Ranthambore / Sawai Madhopur

Ranthambore / Sawai Madhopur, in south-eastern Rajasthan, grew around the historic Ranthambore Fort and forests that are now Ranthambore National Park. The fort’s origins go back to the early medieval period (around the 8th–10th century) under the Chauhan Rajputs, when it was known as Ranastambhapura and served as a powerful hill stronghold. Over centuries, Ranthambore was contested by Chauhans, Delhi Sultans and later Mewar rulers, before passing to the Mughals, who recognised its strategic value. In the 18th century the area came under the influence of the Marathas, and in 1754 Mughal emperor Shah Alam II granted Ranthambore to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur, who used it as a royal hunting domain. The city of Sawai Madhopur itself was founded as a planned, walled town by Sawai Madho Singh I in 1763, and named in his honour; its foundation day is still celebrated on 19 January. Under British rule it remained part of Jaipur State, later joining Rajasthan after Independence. In 1955 the surrounding forests became Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary, upgraded to Project Tiger reserve in 1973 and notified as Ranthambore National Park in 1980, making the city world-famous as a gateway to tigers, heritage fort and Aravalli landscapes.