foreword I have been emotionally attached to the fort of Ranthambhor. The late Maharaja and I used too visit Sawai Madhopur on our shooting excursions and camp there for few days. We had visitors from all over the world. Among those who visited were Queen Elizabeth, Duke of Edinburgh, Lord and Lady Mountbatten and many other friends. The towering personality of the fort of Ranthambhor used to hover on the sanctuary. It was then that I visited the fort and was impressed by the magnificence of it and the stories of brave Hammir how he defended the fort against Alluddin Khalji and gave up his life. Since then I have always cherished the thought that History and the tales of bravery and diplomacy attached to the forts of Rajasthan must be documented.

When Ranbir Sinh requested me to write he Foreword to his book on the fort of Ranthambhor I was very happy, as I saw my cherished desire being fulfilled and I gladly accepted his request.

I read the manuscript and I am glad that Ranbir Sinh has done a good work in documenting the History of the fort Ranthambhor, from the earliest period to the time it came under that Jaipur State. He has authoritatively unfolded many interesting and important incidents hitherto unknown, which lend dignity and glory to the fort.

I am sure that the book will be useful to the students of History, lovers of cultural heritage, and also to the tourists, foreign and domestic, who will have the chance to know about the glorious past of Ranthambhor.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages