Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort of Bikaner attracts multiple tourist types into the state of Rajasthan. The fort was originally called Chintamani (strategic palace) and was renamed Junagarh (Old Fort) only in the early twentieth century when the then ruling family shifted to Lalgarh Palace. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan that does not have the advantage of being built on a hilltop. Karan Chand the prime minister of the ruler Raja Rai, the sixth ruler of Bikaner state, supervised the construction of this marvelous palace in late sixteenth century. The construction of the walls commenced in 1588 and the fort was completed in 1593.

For the construction of this fort, Raja Rai Singh marshaled revenues the kingdom. He further increased the investment by the earnings from the conquest of half of Marwar and grant of half Gujarat. He also made use of ample of funds collected from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort. He held a very high rank in the Imperial court of contemporary Mughal Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jehangir. He was granted fields of Gujarat and Burhanpur by the Emperor of India for his excellence in military commander.

The formidable structure of the fort is encircled by a thick trench of moat. Facing east is the main entrance gate Karan Pol (Gate) built according to the vastu shastra. Next to it is the sun gate or the Suraj Pol. The magnificent palaces of Ganga Niwas, Anup Mahal and Rang Mahal (literally meaning palace of pleasure) are engulfed by the walls of the palace. Harmandir (temple for all) is a chapel used by the royal families for worshipping. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

The Anup Mahal is the most impressive rooms in the fort complex. The red and gold colored glass inlay covers the ornately lacquered walls of the palace. White plaster pillars covered by engraved delicate patterns and with gold leaf structures. The walls are stuffed with paintings, carved stones, marbles, and inlaid semi-precious stones. Each palace in the fort has its own history and was built by a different ruler; hence the fort has preserved the art ranging a period of centuries.

The fort exemplifies some particular evidences of Rajput idiosyncrasy; example in some of the alcoves, the seat of maharaja is held on a marble platform rising from the pool of water and durbars (courtyard meetings) would be held like that. Such alcoves have gained the attraction of tourists.

The Hawa Mahal (or Summer Palace) an ingenious gadget is placed that was used to alerted the army of potential attack from enemies. It is said that the insecure Maharajah Dunga Singh had jelled such mirrors over his bed be aware of the reflections people walking across the courtyard.

Durbar Hall is now turned into a museum that stores collection of family and fraternity memorabilia. Cyclopean bore guns are a part of armory and were specially designed for shooting from backs of camels. It also stores the collection of usual diabolic pistols, swords and other deadly weapons, each of which is a piece of art with ivory and crystal handles, some specially designed in the shape of lions.

INDIA IS A COUNTRY, WHICH HAS BEEN CREATED BY THE GOD GRACES AS IT HAS GOT ITS MULTIPLE HEART TOUCHING DIVERSITY ASSEMBLED AT SINGLE PLACE.You Must See................

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