Jaisalmer Fort - Sonar, The Golden Fort

Jaisalmer, the desert city in north-western part of Rajasthan, is the capital of proud Bhati Rajpoots who maintain a glorious record of unsurpassed gallantry. The fort was erected in 1155 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal and was named after its founder.

Architecture and Location

The fort of the desert is erected on an almost insulated peak, 250 feet in height. A strong embattled wall runs round the summit of the hill. The height of the hill from see level is 959 feet. The base of the hill is surrounded by wall of massive solid stones upon which the hill projects and supports the rampart. This forms a double line of defense.

Attractions and Monuments of the Jaisalmer Fort

A serpentine narrow ascent leads to the fort along where four gates are thrown named Akhyapol, Surajpol, Ganeshpol and Hawapol. Crossing these gates one reaches a spacious enclosure within the fort. There are  splendid palaces Rana Mahal, Gaj Vilas, and Moti Mahal inside the fort, whose faces are relieved by balconies and cupolas with finely executed carvings and stone traceries.

The wall paintings of Radha and Lord Krishna depicted in various posturess are nicely executed pieces of art. The art of carving exhibited  on the front portion of palaces are also very impressive.

Several temples are situated within the fort, the most important being that of Tikamji and the Goddess Bhagawati which was erected in 1912-1913 A.D. In front of the palaces, the temples of Bhagawan Adinarayan and Sakti stand flanked by jain temples. These temples contain a fine piece of sculpture with mythological details and dancing figures. The pleasant style of construction attracts visitors from a great distance.

In the lower part of the fort near the city ramparts stands the tower of Badal Vilas built by Maharawa Barisal. This seven storeyed building is one among the great attraction of the fort. There are numerous towers with embrasures for discharging cannon shots. Amar Bazar Pol in the west and Gharsisar gatr in the east are prominent entrances to the city which is built of yellow stones.

Gharsisar tank three miles in length and one mile in breadth presents a charming view having a great portal on it’s western ghat. Amar Sagar and Moolraj Sagar surrounded by rich garden full of fruit trees are other things of attraction.

The fort of Jaisalmer looks very attractive due to the uniformity of construction, the level of crest being of non-varying eminence. The construction of 99 towers in a short circumference augments the defending capacity of the fort. The early morning rays dawn on the fort, casts a midas touch. As far as your eyes takes you, the yellow sand stone fort turns magical golden yellow lending the fort its name Sonar or the Golden Fort.