Jaisalmer Fort

LOCATION:

Jaisalmer is located on top of the Trikuta Hills, in the middle of the Thar desert, in the beautiful desert city of Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan. It is one of the main forts of Rajasthan and the second oldest after Chittorgarh fort. The sandstone monument was also known as the Sonar Quila, as it seemed to risefrom the sands as a golden structure.

HISTORY:

The fort was constructed under the reigns of Bhatti Rajput Raja Jaisal in 1156 AD, after whom the city is named, when he decided to relocate his capital since the old fort of Lodurva had turned receptive to attacks and invasions. Even today, one-fourth of the population of the city resides in the fort itself.

A famous legend has it that Hindu Lord, Shri Krishna, predicted that a Yadav clan descendant would build his empire on top of the Trikuta Hill. It was not until 1156 AD, that Bhatti Rajpur King Raja Jaisal of the Yadav clan, built his fort with strong bastions, surrounded by the Jaisalmer kingdom on the Trikuta Hill, to shift his capital from the old Lodurva fort. Intricate carvings and ornamentations are a part of the havelis that form a part of the fort.

ARCHITECTURE:

The fort is a masterpiece of Bhatti Rajputs. It is completely built of yellow sandstones giving it a honey hued look. The main fort is 250 feet tall from where one can have the complete view of the city. The main fort houses several Jain temples and palatial havelis, which are a treat to the eyes.

There is also a Jain library preserving many important manuscripts, paintings, astronomical charts, palm leaf books and literature dating back to the 12th century. The library called Gyan Bhandaar also has several relics from the Pre-Mogul and Rajput era. There are also various temples where Lord Ganesh, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshiped.

The fort is surrounded by thick walls, around 30 ft in height. It has 99 bastions to keep guns on. Four huge gates called the Surya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Hawa Pol and Bhoot Pol were used to enter the massive fort. The fort also has a well which was called the Death Well, to throw away criminals into it, as a punishment. A significant feature of the fort is a gadget for whether forecast, placed at the top of the fort. Based on the direction of the flag, the predictions were made.


MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:

Overall look of the fort from a distance, which seems like a mirage on the desert sands and the whole structure seems to protrude from the golden sands, especially under the setting sun.

The fortified structure to defend the kingdom from the attackers, the gigantic walls, bastions and massive gates.

The palace of the king which was used for examining his soldiers and troops and for entertainment.

Several Jain temples are also housed within the fort which are more beautifully carved than the other temples of the fort.

The Gyan Bhandar or the library is also a very informative section of the fort, to study the past of Jodhpur.

NEARBY SIGHTSEEING:

Salim Singh Ki Haveli:

The palace of the Mohta family, it truly has a beautifully crafted exterior. The prominent blue copula, the upper balcony and the carved walls attract the attention of the tourists.

Gadisar Lake:

Gadsisar is a prime attraction of Jaisalmer. It was once the sole provider of water to the city, the ghats are surrounded by sacred temples and shrines. There is also a small exhibit of fort art and culture.

Patwon ki Haweli and Nathmalji ki Haweli are the other prime attractions near Jaisalmer Fort, which will transport you to the royal era.


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