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Junagarh Fort
The unique feature of Junagarh fort is that it is one of the few Rajasthani forts not constructed on a hilltop, or any raised surface but on plain land. This provided the fort with a natural smokescreen as it blended into the sandy desert surrounding it, enabling it to stay unconquered for close to 400 years.
The Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. A high wall and deep moats enfold the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the right of entry inside the fort. The Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The Junagarh Fort has challenged all the attacks excluding the brief period by Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to keep hold of his victory more than 24 hours. Inside the fort is a plethora of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions that are marvels in red sandstone construction. The palaces have elegantly carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace are a delight for eyes. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace was ornamented with glasses and mirrors. The victory over Aurangzeb was celebrated by building the Karan Mahal. The multi-storied Anup Mahal was the governance chambers for the rulers. The beautifully maintained rooms now exhibit the treasures of the Royal family. Also worth visiting are the Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal, and Rang Mahal. The fort museum has an wide-ranging collection of illuminated manuscripts, jeweler, jars and carpets, arms and weapons, treaties, decorations and the 'Farmans'.
India Holiday Travel.com provides information on Junagarh Fort and different temples, forts and palaces around Rajasthan.
| Rajasthan Forts and Palaces |
Amer Fort, Jaipur |
City Palace, Udaipur |
City Palace, Jaipur |
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur |
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur |
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur |
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur |
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer |
Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur |
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh |
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur |
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
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