Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Unlike the other forts in Rajasthan, which are usually built atop a hill, the Junagarh fort is located in heart of the old city of Bikaner. The fort was first built during the reign of Rao Bika who founded the city of Bikaner in the 15th century. It was later refurbished during the British Raj and displays a remarkable Rajput architecture.
The Junagarh fort is a unique illustration of composite culture. The fort reflects its architecture design; the first of the old one is the Rajput style of the sixteenth century, which was under the impact of the Gujarati and Mughal architectural designs. The rulers of Bikaner were in close association with the Mughal court, as such, they adopted the Mughal decorations, which reflect in the stucco, wall paintings and stone inlay works. The mosaic stone carving and lattice works reflect the Gujarati impact. The works relating to glass, lacquer and wooden ceiling, suggest various activities of the period. The confluence of Rajput, Mughal and the Gujarati architectural designs are clearly visible in Junagarh Fort, as a consequence it is one of the precious gems of Indian architecture. The most important looking and magnificent post medieval building, the Junagarh Fort has the finest lacquer work of rarity, reflecting to glorious past.
The second is the semi-western style of architecture which mostly evolved during the reign of Maharaja Dungar Singh (1872-87). His period marks the disintegration of the old style of architecture.
And third is known as revivalists Rajput architecture which evolved especially during the rule of Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887-1943). This is reflected in the new throne room known as Vikram Vilas built in 1936-37 by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The Maharaja was a great exponent of revivalists Rajput architecture, which is fully reflected in Vikram Vilas. In its grandeur and proportions, the Vikram Vilas is extremely beautiful; and its exquisite craftsmanship and artistic ability are unparalleled.
Architecture of The Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort has a quadrangular perimeter of 1078 yards fortified by 14.50 wide and 40 feet high strong wall. It has 37 bastions (Burj) and two entrances- the Karan Parole facing east, and Chand Parole facing west. The Karan Parole is protected by four gates and Chand Parole by double gates. The gates are fastened with iron gratings, spiky and sharp pointed, which, in olden times, were meant as a stumbling block for the enemy elephants. The total area of fort is 1,63,119 sq. yards. It has 20-25 feet deep moat which is 15 feet wide at the base and 30 feet broad at the top.
The Junagarh Fort is one of the finest and strongest land laid forts in the plains. In the absence of other natural strong forts, the fort was built in the sandy plains with suitable defensive barriers and barricades.
The Junagarh Fort is the result of building activities of sixteen successive generations of the rulers of Bikaner, beginning from the end of the sixteenth century. As a consequence, it contains antique monuments and excellent objects of art, such as the symbolic hands of ‘sati’s’, seven historic Parole (gates), nine attractive temples, little shrines of various deities, four deep wells, three beautiful gardens, post medieval stables and barracks, an old Jail, and armory stones in the ground floor. The most notable are the old palaces, with their porches and pillars, gates and doors, galleries and corridors that were added from time to time. Though they conglomerate and heap up, but fully decorated, they reflect a perfect taste of successive rulers who built them. The red sandstones of which the old palaces are built were brought from Khari and Dulmera quarries, which were discovered in time of Raja Karan Singh. The number of old palaces in the second storey are fifteen; in the third are eight; in the fourth are eleven; and in the fifth are five. Belonging to different periods, pertaining to history, the old palaces resuscitate the events and glories of Bikaner.
Junagarh Fort is a fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or “Old Fort” in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort.
Junagarh Fort is a fort in the city of Bikaner,Ô_Rajasthan,Ô_India. The fort was originally calledÔ_Chintamaniand was renamed Junagarh or “Old Fort” in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved toÔ_Lalgarh PalaceÔ_outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort.
