Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificent foundation laid in the midst of the sandy terrain of the Great Thar Desert. Jaisalmer Fort is the epitome of Indian artwork and design and military magnificence. It is the crowning glory of the Golden City of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

Constructed of yellow sandstone, the Jaisalmer Fort lies atop the Trikuta hill in Jaisalmer. The fort was built in the 12th century by Raja Jaiswal who shifted his capital from Lodurva which was subject to invasions. The Jaisalmer Fort was built in the year 1156 and is one of the oldest existing forts constructed in Rajasthan, second only to Chittorgarh.

The Jaisalmer Fort is 250 feet tall and is bound on all sides by the fortifying wall built of sandstone that climbs to a height of 30 feet. Carved of stone are 99 bastions which were used as platforms for guns. 92 of these bastions were built between the year 1633 to 1647.

The Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan would house the people within its huge ramparts. The palace of the Maharawals lie in front of the Chauhata Square. The Maharawal's marble throne is placed over a flight of marble steps. There is also a five-storeyed Tazia tower. This was constructed by Muslim craftsmen and are decorated with ornate Bengali styled roofs. For the defense of the people, another wall was constructed parallel to the first wall. A pathway lies in between the two. The entrance gates are named as Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol.

The royal family resides in the Jawahar Palace. The market place in the fort is known as the Manek Chowk. Atop the ramparts lie constructed a structure that was used to forecast the weather. A flag placed centrally on it would denote the wind direction which depicted the weather through the year. The source of water were the wells constructed in the fort. With the increase of population, people established settlements outside the fort as well. However, the fort still remains the hub of activity.

The Jaisalmer Fort is a spectacular construction built in the desert and a starred attraction for tourists. Yellow sandstone lends the golden color to the fort that lures tourists from all over the world.

Last Updated on 12/15/2011