The Hauntings Of Bhangarh - Reality Or Myth?

Located around 220 kms from Delhi is a place that is often named as one of the most haunted places in India. A place that has so many spooky stories around it that it arouses one's interest immediately. This is the city of Bhangarh, once glorious now feared. A fort standing in ruins, in desperate need of restoration, stones that were once put together to form walls now crumbling down, remains of what were once shops and houses, surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, huge trees in the campus, a temple at the main gate, a notice outside the main gate by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that reads,

"Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited. Legal action would be taken against anybody who does not follow these instructions"

A place whose only inhabitants now are only an army of Monkeys and Langoors.

In ancient times, Unlike other forts in India, it was not merely a king's residence in there. It was, as a matter of fact, an entire town behind those grand walls which now stand shattered. A main market area, lined with ruins of shops from old times, houses and residences of other common and important people and at the far corner the king's palace built at some height and overlooking the entire town.

Now what really happened here, no one knows for certain. There is very little information about this place in history books and almost next to no information about the kings who ruled here. The little significance that this place holds in history is because of Man Singh, general of Emperor Akbar. If one is to believe historians, it was because of Jai Singh II’s repeated attacks that forced the people to escape. Other historians believe that it was the famine of 1783 that forced people to leave here in search of food elsewhere and they just never returned.

It is also believed by some historians that Bhangarh was inhabited for centuries before it was built into a royal city in 1573. It is said that it was a wealthy town where over 10,000 residents lived in prosperity. Even today it can not be denied that this small town once had grand palaces, well maintained gardens, and beautiful temples.

Whatever happened here in the hills, why this town was deserted is both fascinating and frustrating because of the lack of any robust information. Whatever information is available are mere speculations and beliefs.

But if one is to believe the local myths and legends, the story is both interesting and spooky.