The
Fort
Jaisalmer is situated deep in the heart of the Thar desert and on the
intersection of the previously popular trade routes. The fort in the city
was built in 1156 by Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisawal and is also
known by the name of Sonar Quila as it has a golden hue around it especially
in the afternoons. After Chittaurgarh, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second
oldest fort in Rajasthan.
The fort has five storeys complete with windows and balconies that carry
some of the best masonry work on them. The citadels are like envelops that
encompass within themselves various palace complexes, mansions of rich
merchants, several temples and residential premises of armies and merchants.
The fort has narrow meandering lanes and four enormous gateways. You can
approach the fort from these huge gateways which are Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol,
Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Almost 25 % of the population live within the fort.
Although a lot of time has passed since then, the people in the fort still
go about their daily routines in much the same manner, except for the fact
that almost all the trappings of modern era have entered their lives.
The Attractions Within
The attractions are painted and tiled in characteristic Rajput style. The
hallmark of the structures within the fort, specially the mansions, are that
these were constructed by the rich merchants who prospered under the Rajput
rulers and later attained prominence under the Bhatti Rajputs in their royal
court. The merchants followed the example of their rulers and constructed
some of the most beautiful mansions the in the same classic style of the
royals.
These
mansions had some elegant facades along with sculpture like figures, screen
windows, beautiful pavilions and balconies. The palaces within the fort are
Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal which are
all connected with each other behind the seven storeyed facade. All these
structures have screens that act like shade of sorts from the extreme heat
of the environment. Especially, the balconies at the Gaj Mahal provide the
most breathtaking views of the city.
The Architecture
The latticework that decorates the sandstone facades of the mansions are
the main attraction of architecture in the Jaisalmer fort. All the mansions
are carved from wood and yellow sandstone. Similar mansions can also be
found in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan but they are not as attractive
there. These are perhaps the last structures that do not have even a hint of
European architecture in them, built as they are in completely Indian style.
Some of the important attractions in the Jaisalmer Fort are Patwon ki
Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli etc.
Saving the Fort
The fort is among the 100 most endangered monuments of the World Monument
Fund. Recently, some walls and citadels of the fort collapsed completely
giving rise to the concerns that actually the entire fort might be at risk.
It is believed that the composition of the fort is such that it allows
enough water to seep in due to which the soil tends to swell thereby
weakening the foundation of the fort. Recently, some steps have been
undertaken to restore some of the portions of the fort such as Rani ka
Mahal, Hawa Pol etc.
Other attractions in
Jaisalmer
» Jain Temples
» Sam sand Dunes
» Gadi Sagar Lake
» Mansions
