Jaisalmer Fort

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. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer Tours & Travels

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.

History of Jaisalmer Fort
Among the hill forts of India that form a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the state, the fort, named after Rawal Jaisal Singh, is popular across the globe. The fort, standing tall on the Trikuta Mountain, has witnessed several historical battles and has seen the evolution of the city of Jaisalmer to what it is today. It was built in the year 1156, when Rawal Jaisal of the Bhatti clan stumbled upon Trikuta Hill and chose it as his capital. There were two reasons for the same – the hill was a strategic location that would allow him a view of the barren desert and any enemies that may be coming to war. Secondly, a saint had once prophesied that the fort would be conquered by a descendant of Lord Krishna – and Rawal Jaisal belonged to the Yadu clan.

The yellow-hued fort is 250 feet tall, protected by 30 feet long walls. It has 99 bastions and sees the fusion of Islamic and Rajput architecture. There are four entry gates to the fort – Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol. Another important part of the prophecy about this fort was also that it will be attacked in two and a half battles – and it happened. The first invasion happened in the 1290s, when Alauddin Khilji attacked the fort and caused massive destruction, in retaliation to an attack on his caravan by Rawal Jait Singh. The women in the fort committed Jauhar when it was taken over by Khilji.

The second attack happened in 1530 AD, when Amir Ali Afghan took over the fort from Rawal Lunakaran. The women were killed by the king, since there was no time for Jauhar. The third attack happened in 1541 AD by the Mughal emperor Humayun. This was the half-attack that the prophecy spoke about – major devastation was avoided since the ruling king got his daughter married to Humayun’s son, Akbar, and forged an alliance. After this, the city continued to prosper, until the silk route was alive. Once ports were opened by the British, The prosperity of the golden city fell as trade routes changed.

The Jaisalmer Fort still lives on, though, because of the families that live here as well as the various shops, restaurants, hotels and more that are nestled within its premises. It is being restored, but it continues to suffer from seepage and crumbling walls – a sign of ageing and not being able to take on the stress that is being put on it. It is also a popular shooting location for movies, which keeps it intriguing for travellers.

Best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort
The ideal time to visit the fort is between October and March. With the winter being at its peak in most of the northern region in the country, Rajasthan’s warm mornings will provide a much-needed respite from the biting cold, and the chilly evenings will be the perfect clime for cups of hot chai, traditional Rajasthani cuisine and bonfire nights.

How to reach Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer has an airport, which is connected via flights to most major airports in the country. The place is also accessible via road as well as trains (the city has a railway station with trains coming from most major cities).