Jaisalmer Fort – The Sonar Quila In The Golden City Jaisalmer

Highlights of Jaisalmer Fort

Address:	Fort Road, Near Gopa Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
Built by:	Rawal Jaisal
Jaisalmer Fort Entry Fees:	No Entry Fee to the Fort.
Visiting Hours:	9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Distances of Important Cities from Jaisalmer:	New Delhi (921 km), Jaipur (620 km), Mumbai (1177 km), Ahmadabad (626 km).
Video Camera :	Rs. 100/- is charged for privately owned Palace Museum.

Jaisalmer Fort History

Jaisalmer Fort locally known as Sonar Quila is one of the largest forts in the world located in Jaisalmer City in Rajasthan, India. It was constructed in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput leader Rao Jaisal, where it originates its name. This fort is popularly known as the ‘Sone Ka Quila (Golden Fort)’ by the neighborhood people and is one of one of the most stunning monoliths in the city of Jaisalmer. The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the endless golden sands of Thar Desert; Jaisalmer fort is one of one of the most popular visitor destinations of Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer under Bhati Rajputs

Bhati Rajput belonged to Sialkot area in Punjab who established themselves in a town called Annot, 120km away from Jaisalmer. One of the descendants named Devaraj defeated Nirpabharu who belonged to Lodra Rajput and made Lodruva his capital and called himself Maharawal.

Maharawal Jaisal was the descendant of Devaraj and also he built the Jaisalmer Fort in 1156AD which is a massive fort. In that year, he dethroned his nephew Bhojdev with the help of Sultan of Gaur. King Jetsi also strengthened the fort in 1276 to protect the fort from Sultan of Delhi. But still the sultan was able to gain the fort by eight years of siege. Bhatis took over the fort again but were not able to repair it. Dodoo strengthened the fort in 1306.

Jaisalmer Fort under Alauddin Khilji and Mughals

Alauddin Khilji ruled Jaisalmer for 9 years after capturing the fort in 13th century. During the siege, women committed Jauhar. Mughal emperor Humayun attacked the fort in 1541. As a result of constant attacks, the king of Jaisalmer signed treaty with Akbar in 1570. He also offered his daughter in marriage to Akbar. Mughals controlled the fort till 1762.

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Jaisalmer Fort under Rajputs and British

Maharawal Mulraj took over the fort from Mughals in 1762. He also signed a treaty with East India Company in 1818. Mulraj passed away in 1820 and was prospered by his grandson Gaj Singh. During the British period, the profession path was altered. They started trading from port of Bombay that led to declination of trade from Silk Road and was closed after independence.

How to Reach To Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer is well connected with major cities of India with Rail, Road, and Air. Local transportation in Jaisalmer quite good. Auto rickshaw is an economical mode of transport in Jaisalmer City.

It’s walking range from the primary Jaisalmer City. Best to hire a rickshaw from your hotel.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer Fort

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from the month of November to March. These months have pleasant climate but December as well as January are really cool. The period from April to August is really hot and September hand October have humid climate. Though there is very little rains in Jaisalmer but this causes humidity.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about the Jaisalmer Fort

• It is the 2nd largest fort in Rajasthan and also is located at an altitude of around 250 meters on top of a hill.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its popular architecture and also the significance it had during the course of history.
• The structure is a fortification consisting of three layers, with the outermost being made entirely out of stone as it was the very first layer of protection against enemies..
• It has a total amount of 99 bastions with virtually 93 of them being created at a later factor in background at around 1638 AD.
• A noval, Sonar Kella, and a successive flick was made with this location as the prime place by the renowned author Satyajit Ray. This caused the spread of the popularity of this site.
• Alauddin Khilji attacked the Fort as well as obtained control over it for a period of almost 9 years.

Nearby Attractions

• Kuldhara Village
• Bada Bagh
• Patwon Ki Haveli
• Government Museum