Darbargadh Fort, Porbandar, Gujarat India

Darbargadh, the fortified palace was built by the Rana Sartanji. This palace has a huge carved stone entrance gate flanked by high turrets and massive wooden doors. It is a typical example of such royal enclosures situated within the town of Gujarat. The nearby edifices on the left of the entrance are also good examples of large mansions with courtyards and intricately carved wooden elements.

Standing tall as a noteworthy landmark in the city of Porbandar is the Darbargadh Fort, a fortified palace built by Rana Sartanji. Built on a high platform, this three-storied palace is a typical example of such imperial enclosures within the town of Porbandar.

The entrance gate of the palace has been finely carved out of a huge stone, and is bordered by high fortifications and gigantic wooden doors. The gate leads to the Darbargadh in the center of a courtyard. The wall of the magnificent fort has got several fortifications, four prime gates, as well as three ‘baris’ (small gates). The four main gates are Kathiawadi Darwaja in east, Porbandar Gate in west, Halar Gate in north and Junagadh Gate in south. The smaller gates, known as baris, are Darbari Bari, Bhimji Bari, and Sati Bari. The Darbari Bari is a striking gate festooned with a ‘jharokha’, resting on support of four elephant statues in different poses.

The smokescreen in the fort is adorned with carvings of musicians, lions sitting in different postures, intricate geometric patterns, frescoes, decorative 'kanguras', and carved pillars. The edifices positioned close to the entrance of the fort are also exceptional examples of huge mansions with courtyards and intricate wooden carvings. This imposing fort is a must visit when in Porbandar.