Jaisalmer Fort
Known
as SONAR QUILA, rising from the sand , the mega structure merges with the
golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful
shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops
a whole townships that consist of palace complex various security sources
and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, several
temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically
on the trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing
all the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom.
These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status
in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century
and proceeded further. But the rich merchant inspired by the classic style
of the royals , constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other
in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated walls and ceilings
and intricately carved outdoors and interiors. The colourful art forms and
some how side kind the royal heritage and made it appear more pale in comparison
. The craftsmen were usually muslims who were induced on their journey to
exhibit their skills. The results was architectural purity that cannot be
seen elsewhere.
Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely
bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of lucrative
trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour
of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and
havelis.
The rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the
sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree,
screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these veritable
art - museums are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals
have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism map.
The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns
the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city,
nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be
almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans
to central Asia. Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade
route, and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial
shipping relegated the town to relative obscurity.
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