Jaisalmer Fort
How Was The Fort Constructed:
An apt description of the Jaisalmer fort, one of the finest in the country but
one which looks rather monotonous given the desolation around it. Located bang
in the middle of the Thar desert (literal meaning abode of the dead), it rises
like a mirage from the sands, with its huge turrets pointing skywards.
Built in 1156, Jaisalmer is the second oldest of Rajasthan’s major forts
after Chittorgarh. Constructed by Raja Jaisal, who was searching for a new capital
as the earlier one Lodurva was too vulnerable to invasions, he built the fort
and the city surrounding it, thus fulfilling Lord Krishna's prophecy in the
Mahabharata (see History above).
Situated On A Hill Top:
Perched on top of the Trikuta, the almost triangular triple-peaked hill, the
fort rises like a sunbeam from the desert, 250 feet tall, and is reinforced
by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high. It has as many as 99
bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647 to be used as gun platforms.
The view of the 99 bastions of the yellow sandstone fort, the desert citadel
of Raja Jaisal, is spectacular to behold. The fortifications have grown exponentially
over the centuries, and wells within the confines still provide a regular source
of water to the fort.
Palaces Of The Maharawals:
This marvelous piece of architecture lies in front of the Chauhata Square and
is called the palace of the Maharawals. Leading up to them is a flight of marble
steps topped by the Maharawal’s marble throne. Nearby lies the five-storeyed
Tazia (metal) Tower, with ornate architecture and Bengali-style roofs.
The five-tiered structure was constructed by Muslim craftsmen who worked on
the building. The outer defences of the citadel are fortified by another high
wall with a pathway running parallel to the first rampart. Beyond the entrance
is the Ganesh Pol, leading up to the Rang Pol.
There was a time when everyone lived inside the fort itself, protected by
its massive ramparts. As the population of Jaisalmer expanded, people started
emigrating from within the fort’s precincts from about the 17th century.
However, even today the fort is a hub of activity, and you’ll witness
a cross-section of the population living within it as you travel through its
winding streets and alleys.
Installation Of A Unique Device:
This particular fort also has a peculiar gadget hoisted on top of its ramparts.
Since the Met departments were in short supply in those days, this was used
to forecast the weather.
Every year in April a flag would be placed in its centre and, based on the direction
in which it blew, the weather for the entire year was forecasted. If it blew
northwards it indicated famine, and if it went westwards, the people were rest
assured that a fine monsoon was in the offing. May seem a bit primitive today
but the system was probably just as accurate or inaccurate as the Met office
nowadays
A Majestic Beauty In Sand Stone- Jaisalmer Fort:
Just as the Taj in Agra is worth visiting on a full moon night, Jaisalmer fort
by nightfall is a sight to behold, it has all the romance and suspense of the
Sherlock Holmes mystery.
You half expect an invading army to march up to the castle, over its enormous
paved flagstones, while those defending the fort shoot missiles at them from
the ramparts. Suffice to say the Jaisalmer fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani
architecture, particularly of the stone-carver’s art
