About The Fort
Built in 1156 by the Bahtti Rajput ruler Jaisala, and reinforced by
later rulers, the fort crowns the 80m - high Trikuta Hill. Over the
centuries it was the focus of many battles between the Bhatties, the
Mughals of Delhi and the Rathores of Jodhpur. This is one of the planets
only living forts, with one quarter of the old city's population
residing in it. The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference and is
protected by three walls. The lower wall is of solid stone blocks which
reinforce the loose rubble of which Trikuta hill is composed. The second
wall snakes around the fort, and between this and the third, of inner,
wall, the warrior Rajputs hurled boiling oil and water, and massive
round missiles on their unwitting enemies below.
Above the fort flies the Jaisalmer standard, which features a chatri
against a red and yellow background. The fort looks especially magical
when it is lit up at night.
It is fascinating to9 wander around this living fort. It is packed with
houses, temples, handicraft shops and honeycombed with narrow, winding
lanes, all of them paved in stone. It is also quite as vehicles are not
allowed up here. Even building materials have to be carried up by camel
cart. The fort walls provide superb views over the old city and
surrounding desert. Strolling around the outer fort ramparts is a
popular activity at sunset.
The fort is entered from First Fort gate tough it is forbidding series
of massive gates via an enormous stone paved ramp, which leads to a
large courtyard. The former Maharaja's seven storeys Palace, Rajmahal,
fronts onto this. The square was formerly used to review troops, hear
petitions and present extravagant entertainment for important visitors.
Pictures of The Fort
