Junagrah Fort, Bikaner's historic fortress is one of the most
impressive in Rajasthan. Junagarh fort and it's palaces were
built between 1588-1593 by raja Raj Singh, a general in the
army of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It has a 96 mt long wall.
To protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within it. The
fort has 2 entrances. The main entrance of the fort is Suraj
pol or sun gate. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone
and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings.
An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the fort at intervals,
breaking the monotony.
The
situation on a rocky outcrop providing a dramatic setting
for the many palaces that were added over a period of three
centuries. Sandstone gates lead to courtyards surrounded by
the exquisite jarokhas of the royal palaces and lattice-work
windows of the zanana. The balconies show the remarkable diversity
of architectural styles that influenced Bikaner-the original
Rajput style jarokhas, the Mughal influenced balconies and
finally British pitch roofed galleries. The variety of princely
relics range from medieval Mughal swords to a World War-2
period plane, presented for military services, miniature paintings
of the Bikaner school to an oil painting of the Versailles
treaty. The guide showed us the low bed of the Maharajahs,
with mirrors strategically placed to reflect the approach
of a traitorous intruder, the Har mandir where services are
still performed, Durbar and coronation halls, wells and stables.
Inside the fort are many palaces, their interiors done up
in lacquered furniture, mirror work, murals, gold polish,
enamel work, shell finish and lime plaster.
The
fort encompasses many palaces amongst which the most spectacular
ones are the Chandra Mahal or Moon palace, the Phool Mahal
or Flower palace, both ornated with carved panels and mirrors
and the Karan Mahal. The palaces have exquisitely carved windows,
balconies, towers and kiosks.The mirrors, paintings and carved
marble panels in the Moon Palace are a treat for eyes. The
victory over Aurangzeb was celebrated by building the Karan
Mahal. And the other palaces are:
Dungar Niwas has painted walls giving out
the effect of pietra dura. A white marble tank provides a
cooling effect on hot days.
The Chandra Mahal has paintings on lime plaster
walls.
The Phool Mahal is more elaborately decorated
with mirror work.
The Ganga Niwas Darbar Hall with its carved
walls and ceiling.
The Har Mandir where marriages, births and
Gangaur festivals were celebrated,
The Gaj Mandir Sheesh Mahal with its ivory
inlaid bed, beautiful swing seat, silver chairs and polished
wooden chests and cupboards are all beautiful sights.
The
Anup Mahal houses the gorgeous and opulent
coronation room in rich glowing red and gold. Magnificent
doors with beautiful raised lacquer work, ornamented with
opaque glass inlay work, impart a jewel-like opulence to this
royal chamber. The Junagarh Fort has defied all the attacks
except for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort
but was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours. One
of the most imposing forts of Northern India- Junagarh Fort
has remained unconquered till date.
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Places
around Junagarh
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The Gir National Park, situated around 59
km off Junagarh, is the last home of the Asiatic lion. This
1,400 sq km sanctuary was set up to protect the dwindling
population of the lions.
Chorwad is a new beach resort developed by
the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, near Junagarh.
Somnath is a famous Hindu shrine and a seat
of one of the Jyotirlingas. The temple of Somnath was once
one of the richest shrines in the country. The temple was
looted and plundered many times by the Muslims in the 10th
and 11th century because of its wealth.
The fort museum has an extensive collection
of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars and carpets, arms
and weapons, treaties, decorations and the 'Farmans'. This
museum also has valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques
is also located in the Junagarh Fort.
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Prime
Attractions of Junagrah fort
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A lively and colourful event, the Camel Festival
is organised by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture,
Rajasthan in Bikaner every year. January is just the right
month for a desert spree, and Bikaner just the right place
to see the Ships of the Desert.
Mahabat Maqbara is the mausoleum of one of
the nawabs of Junagarh. The structure is resplendent with
silver doors and intricate architecture.
The Durbar Hall Museum displays weapons and
armor from the days of the nawabs and many other curios and
artifacts. A quick foray into the museum will reveal silver
chains, chandeliers, settees, thrones, palanquins, howdahs,
cushions, gowns and a large carpet that was woven in the Junagarh
jail.
Best
season to arrive
Although the place can be visited throughout the year, the
best season to do so is winter (September- April).
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