Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, nestled on the golden sands of Thar Desert, is not just a fort but a mini-town with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it falls under the category of 'Hill Forts of India'. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort gets its name from the former Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls with multiple entrance gates on the path up top, the last of which directs you to the popular public square named Dashera Chowk. The fort stands at an impressive height of 250 ft. and is surrounded by 30 ft. tall walls. Owing to its altitude, it offers a stunning and panoramic view of Jaisalmer city draped in golden yellow!

One of the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is located on the southern edge of the city and is popularly known as 'Sonar Qila' or 'Golden Fort'. It is a massive structure exhibiting its aesthetic beauty. The walk through the labyrinthine lanes is an experience worth having. Jaisalmer Fort was initially named 'Trikut Garh' since it was triangular in shape and was also built over the Trikuta Hills. 'Sonar Qila'(Golden Fort) as it is locally referred to, houses almost quarter of Jaisalmer's population inside the complex.

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.

Jaisalmer Fort Architecture
Jaisalmer Fort is an amazing rustic fusion of Islamic and Rajputana style of architecture. Standing haughtily, this gigantic structure presents a stunning sight at night under the shadows of the moon. The Golden Fort complex comprises of several buildings such as palaces, temples, houses, wells, Havelis; all of them crafted out with light yellow sandstone which reflects a soft lion colour at day time and honey-gold as the sun sets. One would notice the intricate carvings and designs decorating the balconies, windows, and arches of havelis. The fort has several entrances namely Hawa Pol, Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol and Jawahar Pol, each uniquely and exquisitely crafted. The final gate across the zigzag pathway leads to Dashera Chowk.

The main attraction of the 'Sonar Kila' fort is Maharawal Palace popular for its marble throne. A five-storied tower named Tazia Tower stands right opposite the Maharawal Palace. Another major attraction of the fort is Jawahar Palace with an impressive laid out design and architecture. Jawahar Palace was used as the royal residence back in time. Jain Temple and Lakshmi Temple are other famous destinations inside the complex among the visitors. The entire complex is a maze of winding lanes with houses and temples lined along with several handicraft shops, guesthouses, and restaurants.