The Water Fort Photo

Photographer’s Note

Gagron is an ancient fort, situated at the confluence of the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers, about 12 km from Jhalawar, Rajasthan. The fort belonged to the Khichi Chauhans and has a glorious history of valor and sacrifice. It was laid out in or around 7th - 8th century and stands as a witness to many great battles.

Located in a remote location, far from the tourist crowds, the glorious Gagron Fort is a fine example of 'Jal Durg' or 'Water fort', which is one of the nine types of durgs or forts, mentioned in the Hindu Shastras. The foundation of this magnificent fort was laid in the 7th century and was completed by 14th century. The fort stands majestically on the crest of a hill at the confluence of the Kalisind and the Ahu Rivers. The former surrounding it from three sides provides an unsurpassable barrier, and from the fort’s impregnable ramparts a breathtaking view can be enjoyed.

The peculiarity of the fort is its natural defence consisting of mountainous ranges covered with forests through which gushes out the on-rushing water of the rivers. According to Tod, a traveler, “Independent of ancient association, there is a wild grandeur about Gagron, which makes it well worthy of visit and the views from the north side must be still finer than from ather point.” The turbulent River Kalisind forces its passage from the rocky mountains and dense forest to the valley of great depth below and presents a very beautiful sight.

The Gagron Fort is rather spectacular if seen from the vantage point. As I was looking in search of that vantage point, I met only local shepherds, their cattle comprising of cows, buffalos & goats, all of whom were looking at me with curious interest. In this view you can see the cattle and the stone 'bridge' on the right, along which some people as well, all taking bath in the river. The treacherous mud in some stretches along the river bank almost claimed my camera, as my feet sank upto the level of my knees. But I did find the vantage point, but the picture from there would be for later....:-)

PixelTerror, feather, bukitgolfb301, pablominto, jafadabret, karthikcs, dip, Urs, patdeph, jhm, Waylim, Graal, Bluejeans ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

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sevy (13656) 2009-07-03 3:04

Hello Angshu,

It is a pleasure to discover your country by your photos as it is showing parts not welknown (at least by me).
Good composition here with the use of the cows in the foreground, the the river and the barrage driving the look to the fort.

Yves.

PixelTerror (86358) 2009-07-03 3:34

Hi Angshu
Nice to show us such remote places, good view of the fort with the foreground animals animating well the scene.
Have a nice day JY

feather (49872) 2009-07-03 8:50

I hope you didn't ruin your shoes! Those batheing people are tiny in the frame, giving us a good understanding of the scale here. The composition works well with the shoreline leading into the scene and the cattle making excellent foreground interest. An eye-catching feature is the brown tones in the water reflecting from the fort.
Kath

bukitgolfb301 (4778) 2009-07-04 1:36

Hello my dear prof. Angshuman

What a stable framework, composition and calm color balance. The contrast of the objects on the ground and very very deep blue sky is very very attractive. Congratulation on your super shot, but already usual for you.

Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Have a nice weekend!
Takero

aadilj (17950) 2009-07-04 4:59

Kya yaar...have you not started off in Mumbai?
Joking...the above comment doesnt take away anything from this lovely, claer and crisp image Angshuman. Its pleasing and lovely...and there's some news. I have started my website!!!! Pls visit www.aadiljamal.com and tell me what you feel about it. have your numbers changed?? I need a picture of myself for the home page so do tell me when you come to delhi!!!

pablominto (40958) 2009-07-04 22:50

Hello Angshu,

An interesting story behind this ancient fortification!
Today the place looks rather peaceful, with the cows in front enjoying a tad of river water...
A fine composition with good depth, vivid colours in the fine light!

Greetings,
Pablo -

jafadabret (39923) 2009-07-04 23:19

Hello Angshu.
Ce fort très ancien est encore très imposant. Il complète le rocher de belle façon pour en faire une place forte.
Beau travail !
Jacques

dip (12690) 2009-07-05 21:43

Hello Angshu!
beautiful image of the old fort,very good point of view and good choice to include the beautiful scene in the foreground,
well done!
Dimitris.

patdeph (18048) 2009-07-06 0:25

namaste Angshuman
the light is a little bit harsh,but the stones and the tree are standing very well out the blue sky and water!This is a very nice scene with the cows quietly bathing,and the beautiful fort as background!
Regards
Pascale

Urs (3024) 2009-07-06 0:27

Dear Angshuman,

These cows walking towards the viewer are great, truly Indian. Also the remains of the Gagron Fort could not be in another country. It looks like lost in time and that most likely is what you liked the show - a time gone bye. Through these elements the cows, the water and the fort you have achieved a perfect DOF, contrast and colors. The sharpness is adequate. Well done

Best regards
Urs

papagolf21 (56483) 2009-07-06 0:31

Bonjour, mon ami Angshu,
Très belle mise en image de ce très respectable fort parfaitement mis en valeur, et particulièrement avec ces animaux qui donnent à l'ensemble une sensation de sérénité particulière.
Amitiés.
Philippe

ghilain (1714) 2009-07-06 1:30

Hello Angshu,

this blue sky dominates the photograph and gives an impression of calm!
TFS

brigitte

pierrefonds (26449) 2009-07-06 4:33

Hi Angshuman,

The reflections in the water are assets to the composition. The presence of the cows has an effect of scale. The trees are framing well the fort. The point of view leads our eyes toward the fort which is giving depth to the composition. The morning light is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

jhm (82879) 2009-07-06 5:45

Hello Angshu,

Splendid rural picture, good composition here with the use of the cows in the foreground, the the river and the look to the old fortress.
Excellent of composition and presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

Waylim (10933) 2009-07-06 17:44

Hi Angshu,
It is nice to see such a beautiful and impressive ruin far away from the main tourist area. It take someone of your knowledge to bring us this scene of the local beauty. I lke the cows drinking casually along the river. Beautiful and rich earth tone coor and beautiful deep blue sky. the sharpness may be just a little bit week, but cetainly good enough and above average, I just come to have higher expectation from you. Thanks. Have a great day.
Way

Graal (58267) 2009-07-06 23:38

Hi Angshuman,
an interesting note and photojob. Nice colours, fine effect of polariser. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

AiresSantos (42440) 2009-07-07 0:21

Hi Angshu
Beautiful picture of the Water Fort
Fine colours and atmosphere
Very good sharpness and details
Greetings
Aires

John_F_Kennedy (31671) 2009-07-07 3:52

Excellent POV and wonderful perspective. Sharp nice details! Great shot of a really beautiful temple area.

Best wishes,
Achim

Bluejeans (32633) 2009-07-08 5:53

Oi Angshuman ,
Bonito este lugar com esta represa de agua e com o castelo no alto da colina , parece uma paisagem bem árida de cores fortes, gostei do gado aqui em primeiro plano a matar a sede , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo