Jaisalmer Fort ‘Sonar Killa’
Jaisalmer Fort or ‘Sonar Killa’
The Jaisalmer fort, known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rises from the sand and merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience. The setting sun in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale appearance.
Amidst the golden stretches of desert sand, the Jaisalmer Fort towers to a conspicuous height atop the Trikuta Hills. The yellow sandstone that has been extensively used in its construction makes it appear a part of the sandy region. Infact, it sometimes gives a fleeting impression that the fort itself has emerged out of the surrounding sand.
Night view of Sonat Fort
The history of the fort tells us that it was built by Rai Jaisala in the year 1156 when he felt that his capital at Lodurva (15 km north west) was susceptible to foreign aggression. The ensuing period saw many postive and negative happenings like the emergence and decline of kings, onslaught by invading army (especially by Ala-ud-din Khilji), mass suicide by women and children and blossoming of art and architecture. The fort at all these time stood erect without perishing into the mound of sand.
At one point of time in history, the Fort housed the entire population of Jaisalmer. Though with an increase in population, people were forced to move out of the fortified city and find shelter in the surrounding area. Today, the city of Jaisalmer is divided into two parts – the one that is within the fort and the other, that is at the foot of the Trikuta Hill outside the fort.
The stately look of the fort narrates the tale of war, romance, sacrifice and chivalry for which the Rajput clan is so well noted. Visitors come to view its impressive grandeur from outside and also wander in its narrow winding lanes inside.
Painting inside the fort
The shops, havelis, art and craft bazaar have an unmistakable attraction that is hard to ignore. The fort is worth visiting again and again.
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