JUNAGARH FORT ---THE GREAT JEWEL OF BIKANER

JUNAGARH FORT, a magnificent fort of Bikaner constructed by Rai Singh who ordered work on the ‘ great jewel of Bikaner’, the work of constructing the fort began in 1589 and was completed in 1594.
The fort has a 986-meter long wall, fortified by a long range of exquisite pavilions, 37 in all, silhouetted against the skyline.
The palaces inside are ethereal, and comprise of royal public courts buildings and intimate Zananas (women’s quarters), for purdah (veil) so that women be hidden from sight of courtiers.
The fort is beautifully embellished with Rajput paintings, mirror- works, and lacquer work.
Lines of windows and balconies impart a harmonious domestic character to the austere strength of the structure.
The tourists need to take a close look at the fort and feel the atmosphere to get an idea of the indolent lifestyle of the Rajput royalty, in medieval times.
The unique feature of Junagarh Fort is that it is one of the few Rajastani forts not constructed on a hilltop, or any raised surface but on plain land.
This provided the fort with a natural camouflage as it blended into the sandy desert surrounding it, enabling it to remain unconquered for close to 400 years.
In the fort the tourist shall find raised platforms made of swords, on which the Fakirs of Bikaner would dance.
The Viceroy’s wife Lady Reading described the scene in 1922 like this. “ A wizard walked with bare feet on swords I could not touch, so sharp were their points. It was hopelessly uncanny, but wonderful and gorgeous”,
Today it is around the fort that the city’s civil, commercial and social life revolves, its broadest avenues fronts its entrance, and its rugged graceful past overshadows Bikaner’s present, it gardens, and parks, the bazaars, the theaters and buildings.
In the side the tourists shall be able to purchase authenticate handicrafts, some remnants of the dying art.
The Rajasthan Tourism dept and local charitable organizations assists the artisans with marketing, design and loans
There are good number hotels for tourists from abroad.
Bikaner is connected with air to Delhi and other major cities. The railways and roadways have network connecting all cities.