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Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 A.D. by a Bhati Rajput ruler, Jaisal. Jaisalmer in Rajasthan got its name from this ruler Jaisal. About a quarter of the population of Jaisalmer town lives inside this fort. It is considered as one of the largest forts in the world. It has been the scene of many battles. The fort stands amidst the golden stretches of Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the ‘Golden Fort’. The 250-feet-tall fort is protected by a 30-feet-tall wall surrounding it on all sides. The wall has three 3 layers. The outer or the lower layer is made out of solid stone blocks and it reinforces the loose rubble of Trikuta Hill. From the innermost or third wall, the Rajput warriors once hurled boiling oil and water as well as massive blocks of rock at their enemies, who would become entrapped between the second and third walls. The defence of the fort includes 99 bastions. Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Jain Temples and Laxminath Temple are the main attractions within this Fort. This fort is a perfect fusion of Islamic and Rajput architectural styles. The fort has an ingenious drainage system called the ghut nali which allows for the easy drainage of rainwater away from the fort in all four directions. Over the years, haphazard construction activities and building of new roads have greatly reduced its effectiveness. The fort now has numerous eateries, including Italian, French, and native cuisines. The famous Indian film director Satyajit Ray wrote the ‘Sonar Kella’ (The Golden Fortress), a detective novel, based on the fort and he later filmed it here. The Jaisalmer Fort today faces manifold threats that are the result of the increasing population pressure on it. Water seepage, inadequate civic amenities, derelict houses and seismic activity around the Trikuta Hill are some of the major concerns affecting the fort. Unlike most other forts, the Jaisalmer Fort has been built over a weak sedimentary rock foothill which makes its foundations vulnerable to seepage. Over the years this has led to the collapse of significant portions of the fort. The World Monuments Fund has included the fort in its list of World Monuments Watch due to the threats posed to it. Major restoration work has been undertaken by the Fund and American Express has provided one million dollar for the conservation of the fort. The visiting timings of the fort are from 9 in the morning to five in the evening. Nearly six lakh tourists visit the fort annually. For More Info: Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer and Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
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