An inclined description of the Jaisalmer fort, rated among the most renowned fort in the world. Perched in the heart of the Thar Desert (literal meaning abode of the dead), it upsurges like a mirage from the golden sands, with its huge lookout tower pointing skywards. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer is the second oldest of Rajasthan's major forts after Chittorgarh. Founded by Raja Jaisal, who was desperately in search for a new capital as Lodurva, the earlier capital was easily accessible for invasions.
Jaisalmer Fort, famous for its antiquity and repertory of architectural wealth is also known as Sonar Quila, which stands on a high hillock known as Trikuta Hill (80 meter high). There are two parallel walls around it, the lowest wall famous as "Peetha" had served as a base wall, at the time, when Aksaya Pol (Gate) was added to the fort, some part of Peetha wall near the above Pol was extended to the newly built gate. Two other parallel walls are made up of solid blocks of stone, without using mortar or clay was erected like a buttress and outer walls.
The Jaisalmer Fortress is the world's only living fort, inside which one fourth population of the walled city resides, guarded by 99 bastions, shielded by three strong walls. The lower wall is of solid stone blocks, the second wall snakes around the fort, and between second and the third, or wall, the warrior Rajputs hurled boiling oil and water, and huge round missiles on their unaware enemies below.
The buttress wall was built by Maharawal Bhim in 16th century by linking the same with Suraj Pol Gate. These two walls appear to be fascinating in their yellowish stones. It is therefore called the golden fort. The fort, thus, has a chain of shield.
Sights and Sounds of the Golden Fort
This hefty fort looks more beautiful with the desert ambiance and setting sun, which gives it a golden look as you see from outside the fort. The tourist can enter this fort from the massive gates via an enormous stone paved ramp that leads to a large courtyard inside the fort. At the front you can see a beautiful palace of former ruler, that has many squares which were formerly used to review troops, hear petitions and present extravagant entertainment for important visitors.
