Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of
lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.The rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these veritable art - museums are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism
map. The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years
old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99
turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer.
Seen from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was
seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia.
Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade route,
and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of
commercial shipping relegated the town to relative obscurity.
Jaisalmer
fort crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within the walls of Jaisalmer fort
lays the old city, which is nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer fort stands almost 30 meters over the Jaisalmer city and
houses an entire living area within massive battlements. Jaisalmer
fort is approached through many gates. The Akshya Pol is the
entrance gate of the fort. Across the road is the Suraj-Pol. The
Suraj Pol is embellished with a figure of Sun. The Hawa Pol (Wind
Pol) is an enormous Gateway, girdled by palaces and courtyard and
was constructed during the 17th century AD.
At
present, merchants and shop owners, living within the walls of the
fort, crowd the fort. Small lanes inside the fort are surrounded
with houses, temples and shops. Being part of the Desert Triangle
and the venue of the Desert Festival, Jaisalmer is accessible by
rail, road and air. Jaisalmer is also covered by the "Palace on
Wheels".
ArchitectureThis fort
built in golden yellow sandstone is 250 feet tall & has a wall
of 30 feet high with 99 bastions. There are a number of havelis with
balconies & windows and beautiful carved Jain Temples built in
12th and 15th century AD and some palaces inside it. The fort also
has 4 gates - Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Hawa Pol & Bhoot Pol. The
interior of the fort is painted & tiled in typical Rajput style.
How
to get there
- Air
The nearest airport is at Jodhpur which is
285 km from Jaisalmer.
- Rail
Jaisalmer is connected to major destinations
of Rajasthan & India by a regular train service.
- Road
A well defined road routes connects it with
the major cities in & arround Rajasthan by regular bus
services.
