Jungadh
Fort is located in Bikaner. One of the most imposing forts of
Northern India and one of the finest of Rajput monuments. Raja Rai
Singh, Akbar's contemporary started building Junagadh Fort in 1587.
Often attacked, Junagadh is one of the few forts in India, which was
never conquered. It consists of 37 palaces, pavilions and temples
built by different Kings stand protected by massive ramparts and
round towers.
Jungadh Fort has remained unconquered
till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most
able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh. A high wall and
deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and
only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The Suraj Pol or
the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The Jungadh Fort has
defied all the attacks except for the brief stint by Kamaran who
captured the fort but was unable to retain his victory more than 24
hours.
Just like the 37 bastions, there are 37 red
sandstone marvels inside the premises of the fort, which include
palaces with intricately carved windoes, delicate balconies, towers
and kiosks, temples and pavilions. The highlights are the Chandra
Mahal or the Moon Palace decorated beautifully with mirrors,
paintings and carved marble panels, the Phool Mahal or the Flower
Palace, the Karan Mahal and definitely the multi-storeyed Anup
Mahal, which was once used as the governance chambers for the
rulers. Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal or Victory Palace,
and Rang Mahal or Color Palace are also fine examples of the
splendid architecture. The fort also houses a museum with an
extensive collection of illuminated and rare manuscripts, jewellery,
utensils, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and other royal
paraphernalia.
The fort encompasses many palaces
amongst which the most spectacular ones are the Chandra Mahal or
Moon palace, the Phool Mahal or Flower palace, both ornated with
carved panels and mirrors and the Karan Mahal. Karan Mahal was built
in remembrance of the celebration of the grand victory over
Aurangzeb. Durga Niwas, a fabulously painted courtyard and Ganga
Niwas which housed a finely carved red sandstone front, are the
other places of attraction in this fort.
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