The new year 2023 is about to begin. Everyone welcomes the new year with celebration and for this, they like to go to some special place. Nowadays Jaisalmer of Rajasthan is also very much liked for the New Year celebration. In such a situation, whoever goes to Jaisalmer to celebrate the new year must visit the fort here. This Jaisalmer fort situated on the Trikuta hill is the most popular tourist destination of Jaisalmer city which has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaisalmer Fort is locally known as Sonar Fort or Golden Fort, which is one of the largest forts in the world, today in this episode we are going to tell you about the history, architecture, and other important information of Jaisalmer Fort...
History of Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort was built in the year 1156 AD by a Bhati Rajput ruler named Rawal Jaisal who conspired with the Sultan of Gour to dethrone his nephew Bhojdev. The fort has served as the backdrop of many battles and wars. Rang Burj was added to the fort as a defense structure by Maharawal Jetasi in 1276 AD after two Muslim invasions by the Sultan of Delhi. The fort was attacked again in the thirteenth century by Ala-ud-din-Khilji, who forced the Rajput women to self-immolation. Rawal's defiance against the Mughals was finally broken after Humayun's attack in 1541, and he married his daughter to Akbar, Humayun's successor. Jaisalmer Fort became an important trade and commercial stop along the Silk Route during the medieval period.
The architecture of Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is 1,500 feet (460 m) long and 750 feet (230 m) wide and is built on a hill that rises 250 feet (76 m) above the surrounding countryside. The basement of the fort has a 15 ft (4.6 m) tall wall forming a double line of defense. The bastions of the fort form a chain 30 feet (9.1 m) high. The fort has four entrances on its lower side, one of which was guarded by a cannon.
A personal device is hoisted on the crest of the fort walls and is used to handle the weather. The delicate blend of Islamic and Rajput architectural styles will surely catch admirers which look stunning during the night. The Jaisalmer fort survived several attacks by Muslim rulers such as Ala-ud-din-Khilji and the Mughal emperor Humayun. Inside the fort complex, tourists can see several architectural buildings, which include palaces, houses, and temples made of soft yellow sandstone. Its beauty increases with the sunset. Jaisalmer Fort has narrow winding passageways that weave through several parts of the fort. The Jaisalmer Fort complex is so vast that almost one-fourth of the city's population is located in this fort.
The beauty of Jaisalmer fort
The walls of the Jaisalmer fort are riddled with rays of the sun in the morning, making this huge palace invisible in the yellow desert landscape. It was used by the kings to protect the fort from their enemies. Jaisalmer Fort is the only fort in India in which people live in the fort premises and shops have been set up for commercial purposes. There is also a hotel and an old haveli on the fort premises. The walls of the fort have three main layers – the first wall had solid stone blocks to strengthen the foundation, the second wall runs around the entirety of the fort which acts as a defensive barrier, and the third wall was used by the soldiers. Used extensively to throw stones and pour boiling oil or water on enemies. Who often got stuck between the second and third walls.
Another beauty section in the palace is the Jawahar Palace which is one of the other tourist attractions of Jaisalmer Fort. Which was the residence of a royal family. This place is famous for its beautiful construction and ornate design which attracts the attention of tourists during their visit to this palace. Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoot Pol, and Hawa Pol are the gateways of this fort which are known for their sculptural beauty and graceful design. Some Havelis are several hundred years old. In Jaisalmer, there are many elaborate Havelis carved out of yellow sandstone. Some of these have multiple floors and countless rooms, with decorated windows, arches, doors, and balconies.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort
Being located near the Jaisalmer Desert, November to January is considered the most ideal time to visit Jaisalmer Fort, when you can enjoy the bright rays of the sun and the chill of winter. Which will make your journey more exciting. So you can plan a trip to Jaisalmer Fort for your winter vacation.
How to reach Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is well connected to major cities of India by rail, road, and air. The local transport in Jaisalmer is quite good. Auto rickshaw transport is also available cheaply in Jaisalmer city. It is within walking distance from the main Jaisalmer city. You can hire a rickshaw from your hotel. Distance from Jaisalmer to important cities: New Delhi (921 km), Jaipur (620 km), Mumbai (1177 km), and Ahmedabad (626 km).
