The Imposing fort of Junagarh in Bikaner was constructed in the years within 1588 to 1593. Mughal Emperor’s Akbar’s army general, Raja Rai Singh was the man behind the construction and fortification of the Junagarh Fort. A stonewall that runs 986 meters encloses the colossal fort. Heavily fortified Junagarh has 37 existing bastions, while it is said it was heavily loaded with ammunitions and artilleries and was a formidable fort which in history remained the only unconquered fort in India. The Junagarh Fort has withstood all invasions but for the brief skimp by Kamaran who conquered the fort but was ineffectual to continue holding it for more than a day. A deep trench that remained filled with water and hungry crocodiles during the war times surrounds the impressive fort. This magnificent fort has two gateways, Surajpol and Daulatpol. Surajpol is the main entrance gate while Daulatpol is significant for it houses the imprints of royal ladies who burnt themselves on the burning pyre of their dead husbands. The Sati Stambh was the place where these ladies gave up their lives mostly to save their honor from the invading Muslim armies.
Other gates of the Junagarh fort leads one to its interiors; Karan Pol, Fateh Pol and Chand Pol. The Zenana chamber of the Junagarh Fort is an exemplar of beautiful artistic work. The exquisitely carved and lattice work window screen acted as sophisticated curtains that kept the royal ladies away from the public view but allowed them to listen or watch court proceedings. The sandstone or marble screens were intricately designed. Rajputana style encompasses mural rooms, exquisitely carved ceiling, kiosks and arcades, towers, Jharoka balconies, steep stairways, public halls and latticed windows.
The fort houses 37 magnificent palaces, beautiful temples and carved pavilions in red sandstone. One marvels at the craftsmanship of the period when one observes the mirror works, paintings and intricately done marble panels of Moon Palace. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace was decorated with glasses and mirrors.
The administration of the court was conducted from the multi-storeyed Anup Mahal. Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal, and Rang Mahal are the other palaces of the fort. To celebrate the grand victory over Aurangazeb, Karan Mahal was built. Displays of exquisite collection of jewelry, art and artifacts, armory, carpets and manuscripts of the royal family are exhibited in the royal palaces.
Tour to Junagarh fort would take you back to the royal days of courtly life.
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