Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, the golden citadel of the Thar desert has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in this part of the world. Few places can match the magnificence and grace of this ‘museum city’.
The Fort or Sonar Killa : The golden hued fort perched atop the 76 meter high Trikuta Hil
l was built in 1156, by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput and descendent of the Yadav clan. The fort built in Jurassic sandstone has its base encircled by a wall of solid stone blocks, above which the hill protects and supports the ramparts forming a double line of defense. The bastions are in the form of half towers surrounded by high turrets and joined by thick walls. The entire living area is well protected inside the ramparts of the fort. It is approached through the Ganesh Pol or the ‘Elephant Gate’ from the main market, followed by the Suraj Pol or the ‘Sun Gate’, Bhoota Pol or the ‘Haunted Gate’ and finally the Hava Pol or the ‘Wind Gate’. The Hava Pol stands sentinel to the royal palaces and leads to the main enclosure, the Hall of Public Audience. The palaces of the rulers built atop the main entrance form an imposing edifice crowned by a huge umbrella of metal mounted on a stone shaft. The fort is dotted with many intricately carved haveli’s (mansions), which have become the major attraction of the museum city. Some of the important ones are-Patwon ki Haveli : This largest and most elaborate haveli of Jaisalmer is a classic example of Rajputana architecture. It was built by the five sons of Guman Chand Patwa, a rich brocade merchant. The construction began in 1800 and was completed in 50 years. The fabulous five storeyed structures have extensive corridors and chambers which are supported by intricately carved pillars.
Jaisalmer, the golden citadel of the Thar desert has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in this part of the world. Few places can match the magnificence and grace of this ‘museum city’.
The Fort or Sonar Killa : The golden hued fort perched atop the 76 meter high Trikuta Hil
l was built in 1156, by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput and descendent of the Yadav clan. The fort built in Jurassic sandstone has its base encircled by a wall of solid stone blocks, above which the hill protects and supports the ramparts forming a double line of defense. The bastions are in the form of half towers surrounded by high turrets and joined by thick walls. The entire living area is well protected inside the ramparts of the fort. It is approached through the Ganesh Pol or the ‘Elephant Gate’ from the main market, followed by the Suraj Pol or the ‘Sun Gate’, Bhoota Pol or the ‘Haunted Gate’ and finally the Hava Pol or the ‘Wind Gate’. The Hava Pol stands sentinel to the royal palaces and leads to the main enclosure, the Hall of Public Audience. The palaces of the rulers built atop the main entrance form an imposing edifice crowned by a huge umbrella of metal mounted on a stone shaft. The fort is dotted with many intricately carved haveli’s (mansions), which have become the major attraction of the museum city. Some of the important ones are-Patwon ki Haveli : This largest and most elaborate haveli of Jaisalmer is a classic example of Rajputana architecture. It was built by the five sons of Guman Chand Patwa, a rich brocade merchant. The construction began in 1800 and was completed in 50 years. The fabulous five storeyed structures have extensive corridors and chambers which are supported by intricately carved pillars.
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