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Constructed in 1156 and located right in the heart of the
Thar desert, the Jaisalmer Fort is one of the last princely
bastions in the region. Quite like a mirage in the vast expanse
of sand, the huge turrets of the Jaisalmer Fort lure the travelers
to this magnificent structure. The golden hue of the fort
can be accredited to the yellow sandstone of which it is made
up.
Among all the major forts in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is the
second oldest fort after Chittorgarh. The construction of
this fort is credited to Raja Jaisal who wanted to shift his
capital from Lodurva which had become prone to frequent attacks.
The fort towers to a height of almost 30 meters and houses
an entire living area within its ramparts. The fort is endowed
with as many as 99 bastions that were used as gun platforms.
The fort can be approached by four gates called the Ganesh
Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. The fort also houses
a number of beautiful palaces and Jain temples that can be
traced from 12th to 15th centuries. Jaisalmer Fort was constructed
very strategically at the crossroads of lucrative trade routes.
It served as an important gate for the trade route and Jaisalmer
grew wealthy on the proceeds.
Today the fort has a population that amounts to almost a
quarter of modern Jaisalmer. The population mostly comprises
of merchants and shop owners. Narrow, meandering lanes are
packed with houses, temples, and shops. Jaisalmer Fort is
often touted as one of the marvels of the Rajasthani architecture,
and there is a good amount of interest among the tourists
regarding this exotic place. The camel safaris and the annual
desert festival in February act as the major highlights.
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