• Barkhasingh Thakur

Kumbhalgarh Fort, located in the district of Rajasthan, is one of India's finest examples of medieval Rajput military architecture. Built during the reign of Maharana Kumbha in the fifteenth century, the fort combines strategic planning, durable construction techniques, and climate-responsive design. While it is widely known for its historical and cultural significance, its architectural planning and sustainable design principles have received comparatively less attention. This literature-based study examines the fort's site planning, defensive system, construction materials, passive environmental strategies, and present-day conservation challenges. The study is based on secondary sources, including scholarly publications, UNESCO records, and conservation reports. The review shows that Kumbhalgarh Fort was designed as a self-sustaining settlement that effectively integrated natural topography, water management, and defensive planning. Many of these principles, including the use of local materials, passive cooling, and efficient resource management, remain relevant to contemporary sustainable architecture. The paper also discusses current conservation issues, such as weathering, tourism pressure, and the need for compatible restoration techniques. It concludes that Kumbhalgarh Fort is not only an important cultural monument but also a valuable source of architectural knowledge that continues to offer lessons for sustainable design and heritage conservation.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajput Architecture, Military Architecture, Heritage Conservation, Sustainable Architecture, Rajasthan.

"Architectural Planning, Defensive Design Strategies, and Sustainable Conservation of Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan: An Architectural Review for Contemporary Heritage Practice", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 7, page no.c517-c519, July-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2607268.pdf

"Architectural Planning, Defensive Design Strategies, and Sustainable Conservation of Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan: An Architectural Review for Contemporary Heritage Practice", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 7, page no. ppc517-c519, July-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2607268.pdf