Junagarh Fort-Bikaner

The sprawling desert city of Bikaner is located in the north west of Rajasthan. The city was founded by a descendant of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. The city is encircled by a 7 km long wall having 5 entrances. A city where the royals lived in the past, Bikaner has attractive forts and palaces. One of them is Junagarh fort, ranking among the most attractive fort complexes built during medieval period.

Junagarh Fort is a rare example of a medieval period monument whose beauty and grandeur remains intact due to some great preservation efforts. 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 in the year 1588 A.D 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.

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 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.

Another beautiful palace is the Phool Mahal whose exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks gives it a splendid look.

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.
Some other beautiful buildings inside the fort complex are Chandra Mahal, Karan Mahal, Durga Niwas and Ganga Niwas. Karan Mahal was built as part of victory celebrations over Aurangzeb. It may be mentioned that most of the structures inside the fort have been built using red sandstone and decorated very richly.