The Fort of Jaisalmer

 One of the most significant symbols and giant structures of cultural significance left by our rulers, emperors, kings and queens are majestic forts built in each state or state capital. These forts bring forth historical facts about the culture and lifestyle of people living in that era. Moreover, artefacts and objects of daily life preserved in these forts which are on display for visitors give us a unique insight into the life of the historical age.

When we talk about visiting Jaisalmer, the Fort of Jaisalmer is the first thing that comes to our mind. Jaisalmer’s roots lie in and begin from the Fort. It is suggested to hire a taxi in Jodhpur to reach the Fort, but the taxi will drop you at the entrance, from where you have to walk in on foot. Let us learn some amazing facts about this majestic fort.

Significance 

Situated in the centre of the City, the fort gives Jaisalmer its identity. The golden yellow sandstones of the fort is one of the reasons why Jaisalmer began to be called as the ‘Golden City’ and the fort as ‘Golden Fort’ of Rajasthan. It is one of the oldest forts in existence and is recognised in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is one of the very few ‘living forts’ in the world, which means that people still live inside the fort.

History

The Fort was built in 1156 CE by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati ruler of Jaisalmer, who constructed the Jaisalmer Fort to mark the city as his capital. The fort stands witness to various battles and attacks from and on the Fort itself. It even retains a lot of marks as souvenirs of the battle. The people living in the fort are the descendants of those who once served the king as soldiers and guards, and were thus allowed to live in the fort during the rule of the king, but the later generations kept living in the same location. As the population inside the walls increased, a lot of people relocated outside, but the majority of them refuse to relocate as they feel it is their home.

Architecture

Built entirely with Yellow Sandstone, The 460m long and 230m wide Jaisalmer Fort stands 76m tall, where the inner towers of the wall are protected by peripheral walls. The peripherals walls have small towers at short distances which were probably used by the guards during attacks. There are four giant gateways and a palace or Citadel inside the Fort, towards the centre, where probably the King had lived. Within the four walls of the Fort, there is a palace, 7 Jain Temples with more than 600 idols and old scriptures, other temples of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, numerous Merchant Havelis, and an old drainage system too.

Culture

As the tourism in Jaisalmer increased, the fort became a hub of cultural identities and shopping stores selling traditional symbols of Jaisalmer and Marwar Dynasty. The fort offers various eateries, shopping vendors that sell traditional clothes, accessories, shoes, souvenirs and other things. People travelling to Jaisalmer fort don’t forget to collect some special souvenirs from these small markets as it is one of the most popular shopping places in Jaisalmer. Hire a car rental Rajasthan or a Taxi in Jodhpur as soon as you land here to get the most out of this city.

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