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Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificient monument in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer
fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Jaisalmer
fort is also known as the "Sonar Quila" or the Golden fort.
This fort was built by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in
1156 AD.
The five storey fort adorns itself with balconies and windows that
displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted
and tiled in typical Rajput style. The bastions envelops a whole township
that consist of palace complex, the havelis of rich merchants, several
temples and the residential complexes of the armies and merchants.
These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble
status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state
in the 12th century and proceeded further. But the rich merchants
inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions
or havelis. These merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately
on the sandstone mansions. They filled up facades with sculptural
figures, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies.
The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved
Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century.
Make sure you take care of sunstroke and sunburn, as these are common
ailments here, especially for those who come from more temperate climates.
The weather is either extremely hot or pretty cold. Inspite of these
hazards, Jaisalmer fort makes this place a hot destination. The most
attractive aspect of Jaisalmer fort is its veritable art - museums
and colorful celebrations of various festivals. If it is possible,
make it to this town in the month of February, when camel safaris
are popular as is the annual desert festival. The fort has the appearance
of a giant sandcastle shimmering in the desert heat like a mirage
that will soon disappear. The intricate carvings of the fort are splendid,
and one can easily envision the grandeur of the glorious era long
past. The steep cobble stone pathways leading to the royal palace
pass through for gates called Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Hawa Pol and
Bhoota Pol. The sharp twists & turns along with five interconnected
palaces makes the fort invincible.
The architecture of the Jaisalmer fort is exquisite. The ramparts,
bastions and the long stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously
during early morning and at the sunset. The fort is two hundred and
fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone
wall which is 30 feet high. The fort has 99 bastion, out of which
92 bastions were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort stands almost
30 metres over the city and unbelievably houses an entire living area
within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol,
Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. |
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