By Rupesh Samant
Jodhpur: Standing tall against the azure skyline, the 14th-century Mehrangarh Fort has long been a symbol of Rajput valour and heritage. But for Hemkunvar Shekhawat, the towering fort also became a stage for quiet courage — where she broke centuries-old barriers to become the first woman guide in what was once an all-male domain.
It all began a decade ago when Hemkunvar’s husband, a licensed guide at the fort, fell ill and could no longer continue his work. With little precedent and much hesitation, she decided to step in. “I had no example to follow,” she recalls softly. “For Rajput women, such work was unheard of. But I had to support my family.”
Armed with a Master’s degree in Art and experience as a teacher, Hemkunvar gradually learned the nuances of guiding tourists through the sprawling courtyards, intricate carvings and rich history of the fort that overlooks Jodhpur’s famed blue city. Her sincerity and deep understanding of the fort’s heritage earned her recognition — and the coveted green card from the Rajasthan government authorizing her as an official guide. After undergoing further training, she is now eligible for the yellow card, which brings wider recognition and access to state tourism assignments.
Though she doesn’t handle foreign tourists because of language limitations, Hemkunvar’s determination has inspired others. “When people saw me working confidently here, more women came forward,” she says. Today, four other women have joined the ranks among nearly a hundred guides who bring Mehrangarh’s stories alive for visitors from across the world.
From the quiet fort corridors to the bustling courtyards filled with tourists, Hemkunvar has not just found her voice — she has helped other women find theirs too. Her son, now studying MBBS at Chamundeshwari Medical College near Bengaluru, remains her proudest supporter.
For a woman who once stepped out of her comfort zone hesitantly, Hemkunvar Shekhawat’s journey stands as a testament to resilience — a reminder that courage, like heritage, can be timeless.
