Ahhichatragarh, meaning “the hood of a Cobra,” is the historically significant fort of Nagaur. Its strategic position and historical relevance established it as the main bastion for the Pargana of Nagaur and one of the foremost strongholds of the former kingdom of Marwar.

The citadel was constructed around 1058 AD by the Chauhans, specifically under the direction of Samant Kamas Daima, the Prime Minister of Raja Prithviraj Chauhan II. The Chauhans maintained authority over Nagaur and its adjacent regions until the Tughlaq dynasty and, subsequently, the Mughal Empire took control. During the Mughal period, the fort underwent extensive renovations, which included the addition of Charbaghs (garden layouts), water tanks, Baradaris (pavilions), and ornamental gardens.

In 1634, Shah Jahan granted the Jagir of Nagaur to Maharajkumar Amar Singh, the son of Maharaja Gaj Singh I of Marwar. In 1638, Amar Singh was conferred the title of Rao and accorded autonomy over Nagaur. His lineage administered the area until 1716, when the Mughal Court confiscated it.

Following this period, Farrukh Siyar entrusted the Faujdari of Nagaur to Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar, subsequently placing Nagaur under the jurisdiction of the Marwar State. His successor, Raja Bakhat Singh, commanded the construction of several prominent palatial structures that remain integral to the fort complex today. The fort remained with the Maharaja of Jodhpur-Marwar, being designated as his private property following the accession of Jodhpur State to the Union of India in 1947.

In the 1970s, the Border Security Force and the Rajasthan Auxiliary Corps utilised the fort for a brief period before transferring its management to the Mehrangarh Museum Trust in 1985. His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar undertook the restoration of the deteriorating structures with support from the Getty Foundation in Los Angeles. A grant received in 1992 facilitated essential repairs and enabled a comprehensive survey of the grounds. The project also benefited from collaborations with INTACH, New Delhi, and the AADI Centre, Hyderabad, which contributed to research and documentation efforts. Subsequent to the initial grant’s success, the Getty Foundation awarded additional grants in 1998 and 2003, marking a notable achievement.

The diligent efforts of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II and the Mehrangarh Museum Trust culminated in 2002 when the restoration initiative was honoured with the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for Excellence in Conservation of Cultural Heritage. The Mehrangarh Museum Trust received further financial support from the Arch Foundation, Salzburg, and the Helen Hamlyn Trust, UK, which facilitated the study and conservation of the Fort’s water system and gardens.

Notably, the Ranvas, or residence of the queens, has been transformed into a hotel, while the remaining portions of the fort complex operate as a museum. The Fort is renowned for its annual celebration of the Sacred Spirit Festival, which serves as a fitting homage to the origins of Sufi music.