Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Overview

Junagarh Fort is located in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The fort was initially known as Chintamani. In the early 20the century, the royal family shifted to Lalgarh Palace, and it was rechristened as Junagarh or "Old Fort." 

The city of Bikaner flourished around the magnificent structure of the Junagarh Fort. It is in the ancient fortified town with mosques, temples, Buddhist monuments, beautiful mansions, and Gothic archways.

The fort draws thousands of tourists from every corner of the world. The unique monuments in the fort represent 16 generations of rulers in Bikaner beginning the late 16^th century. Balconies, kiosks, gardens in the fort feature a composite architectural style.

The cultural differences between rulers and foreign inspirations have shaped this architectural style. The splendid Junagarh Fort stands with all its glory as a paragon of architectural brilliance.

British government gifted Maharaja Ganga Singh the DH9 De Haviland warplane, to appreciate the First World War's Bikaner Forces' contribution. You can see this plane in the fort.

This most decorated fort in India has lower towers and ramparts. Unlike other forts, it has not been perched on a high rock. It was built for luxury and not for defense. It gives you a glimpse of the times and lives of the Maharajas of Bikaner state.

Structures

The building, kiosks, and beautifully designed palaces are the main attractions in the Junagarh Fort.

Gates: Of 7 gates, two main gates are there – the Suraj pole and the Karan Pole. The Karan pole is the former main gate of entry, and the Suraj pole is the current min gate. Daulat pol, Chand pol, and Fateh pol are other gates.

Temples: Har Narayan temple and Ratan Behari temple are the temples in the fort. Har Narayan temple, the fort's royal temple, is dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan and his wife, Lakshmi. Ratan Behari temple is the Hindu God Krishna temple. 

Palaces: 

• Karan Singh built the Karan Mahal in 1680 after his victory over Aurangzeb.
  Raja Rai Singh constructed the Phool Mahal, which is the oldest palace in the fort.
  Anup Mahal is a multi-storeyed building with sophisticated designs. It served as the administrative headquarters of the kingdom.
• The most aesthetically pleasing and luxurious palace in the fort is Chandra Mahal.
  Raja Ganga Singh built the Ganga Mahal in the 20^th It is home to a museum.
• Badal Mahal displays many brilliant paintings, and it is an extension of Anup Mahal.
• Bikaneri Havelis are there both outside and inside the fort.

Prachina Museum: Maharaja Dr. Karni Singhji established the museum in 1961. Jewels, paintings, and other commemorations portray the royal life of the fort. It exhibits war drums, palanquins, howdahs, enamelware, silver, royal costumes, farmans (royal orders), Persian, and Sanskrit manuscripts.

Architecture

The architectural excellence is enough to mesmerize the tourists. Its architecture is a blend of various cultures. The alliance of the Gujarati association with the Mughals influenced the earliest Rajput style. Later, it showed a semi-western influence. Lastly, it reflected the revivalist Rajput structures during the period of Maharaja Ganga Singh.

The layout of the Junagarh Fort is rectangular, with a length of about 1078 yards with an area of 63119 square yards. Junagarh Fort features stone carvings in gold and red sandstone.

Interior decoration conforms to the ancient Rajasthani style. The lavish structures reflected the regal lifestyle centuries ago. The Junagarh Fort is quoted as "a paradox between beautiful interior decoration and medieval military architecture."

History

Rao Bika laid the foundation of the Junagarh fort in 1478. He built it as a stone fort. Bikaner was founded in 1472, and it grew up around the mighty fort. Enemies tried to conquer and pillage it. Kamran Mirza, the son of Babur, annexed the fort only for one day in 1534 when Rao Jait Singh was the ruler.

Bikaner experienced its heyday during the reign of its sixth ruler Raja Rai Singh between 1571 and 1611. He accepted the Mughal subjugation and held a commanding position during the times of Jehangir and Akbar.

He earned admiration and jagirs for winning various battles. Raja Rai Singh began construction of the Junagarh fort after achieving an influential role under the Mughal rule. He held the foundation ceremony on February 17, 1589. On January 17, 1594, this impressive fortress was completed.

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