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Junagarh Fort
 Location
: Bikaner, Rajasthan
Built In
: 1587 AD
Built By
:
Raja Rai Singh
Attractions
:
Anup Mahal and Exquisitely Carved Windows
One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of
Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The
Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The
Junagarh Fort has defied all the attacks except for the brief stint by
Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours.
Inside the fort is a profusion of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions that are marvels in red sandstone construction. The palaces have exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and
kiosks.The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace are a treat for eyes. The
Phool Mahal or Flower Palace was adorned with glasses and mirrors. The victory over
Aurangzeb was celebrated by building the Karan Mahal.
About Junagarh Fort Complex
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.
Fort Attractions
Anup Mahal
 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
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.
Phool Mahal
Another beautiful palace is the Phool Mahal whose exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks give it a splendid look.
Fort Museum
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.
 Bikaner Fort
is popularly referred to as the Junagarh Fort. It was built by Raja Rai Singh who was one of
Mughal emperor Akbar's trusted generals. There are as many as 37 citadels which protects the fort. This is one fort in Rajasthan which has never been annexed or conquered. There was one dubious instance though when Prince
Kamaran laid seize to the fort, but could not keep it on hold for even 24 hours.
The fort's 37 bastions are nicely complimented with a number of palaces, towers, pavilions and temples. There is the exquisitely beautiful Chandra
Mahal which is adorned with mirrors and art works. Other palaces worth seeing are the
Phool Mahal, the Karan Mahal and the majestic
Anup Mahal which used to serve as the assembly hall of the erstwhile rulers.
Inside the fort there is a museum, which has an astonishing collection of ancient manuscripts, gems and
jewellery, exquisite carpets, treaties, arms and royal weaponry.
Apart from the museum, the Kanar Mahal is worth visiting which was exclusively built to commemorate the triumph over
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
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