Jaisalmer fort has its own dignity among the largest fort in the world. It is located in the city of jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan (India). Itwas erected by bhati Rajput ruler Rawal jaisal, in 1156 AD. The fort located arrogantly in the midst of the vast Thar Desert on trikuta hill. Its enormous walls are of yellowish brown color during the day light and approaching to dusk it becomes honey gold and thereby disguise the fort in the yellow desert. This is the reason it is known as the “golden” fort too. This fort is well known among the people as “sonar quilla” by the locals. This is one of the most magnificent monuments in the area.

History

The city played an important role in trade with Arabia, Persia, Africa and Egypt during medieval times the wall of the fort has thee layer. Theouter layer or the lower layer is made up of hard stone blocks which support the loose wreckage of Trikutahills, the middle or second wall twisted around the fort. It has been said for the third or the innermost wall that once the Rajput warriors threw water and boiling oil together with large bocks of rocks at their enemies who would become caught in between so called second and third walls. There were 99mainstays for the defence of the fort out of which 92 were built between 1633 to 1647 AD.

In 13th century Allauddin khilji attacked the fort and detained it in his hand for the period of nine years .During this period the Rajput’s women committed jauhar. In 1541 again, thefort city was attacked by Mughal emperor Humayun.

Because of the rise of marine trade and enlargement of the port of Bombay the city has faced financial downturn. After the partition of India, the olden trade route was completely closed this highly influenced the destiny of the city. In spite of that during the wars between India and Pakistan in 1965 and 1971thecity of jaisalmer established its magnitude. Today about 1/3 of the population of the city lives in the fort. There was the time when whole population of the city lived in the fort, but with the increase in population, people started moving out and got shelter at the base of Trikuta hills. Due to the increment in residential population andtourists the fort was undertaken in the 1996 world Monuments which was watched by world monuments fund and another time in 1998 and 2000.major renovation is done by the fund. According to S.K Misra the former INTACH chairman American express has given more the $1Million for the conservation for the fort of jaisalmer.

Architecture

Every part of the jaisalmer fort as outer walls to the palace , temples and houses within are made up of yellow sand stone, the height of the fort is about 250 feet from where almost every part of the town can be seen easily whether it is barrel sided bastions or narrow winding streets. The fort is totally shatterproof by an imposing rock hard sandstone wall, which is about 30 feet high. The fort has approx 99 upholders, out of which 92 were constructed between 1633to 1647. The four massive gateways wind up the fort. There are some narrow lanes through which one can approach to these gateways. The name of these gateways are Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole, Ganesh Pole, and Bhoot Pole,there was also a death well which was used to throw criminals and traitors by the second gate. The way to the main chowk is linked by the forth gateway. This is the place where many jauhars have been committed. This place has historical importance and is known as step of the sati (Satioyon-Ka –Pagthiya).sati was the ritual in which if the husband died the women was burnt alive on the pyre along with her husband’s dead body. Some women did it of their own free will while others who were reluctant and tried to escape were brought back and made to sit on the pyre till they perished.

Before the construction of the city, there were the existence of group of Jain temples, and many fascinating havelis between 12th to 15th centuries. The dedication of the temple goes to Sambhavanthji, and Rishabhdevji. A number of dancing figures and carved deities are housed there. There is one Jain library (gyan-bhandar) inside the temple which contains more than one thousand old manuscripts. Some of them are written on palm leafs supposed to belong from 12th century. The library has also the collection of pre-mughal, rajputs and Jain paintings. Because of the important and old paintings that it contains it is one of the most famous happy-hunting ground for tourists interested in things of historical value and importance.

There is an old palace of the maharwal, a five story palace which demonstrates the finest masonry art of jaisalmer. The flight of marble steps is topped by the maharawal’s marble throne. Adjacent to the old palace there is a five storied tazia tower, which was constructed by Muslim craftsmen. Juna mahal is one other palace it is seven a storied building it is placed under a huge metal umbrellawhich has been topped on a shaft of stone.

The fort of jaisalmer also has a special kind of device which is hoisted on the top of its wall. This was used to forecast the weather. Every year in the month of April a flag would be hoisted and depending on the wind direction, the weather for the year would be forecast. If it blew towards north it indicated famine and westwards would be a fine monsoon. It may be accurate or inaccurate as the metrological department of nowadays.

How to Reach

By air

jaisalmer airport is situated 5 KM far from the city center. It is well linked to jaipur,Jodhpur, and Delhi. Jodhpur airport is another major airport which is at the distance of 285 Km from jaisalmer.

By Rail

jaisalmer railway station is the nearest station which is well linked to Delhi as well as Jodhpurand jaipur by the Delhi sarai rohilla- jaisalmer express.

By road

Rajasthan tourism department provides bus services between jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Rajasthan roadways provide bus services between Jodhpur, jaipur, Ajmer and Bikaner. Private owners also run deluxe bus services to Bikaner and Jodhpur. Bikaner route is used by the travelers coming from north.

Nearby Places to Visit

Maharwal's marble throne, the jaisalmer fort and the palace of maharwals which is in front of the chauhata square creates a huge crowd around it.

The five storied tazia tower which was constructed by Muslim craftsmen .the decoration of the roof is of pure Bengali style. For the protection of the people one other wall was also constructed equivalent to the first wall, and there is a passage in between the two.

The name of the entrance gates are rang pol, hava pol, ganesh pol, and bhoot pol.

The jawahar palace is the residence of royalfamilies. Manek chowk is the market place of the fort .at the top of the wall there is a structure which was used to forecast weather. A flag is placed at the centre, and with the help of the direction of the wind the weather of the entire year would be depicted. Wells were the source of water whichwas constructed inside the fort. As the population increased the people shifted themselves outside the fort. Even though the fort is still remains thecentre of activity.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Jaisalmer has an extreme type of climate. It is extremely hot during summer. The temperature reaches up to 250-420 C winter is pleasant and temperature ranges between 240-80 C. during monsoon the city receives less rainfall.
October to march is the best season to visit the city February is attractive because of the desert festival and the month of September attracts many touristsfor Ramdevra fair...

Accomodation

Winds Deserts Camp

This is designed for leisure travel as well as business. Winds desert campis located in jaisalmer fort. . The charm of the city can be enjoyed from here very easily. The soothing environment and its closeness to Maharaja’s palace and jaisalmer fort creates a special charm to this hotel.

Address

Opp. Sam Sand Dunes
Jaisalmer Sam Road Sam,
Jaisalmer Fort,
Jaisalmer, India 345001

Nachana Haveli Hotel

This is 280yars old hotel situated inside the city. Its design and style is awesome .this is the inherited home of bhadi family made up of perfect yellow sand stone. And it is all overblown by golden sun.Thikana Nachana is the local name of this hotel so while talking with locals one should keep in it in mind. At the top of the hotel thee is a restaurant which serves local delicious food. The scenic beauty is outstanding. One can find good restaurants just at the distance offive minutes.

Address

Gandhi Chowk,
Jaisalmer Fort,
Jaisalmer, India 345001

Hotel roop mahal

Hotel roop mahal is the ideal place for outing in jaisalmer. This is the well positioned hotel in jaisalmer fort. Visitors can enjoy everything offered by this lively city. Within easy reach one can move to jaisalmer fort, ganesh travels and the Jain temples this hotel also offers various facilities which make its guest fully satisfied.

Address

Behind ShivaRoad,
Silawata Para,
Near Fort First Gate,
Jaisalmer Fort,
Jaisalmer, India 345001

Timings and Tickets

Timings: The Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre is open from 09-00 hours to 18-00 hours.

Tickets: For Indians - Rs 30/head and for foreigners - Rs 70/head

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