Huge Jaisalmer Fort History: This is the 2nd oldest fort in Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Fort: This includes the introduction and history of Jaisalmer Fort. This amazing structure of Jaisalmer is built without using any cement.

1 Introduction to Jaisalmer Fort

jaisalmer fort is situated in Jaisalmer (Golden City) of Rajasthan. This magnificent fort is situated on the hill of the king Jaisal+Meru. That is why it is called Jaisalmer Fort. It is also known by the names Sonar Fort, Sonargarh, Golden Fort, Galleys Ka Durg etc. It is famous for being a living fort and one of the oldest continuously inhabited forts in the world. Jaisalmer Fort was built on 12 July 1156 BC and it was built by a Rajput ruler named Bhati King Rawal Jaisal, who was the 116th descendant of Shri Krishna. It took about 7 years to build it. 

Jaisalmer Fort is considered to be the largest living fort after Chittorgarh Fort. And after this Chittorgarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort is considered to be the oldest fort. It is located in the last part of Rajasthan. That is why it is also called the Andaman of Rajasthan. Despite having desert all around it.  It is also known as Dhanvan Fort. The Pakistan border is located just 150 kilometers from here.

2 Description of people

People still reside here even today. Whose population is around 3000. In which about 75% are Brahmins and 25% are Rajputs. The lineage of the Rajputs here is linked to Lord Shri Krishna. Where even at present the 159th generation resides. However, after King Rawal Jaisal, the 44th generation of Rajputs resides here. 

Currently the king here is “Maharawal Chaitanya Raj Singh”. Whose coronation took place in Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Durg) in January 2021. Who is currently the 44th Maharawal of Jaisalmer Fort. Before assuming his throne and becoming the king, he visited his Kuldevi and the worshipable deity of Jaisalmer, Lord Lakshminath.

3 Major sites, other places

 3.1 Museum (King and Queen’s Palace)

It is necessary to buy a ticket to enter the museum. As soon as we enter the museum, we get to see different types of weapons in the armory. Where soldiers’ helmets, Nepali Khukri, swords, Gupti, Hunter (whip), spear tip, Ankush, gunpowder cans, bayonets etc. are kept in a big glass box. Near it, 5 different types of guns are hung on the wall. These are cap guns. Which were fired with gunpowder. A stand gun is kept near the window.

Near it, we also get to see the secret tunnel. There, in Tripolia (room with three gates), we get to see the secret lockup. There, on the wall in front, we get to see the imaginary statues of the first king “Rawal Jaisal” and all the kings after him. Where the list of about 159 generations of kings is present on the wall. 

In a room, a statue of a horse made of wood has been installed. Which is called Kat Ka Ghoda.  Whose saying “Make a horse, cut it into pieces and make it a stone, make a horse of iron and then see the place” is quite popular. In one of the windows of the wall, we get to see various ancient statues.

These include Kundak dance of Vikunggupta, imaginary statue of Maryada Purshottam Lord Ram with beard and moustache (of his exile). In one statue, a picture of a woman filling her maang with vermilion is shown and a picture of mirror darshan is shown. A woman grooming her hair. Water is falling from her hair. A woman is shown writing a letter.

In one statue, there is a picture of a dancer holding cymbals in her hand. In one statue, a dancing woman is seen sending a message through a parrot in her hand. In one statue, a mother is looking at her child and the child is looking at his mother. In one statue, there is a picture of Radhika playing flute in the memory of Shri Krishna. In one statue, the Brahmin avatar of Lord Vishnu is shown. Near them, a picture of Mother Saraswati is shown in the statue.

In the same room, we get to see the “Diwane Judge Aam” for hearing the public. From where the king used to talk about the public interest. In room number 18 Sarvottam Vilas, Maharawal Saleman Singh’s dress, sofa, chair, silver utensils for eating and drinking (to detect poison in food items) etc. have been kept.

However, this room is completely made of silver. Old-fashioned toilets are installed in it. Water tank, ventilation is present in it. Diwan Khana where the size of the door is very small. So that if a person comes to meet the king, then he comes with his head bowed. Where the throne of the king has been installed. His umbrella and sword have been kept near it. 

The idol of Mata Gangaur Devi has been installed in a big glass. Which is a form of Mata Parvati. Outside in the courtyard, the map of the entire Jaisalmer Fort has been installed on the stone. Which is approximately 100 years old as of 2022. Which has been made by the workers through chisel hammer.  In one room Rajasthani men’s (white dhoti, with sal) and women’s (red saree) costumes have been set up. In a long and spacious corridor we get to see various rooms of the queens. Where there is Roop Mahal (beauty parlor) room, folk music room. 

In a huge room we get to see various ancient photographs. Where there is a picture of Mercisheet’s Haveli (Bharat Niwas, Tajia Tower, Mandir Palace). Picture of Javad Niwas Hotel, decorated Helipant picture, picture of Patwa Haveli situated outside Jaisalmer Fort, picture of Salam Singh’s Haveli, picture of outer parcel (old market), picture of Amarsagar Lake drying up in May, picture of old corridors, picture of Amarsagar Jain Temple, picture of Jaisalmer Fort in the last sunlight, picture of kings’ decorated horses, picture of the main palace of the king in Jaisalmer Fort, picture of Amarsagar filled with rainwater (located at a distance of 5 kilometers from the fort). 

There is a picture of a decorated camel, a picture of Gaj Vilas, a picture of old streets, a picture of old bullock carts, a picture of old palanquins etc.

 (3.2) 8 Jain Temples

There are about 6666 idols installed in the Jain temples of Jaisalmer Fort. Where 24 Tirthankaras are built in 8 temples. These temples are believed to have been built in 1400 BC. Where temples of Moolnayak, Chintamani Parshvanath, Rishabhdev, Chandraprabhu, Shantinath, Sambhavnath, Kuntunath, Mahaviraswami, Simandaraswami etc. are located. To identify the main idols of these temples, color and symbols have been used. The temples here are built of yellow sandstone. Many times we also get to see white and other marbles. The roofs of the temples have been made in a circular shape from bottom to top, top to bottom. Where the columns (pillars) have also been made in a circular shape. 

That is, the stones of all the temples have been given attractive designs by the workers. In which various types of artworks have been used. In which there is mention of pictures of flowers, humans, animals, Gods etc. Whose appearance is beautiful, shiny and attracts tourists.  Where two stones have been joined together and stood (studded, fitted). Various gods and goddesses have been depicted in between the stones.

 (3.3) Dussehra Chowk

The last gate of this fort is after Hawa Pol. The main crossing and central point of Jaisalmer Fort is Dussehra Chowk. It was built by Maharaja Ratan Singh. Where many types of shops and vehicle parking facilities are available. From here the fort is divided into four parts. At that time Dussehra festival was celebrated at this place. On the left side we get to see the temple of Mata Chamunda Devi. Worship is done here even in the present times. There was a time when buffaloes and goats (animals) were sacrificed here. However, after the arrival of Indira Gandhi in 1994, the practice of sacrifice was stopped. 

In front of it we get to see a white throne. Where once Raja Ratan used to hold meetings. However, apart from Raja Ratan Singh, his successors (associates) etc. used to sit. The king’s palace is in the front. Where the outer windows are open. On the right side is the queen’s palace. Which is completely covered from the outside.  The king’s stable is situated near this place where he used to learn horse riding and shooting

 3.4 Other sites

We get to see Amarsagar to the west of Jaisalmer fort. Apart from this, we have Rang Mahal, Moti Mahal, Jawahar Vilas Mahal, Badal Mahal, Gaj Vilas, artistic jarokhas of Antpur, Bhagwati Devi temple, grand Raj Mahal of seven temples etc. Jesul’s well is also located in the fort.

4 Construction, Architecture

The first foundation of Jaisalmer Fort was laid by the first king of this place, “Rawal Jaisal”. And he declared it as his capital. After this, all the new kings who came to power, all of them contributed to the construction of the fort.

In Jaisalmer Fort, two stones have been joined or locked with each other with the help of copper without using any lime, water or cement. Because water is required in the use of lime. And due to the low amount of water in the desert, only stone has been used in its construction. In its construction, one stone has been joined on top of another stone. Which looks like gold to us in the light. That is why it is also called Golden Fort (Fort of Sonargarh). 

In this fort, we get to see a mixture of many Islamic and Rajput architecture. It is also called the most beautiful fort of Rajasthan.  Which is proudly situated at a remarkable height of about 250 feet on the high peak of Trikuta (triangular) on its Mount Meru (Trikutagarh). The width of this hill is 750 feet, length is 150 feet. The space inside the fort is quite large. Where many corridors are also present. This amazing fort (structure) is no less than an architectural wonder. Because the houses, palaces, mansions etc. here are made of yellow stone.

Wood has been used in the roofs of the main palace. And the lower roofs have been coated in between. So that one can feel cold in summer and warm in winter. Most of the gates here are small in size. So that any destructive enemy can be dealt with. The shape of the columns is completely round. And attractive designs have been given on them through chisel and hammer.

It is a safe fort with its 30 feet long walls. There are 3 important walls for the protection of the fort. The outer and lower layers are made of solid stones. The first wall is Parakota, the second is Mori and the third is a turret. From that time till the present time. Huge stones weighing 50–55 kg are present on the walls of the fort. The construction of Jaisal well in the fort is associated with Lord Shri Krishna’s Surdarshan Chakra. Which was dug to quench Arjun’s thirst. 

The (1) first gate here is known as Akhai Dwar. Which is built by Maharawal Akhe Singh.  Being the first gate, it is the main attraction of the fort. On which we get to see a special carving. (2) Suraj Dwar which is also called the welcome gate. The king was welcomed after winning the war. Berisal Burj Suke well was built near it.

(3) Ganesh Pol, from where the first foundation of the fort was laid. (4) Hawa Pol, due to strong winds here in all three seasons. It was named Hawa Pol. Maharaja Palace is present on its top. There is a Jarokha on the right side. From where the king’s soldiers used to inform the people by playing drums. These doors were built at 90°. 

There are 99 bastions all around the fort. However, 92 bastions were built between 1633 BC and 1647 BC. From where the soldiers used to protect the Jaisalmer fort. If the enemy entered through these bastions, then hot oil was poured on them.  There we also get to see a compass for hoisting the flag. The direction of the fluttering flag was also seen through this compass.

5 Attack

This fort has witnessed many wars. Jaisalmer fort was attacked about 3 times. 

First Shaka According to the sources of historian Nandkishore Sharma, the first Shaka happened around 1294 BC. At this time, “Maharawal Mulraj Jetsingh” was sitting on the throne of Jaisalmer fort. At that time, Alauddin Khilji’s army attacked. So the men inside the fort wore saffron clothes and got ready to fight Alauddin Khilji’s army. Meanwhile, Maharawal Mulraj Jetsingh’s wife “Maharani Ratna” committed Jauhar along with about 22 thousand Kshatranis. And Maharawal Mulraj Jetsingh had to face defeat. And during this time, Alauddin Khilji kept it under his control for about 9 years. After this, the remaining Bhaatis of the fort captured the Jaisalmer fort. 

Second Shaka The second Shaka of Jaisalmer fort happened around 1315 BC.  At that time, “Maharawal Duda Tilok Singh” was sitting on the throne of Jaisalmer fort. After which Firoz Tughlaq attacked. Meanwhile, preparations for the Saka were made. The brave soldiers kept fighting till their last breath to protect the fort. And the queen, 16000 Kshatranis (brave women) committed Jauhar. 

The third Saka of Jaisalmer fort took place around 1505 BC. At that time, King “Lunkaran” was sitting on the throne of Jaisalmer fort. Luunkaran had an Afghan friend. Whose name was Amir Ali Pathan. Who betrayed Luunkaran and killed Maharaja Luunkaran Singh. 

In 1570, this fort came under Akbar. At that time, the chief king of the fort got his daughter married to Akbar. 

Once, the Rajputs of Jaisalmer fort threw boiling hot water and oil on the enemies from between the walls.

6 Excursions

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