Naulakot

Naulakot, also spelled Naulakha Kot, is a historic fortified site located in the central region of Rajasthan, India. The fort’s name is derived from the Persian words "na" meaning nine and "lakht" meaning worth, reflecting its former status as a valuable stronghold in the region’s political landscape.

Construction of Naulakot is believed to date back to the mid‑sixteenth century, during the reign of the Kachhawa Rajputs. The fort was strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the surrounding plains, providing a defensive advantage against invading forces. Its walls, built from locally quarried stone, rise to a height of approximately 12 metres and are reinforced by bastions that project outward at regular intervals. The entrance gate is flanked by octagonal towers, a feature that is typical of Rajput fort architecture of the period.

Inside the fort, a series of courtyards, a small shrine, and a water reservoir for irrigation can be found. The central courtyard is surrounded by residential quarters, a palace structure, and administrative chambers, indicating that Naulakot served as both a defensive hub and a seat of local governance. Over the centuries, control of the fort shifted among various regional powers, including the Mughals, the Maratha Empire, and later the Jaipur princely state. In the nineteenth century, it was incorporated into the British colonial administration as part of the Ajmer District.

Today, Naulakot remains in a state of partial ruin, with many sections of its outer walls still intact and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The site has been declared a protected heritage monument, and it attracts both tourists and scholars interested in the fortifications of Rajasthan’s medieval period.