Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort - The desert fort of Jaisalmer built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD is Rajasthan’s second oldest and has been witness to many a battle against the Mughal rulers.

A fine example of 12th century Rajput architecture, the Jaisalmer Fort on the Trikuta Hill has over 3000 people residing within its ramparts, still following medieval practices of collecting and storing water in lakes and wells. . A series of three walls that encircle the fort are further fortified by 99 bastions.

Since the Jaisalmer Fort was built to enclose a whole city, it is a vast complex with four large gateways, the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. These lead to the Raj Mahal, the Jain temples, Laxminath temple and the Merchant Havelis. Jaisalmer was a strategically located trading city during the rule of the Bhatti Rajputs who ruled the area since the 12th century, and the merchant community acquired a role of prominence in the society. The wealthy merchants built large “havelis” or mansions embellished with fine carvings and decorations.

The Palaces of the Mahrawals within the Jaisalmer Fort has a semblance of Bengal architecture, and the five storied metal tower with delicate ornamentation and the marble throne are one of the principal attractions within the fort.

While the fort is a lovely golden by day, earning it the sobriquet of Golden Fort, it definitely deserves a viewing on a full moon night, when the romance and mystery of the monument comes alive. The Desert Festival during January-February is also a good time to visit the fort, when the city of Jaisalmer vibrates with music, dance, contests and craft displays.

The Jaisalmer Fort is a national heritage and is undergoing a sustained conservation programme, retaining its original exteriors and restricting the usage to the original yellow sandstone.