Fort-studded Rajasthan is a land of myriad hues and aspects. The valiant Rajput rulers that ruled the region with bejewelled fists bequeathed it with a number of garrisons, castles and havelis that today rope in hordes of tourists and travellers from all parts of the globe. One of the most celebrated and much talked about forts is the Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan. The fort towers amid golden expanses of the desert town of Jaisalmer. It lies atop the Trikuta Hills and is built in yellow sandstone. The grand edifice sometimes seems to be emerging of the sands that surround.


The Jisalmer Fort was built by Rai Jaisala in 1156 when he feared that his earlier capital at Lodurva was vulnerable to foreign attacks. There was a time when the fort was home to the total population. The fort after it was built saw the emergence and descent of many kings and also witnessed a lot of bloodshed. Standing erect to the vagaries of nature, the fort served a good refuge for kings ans bolstered up the defense of the town. Owing to the increase in population, the people who resided in the fort were forced to vacate the fortified city and move to the surrounding areas. And thus people began to settle at the foot of the Trikuta Hills outside the fort.

As you fix a gaze on the fort you are sure to be reminded of the bygone eras. The look of the fort itself narrates stories of war, romance and chivalry for which the Rajput maharajas are remembered even today. The fort is perhaps as grand outside as it is inside. Visitors arrive here to appreciate the stately look of the fort and the narrow lanes that meander inside it. The grand edifice measures 250 feet in height and its crenallated walls are 30 feet high. The fort has 99 bastions that make it even more defensive. 92 of the total number of bastions were erected during 1633-47. You can also visit a number of palaces, temples and havelis that lie inside the fortified city. Akshaya Pole, Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole and Ganesh Pole are the four grand gateways of the fort. While entering through the Suraj Pole and Ganesha Pole, you will witness images of Sun god and lord Ganesh at the top of the two gateways respectively. From Hawa Pole, you can reach the Dussehra Chowk where you can observe the wonderful palace called Raj Mahal.



The forts also houses seven Jain temples that are of equal interest to the tourists. The temples stand in dedication of the Jain teerthankaras - Sambhavanath, Chandraprabhu and Parasnath. A string of courtyards and walkways interconnect the temples to one another. On the walls, pillars and columns of the temples, one can notice the exquisite sculptures in sandstone and marble. To see are the images of dancers and musicians as well.

Havelis of Jaisalmer owe much credit in making the golden town known all across the globe. These elegant havelis are grand mansions that were built over a period of time by the wealthy merchants who resided here in times of the Rajput rule. The merchants liked the luxuries and elegance that the maharajas set forth and therefore to match those standards they came up with such splendid havelis. Most of the havelis inside the fort premises have been turned into shops while there is one that stands as a museum exhibiting interesting items of royalty. There are huge wells inside the fort that served as the source of water for the people. Interestingly enough, these wells are still functional and rope in a good number of tourists.

Planning a trip to Jaisalmer and spending time around the palaces and havelis inside the fort turns out to be a worthy experience for one and all. You can feel the gallant Rajput rulers in those walls, pillars and columns and hear stories, from your guides, of their valour that could create vivid images before your eyes and you would never wish to leave.