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Jaisalmer Fort
Known
as
SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega structure
merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its
most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look.
Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of
palace complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved
with an incredibly light touch, several temples and the residential complexes
of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route, from where
the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the prosperity
to an otherwise non source full kingdom.
These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in
the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century
and proceeded further.
But the rich merchant inspired by the classic style of the royals , constructed
huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval culture
and profusely decorated walls and ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and
interiors.
The colourful art forms and some how side kind the royal heritage and made it
appear more pale in comparison . The craftsmen were usually muslims who were
induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The results was architectural
purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.
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 fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and houses an entire living area
within huge ramparts. Walking through the narrow lanes is an experience worth
savouring.
It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Also,
within it are many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples dating from
the 12th to the 15th centuries.
Being part of the Desert Triangle and the venue of Desert Festival, the place
is accessible by rail, road and air and has tourist accommodation ranging from
high budget to low budget.
The city is also covered by the "Palace on Wheels" a train-cum-road
package, which needs no description. This place too witnesses large flow of
tourist traffic in winters.
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