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Jaisalmer Fort
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Amidst the golden stretches of desert sand, the Jaisalmer Fort towers to a conspicuous
height atop the Trikuta Hills. The yellow sandstone that has been extensively used
in its construction makes it appear a part of the sandy region. Infact, it sometimes
gives a fleeting impression that the fort itself has emerged out of the surrounding
sand. The history of the fort tells us that it was built by Rai Jaisala in the year
1156 when he felt that his capital at Lodurva (15 km north west) was susceptible
to foreign aggression. The ensuing period saw many postive and negative happenings
like the emergence and decline of kings, onslaught by invading army (especially
by Ala-ud-din Khilji), mass suicide by women and children and blossoming of art
and architecture. The fort at all these time stood erect without perishing into
the mound of sand.
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The 250 feet tall mega structure of the Jaisalmer Fort has 30 feet high crenallated
walls to boost its protective coverage. There are 99 bastions too that enhance the
defensive mechanism of the fort. 92 of these bastions were built between the period
of 1633-47. Within the fortified city are enclosed numerous palace complexes, temples
and havelis that leave a lasting impression on the vistors. There are four massive
gateways that lead to the gate including Akshaya Pole, Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole and
Ganesh Pole. The Suraj and the Ganesh Pole have an image of Sun and Lord Ganesh
respectively at the top. The Dussehra Chowk is reached after passing below the last
gate, Hawa pole. Here, a beautiful palace Raj Mahal stands as if greeting the visitors.
This palace was once the residence of the royal family but today it has been converted
into a museum and heritage centre. The seven Jain Temples hold a commanding presence
in the Jaisalmer Fort and are dedicated to the revered Jain Tirthankaras like Sambhavanath,
Rikhabdev, Chandrprabhu and Parasnath.
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The fort also has a peculiar gadget hoisted on top of its ramparts. Since 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 forecast. If it blew northwards
it indicated famine, and if it went westwards Ho the citizenry could 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. ust 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 a Hitchcockian 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.
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