Jaisalmer Fort – The Golden Fort Of Rajasthan

Tue, Dec 22, 2009

The Jaisalmer Fort, among the largest forts in the world, is located in the Jaisalmer city of the desertscape Rajasthan state in India. The fort derives its name from its builder, the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, who built the fort 1156 A.D amidst the golden extension of the Thar Desert on the Trikuta Hill. Carve out of sandstones, its gigantic walls appear to be lion’s yellowish-brown color under scorching heat of the sun that gradually converts into mysterious gold during the sunset. This phenomenon disguises the fort to seem to be the part of the yellow desert. Due to this unique feature, it is known as the ‘Golden Fort’ of Rajasthan.

Being designated as the only living fort in the world, today, approximately a quarter of the total population of Jaisalmer resides within the fort. In olden days, the entire population of the city lived in the fort, which however, with the increase in the population, people had no option but to shift outwards in hunt for shelter at the base of the Trikuta Hill in the 17th century.

In the ancient days, the city was the major trade centre due to trade with Persia, Arabia, Egypt, and Africa. Being among the last princely defender and the crossroad of productive trade, this isolated city and fort behold the spirit of its rulers and artistic value in form of the palaces and havelis. The popular famous Indian movie director Satyajit Ray and the writer of a detective novel, made a film named Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) out of that novel that was related to this fort.

History

Been erected in the center of the Thar Desert (factual meaning being the abode of the dead), it ascends like an optical illusion from the sand with its giant turrets peaking towards the sky. After the Chittorgarh of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort is counted among the oldest fort. According to the legend, Lord Krishna, who was the leader of the Yadav Clan, had forecasted to Arjuna that a far-off descendent of the Yadav Clan would erect his kingdom on the Trikuta Hill. His this foresight was fulfilled by Rawal Jaisal who was a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput. He was seeking a new capital, as his present one, Lodurva, was quite susceptible to attacks. In his this desire to abandon Lodurva due to the advice of a local solitary, Eesaal, he chose the Trikuta Hills constructed the fort and the surrounding city.

This fort has witnessed many battles and tales of valor. In the 13th century, Alauddin Khilji invaded and seized the fort and thereafter ruled it for 9 years. The defeated king’s queen committed Jauhar during the seize of the fort. Jauhar (sati) is an act of voluntarily putting oneself in a funeral pyre of the husband. In 1541 A.D., the second battle took place when the Mughal emperor Humayun invaded the fort.

Architecture

Constructed on the triangular peaked hill of Trikuta, the fort emerges as a ray of sunlight of 250 feet tall from the desert. Armored by a commanding sandstone wall of 30 feet, the yellow sandstone fort spectacularly beholds 99 bastions symbolizing the strong defensive mechanism. 92 bastions of these were erected somewhere in between 1633 and 1647 and were utilized as the gun platforms. There are four attractive gateways to the fort namely, Ganesh Pol (Gate of Lord Ganesh), Suraj Pol (Gate of Sun), Bhoot Pol (Gate of Dwarfs), and Hawa Pol (Gate of Wind). The fort also beholds many eye-catching havelies and Jain temples of 12th to 15th centuries. Over the time since its construction, the ramparts have been extended well. Even until today, the wells within the boundary of the citadel are regular sources of water to the fort.

The fort comprises of three layers of walls, out of which the outer or the lower layer is carved from solid stone blocks and emphasizes the ruins of hill. The second wall forming the middle one twists around the fort, whereas the third wall, the innermost one, forms the place from where the Rajput warriors threw boiling oil, hot water, and giant round rocks on the attackers when they became captivated between the second and third walls.

Tourists’ Attractions

Apart form the living fort of the world, the other unique feature is an unusual device hoisted atop its ramparts. The use of this device was to forecast the weather, as there were hardly any Meteorological departments. To predict the weather, a flag was placed in its middle every year in April. Depending on its blowing direction, the annual weather was foretold. If the direction was north, it would signify famine and if west, it meant good monsoons. It would be difficult to believe but this forecast was as accurate as of the Met departments today.

The common attractions of the fort are:

Raj Mahal (Royal palace)

Jain temples
Laxminath temple
4 massive gateways
The huge Merchant Havelis (large houses) of complex sandstone carvings, ornate doors, rooms, balconies, and archways
The palaces of Maharwals ahead of the Chauhata Square
Maharwals’ marble throne atop their palace reached via marble steps
The five-storied Tazia (metal) Tower near the throne and is known for its complex architecture and Bengali style roofs erected by Muslim craftsmen

Jain Temples

Open from morning 7 until noon, these seven temples are cultural heritage well connected by pathways and corridors. The first temple is of Shree Chandraprabhuji, the 8th Tirthankara (Jain Prophet) carved in 1509 out of detailed sculptures of sandstone. Carved pillars that provide a view of sequential toranas reinforce its hallway. Incredible to know that even though mortar is not used, prickly stonework is appreciated in form of iron staples with radial beams bending down all over.

The next temple is of Shree Parshvanathswami, the 22nd Tirthankara whose entry is possible through a huge and delightfully carved torana that ends in the Jain Tirthankara’s image at the top. There is also an amazing sculpting of gracefully dancing woman who is balancing balls on lifted arm.

Pillars hold the capacious mandapa; whereas the container of the dome holds the attention-grabbing dancing figures and musicians.

Days of Attraction

The best time is during the Desert Festival in January – February when the city echoes with the sounds of harmonious tunes, folk dances, and thrilling competitions – especially the turban-tracing contest. Further, Mr. Desert contest and camel races and craft bazaars make the city livelier even at night.

The alternative time to visit this place is from October to March.