Jailsalmer fort is one of the most important fort in Rajasthan India. The oldest fort built by Raja Jaisal in the year 1156 AD from whom the fort got its name. It is a famous historical monument which is adjudged as the world heritage site by UNESCO. Built in yellow stand stone, the fort stands tall and look marevellous. The fort is also known as Sonar Quila because of the yellow sandstone walls which get faded to honey gold after sun sets. Raja Jaisal chose trikutta hills to built this huge fort as his earlier fort Luderwal was vulnerable to war.
The Jaisalmer fort was under the control of Ala ud din Khiliji for almost 9 years and survived many Mughals attack. The fort is 250 foot tall and is surrounded by 30 feet long walls all around. The basement of the fort is also has 15 ft wall giving double protection. The fort consists of 99 bastions. The fort is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The fort consists of four gates namely Hawa Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jawahar Pol, Rang pol.
History Of Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer ka Kila was built by RajaRawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. He was a Bhatti Rajput ruler. He chose the Trikuta hills of the great Thar desert to symbolise the dominance, power and royalty of Rajputs. The Jaisalmer Fort has not only celebrated its impressiveness several times in history but also witnessed several battles with Khiljis, Tughalaqs, Mughals and Rathore Kings.
In 1276 AD, Rawal Jethsi built a defence system known as Rang Burj. He decided to use this Rang Burj after Alauddin Khilji, tried twice to invade the Jaisalmer Fort.
Sultan Alauddin Khilji's army surrounded Jaisalmer fort for eight to nine years and after reprised attempts, captured it in 1294 from Rajpur Bhattis. Due to this successful invasion, almost twenty-five thousand women did Jauhar or self-immolation to protect their integrity.
After two years, Khilji's army left the castle on its own. The surviving Bhattis regained the former glory of the fort. Another act of Jauhar took place in the late 14th century when Sultan of Delhi, Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq attacked Jaisalmer.
Further, another invasion by Mughal emperor Humayun in 1541 broke the defending system of King Rawal Lunakran. Due to this reason, he was forced to marry her daughter to Akbar.
Till 1762, Mughals ruled over Jaisalmer and was soon taken over by Maharawal Mulraj. He signed a treaty with the British East India Company. Thus, Jaisalmer soon became a princely state in Rajasthan. However, after the independence, Jaisalmer joined the Union of India and became a part of it.
Architectural Design of the Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is a unique fort that stands out from other gigantic forts of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer Fort is a beauty that can leave you confused and mesmerised at the same time. This is the reason Jaisalmer Fort's name became Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.
It is 1500 ft. long and 750 ft. wide built on a hill with a height of 250 ft. in the Thar desert. This fascinating marvel of Rajasthani architecture and Mughal essence can take your breath away in a single vista.
The Jaisalmer Fort is built with gorgeous yellow sandstone and shines like gold when complete sun rays fall on the wall. When the time comes for the sun to set, the sandstone colour changes from tawny lion colour to honey-gold.
There are four magnificent entrances to the fort. The four entrances are named Hawa Pole, Akshay Pole, Suraj Pole and Ganesha Pole. It also includes many other stunning pieces of architecture such as Moti Mahal, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal, Sarvotta Vilas, and Akhai Vilas.
Other bewitching places to visit are The Raja ka Mahal Palace (Maharwal Palace), Rani ka Mahal Palace, Seven Jain Temples, Lakshminath Temple, and others. All these places have designs and patterns that are beautifully carved on each and every wall of Jaisalmer. The Rajasthani style, Mughal patterns, and a little bit of Bengali art touch are just another level of craft.
Out of all the Moti Mahal has extraordinary architecture. It was built in 1815 by two brothers who worked from two sides of the house. They made a roof in peacock shape and several balconies, jharokhas that make it an aww struck view. This Moti Mahal is also known as Salan Singh Haweli.