One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. Junagarh Fort is a rare example of a medieval period monument whose beauty and grandeur remains intact due to some great preservation efforts.The first dig ceremony for the construction of the fort was held on Thrusday, Phalgun Vali 19, V.S. 1645 i.e. 30th January, 1589 AD. The Foundation was laid on Monday, Phalgun Sudi 12, V.S. 1645 i.e. 17th February, 1589 AD and it was completed on Thrusday MAgh Sudi 6 V.S. 1650 i.e. 1645 17th January 1594 AD. A look at the exquisitely carved walls of Junagarh gives the impression that the fort has been built only a few days back. This magnificent fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most trusted generals of Emperor Akbar. Another striking feature of Junagarh fort is that it has been built on lower grounds. It may be mentioned that forts are generally built on higher plains to enhance their defensive characteristics. In spite of that, Junagarh fort could never be conquered. As many as 37 bastions guard the fort and access inside the fort is provided by only two gates. Suraj Pol or Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The fort consists of attractive palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies. It has following buidlings within its complex:
Suraj Pol, Karan Mahal, Durga Niwas, Lal Niwas, Anup Mahal ,Chandra Mahal ,and Phul Mahal ,Fort Museum. Anup Mahal : Anup Mahal is one of the most beautiful palaces inside the fort. The shining walls have been covered in red and gold. The coloured glass inlay works on the walls look very impressive. Equally beautiful are the white plaster pillars decorated in many different patterns and attached with gold leaf. Badal Mahal : Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace's has some of the finest paintings adorning its walls. Most of these paintings have water as its main theme. The Rain Fresco painting of Radha-Krishna is regarded as the best.
Phool Mahal : The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace was adorned with glasses and mirrors. The victory over Aurangzeb was celebrated by building the Karan Mahal. Another beautiful palace is the Phool Mahal whose exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks gives it a splendid look. Karan Mahal: Karan Mahal (Public Audience Hall), the first monument of Bikaner and second oldest in Rajputana is based on the classic Mughal style, the plan for the construction of which were conceived during the reign of Raja Karan Singhji. It was erected in about 1690 by Maharaja Anup Singhji as a memorial monument of his father Raja Karan Singhji. This monument is also a tribute to the restoration and elevation of the status of Bikaner State. Chander Mahal: This mahal consisting of small rooms behind the Phool Mahal Ki Sal, it is in the form os a crescent and named after Maharani Chand Kanwar, one of the queens of Maharaja Gaj Singhji. The most interesting here is the dadoed paintings that resemble the precious stone inlay work of Agra. One of the rooms here displays the idols of some of the Hindu divinities placed in the niches under the ceiling. Gaj Mandir: This mandir embodies the then know refinements and luxuries of architecture and tasteful decorative arts, lavished on the private apartment of Maharaja Gaj Singhhji and of his two chief Queens, Phul Kanwar and Chand Kanwar. This fairy world was built under the supervision of an architect whom the Maharaja had personally brought from Jaipur. Fort Museum: The fort also houses a museum having an impressive collection of the items used by the royals. These costly items throw light on the lavish lifestyle of the royals. The collections include illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, carpets, arms and weapons used by the royals. Even treaties signed and farmans (orders) issued by the royals have been well preserved and displayed. |
