|
JUNAGARH FORT BIKANER |
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
It is one of the interisting sights of Bikaner;
you can see numerous palaces inside the Fort. The fort was founded by
the sixth ruler of Bikaner state, namely Lord Rai Shingh, in 1589
A.D.who was one of the distinguished generals of the Mugal Emperor 'Akbar,
the great. Additions to thes fort were made by different successors. It
forms a quadrangle with a parimeter of 986 meters (1,078 yards). It has
37 bastions, a strong curtain wall and nine meter wide moat. There are
two ente\rances: one is in the east and the other in the west. The
eastern entrance is paotected by four gates and two gates protect the
westren. The palaces near the southern rampart were damaged during the
attack by Jodhpur army in 1739 A.D., Cannonballs fired by trem still
mard the southern facade of the fort. The entrance to the Fort is
through Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) a big vaulted hall opening on two sides
through double arches. Two life size starues of elephants decorate the
entrance.
Karan Mahal (Palace) The beautiful palace was built by Lord Daran Singh, the ninth ruler of Bikaner State, during 1631-1685 A.D., He was general in the army of Mugal emperor Aurangzeb. The KaranPalace is one of the most intersting palaces of Junagarh Fort. This particular palace was spaecial court where the lord used to hold meetings with fis distinguished knights. The silver throne of Lord Karan Singh is still kept there. Once travellers could enter that palace, but now it is covered with glass. So you may only peep through glass. It is one of the best palaces of Junagarh Fort an dprobably the most elegant one, built by the 10th Lord of Bikaner State, His highness Anup singh, who ruled between 1669-1698 A.D. Giled floral designs of the palace with the red badk round are elaborately executed. Persian looking carpets enhance the glory of the palace. The prisoners of Bikaner jail made those carpets. Number of times the coronation of the rulers was held there and the palace has witnessed the historical moments when, during the rituals of croening ceremony. The ruler of Bikaner State took the oath; " I shall enhance the glory and defend the border of this state, till the last drop of blood is in my body". This particular palace was "Darbar hall" for the lord, such a hall where only ditinguished Knights and guest could enter. In that palace you can see red throne of lord Anup singh. This palace is symbol of glory of bygone era of rajasthan. Floral Palace (The Ful Mahal) The palace was built during the reign of Lord Rai Singh, the founder of the fort. The walls of that palace are decorated with floral designs. That is why it is called the floralpalace. These paintings are executed by Muslim artists who were called "usta" a community of great painters. These floral paintings are very beautiful and Bikaner fort is proud to have such beautiful floral paintings. Moon palace and mirror palace (Chander mahal & sees mahal) The moonpalace is juat adjacent to the floral palace. It was also built in the ren of sixth lord of Bikaner State, His highness Rai Shing. There are lots of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It was the room where lord Tai Singh used to worship. In one of the shdis of the palace there are a couple of gates. Go through one of the gates and you will find yourself ing the mirror palace. Walls of that palace are studded with mirrors and they are fixed in such a way that, if a candle is lit then its reflection can be seen in many mirrors and it makes the particular palace very glorious. In the walls of the Mirror palace there is several cavities and during the reign of sixth lords (Lord Rai Singh, Who made that palace) lamps were lit and placed in the cavities. Private chamber of mirror palace (Ful Mahal Ki Sal.) There is one gate in mirror palace. Just cross the gate and you will find yourself in a private chamber of mirror palace it is called in Hindi language, 'Ful Mahal ki Sal'. In that particular palace, there is a very short bed placed. The bed is symbol of threat, which lords of desert country, would receive from their relaives. Following is the story related about the small bed. In 1439 A.D., his highness Lord Ridmal, grand father of Lord Bika, was brutally murdered by his domestic opponents. His domestic opponents first tied him to his bed when heavily drunk lord Ridmal was sleeping in his palace. Though they were 17 opponents, still they had no courage to face the freehanded lord. When the lord was struck with the sword he rose and found himself encircled by his domestic opponents, Though he was tied, still he fought and killed most of them and then ultimatly received a fatal wound. Afterthat incident the rulers of Rathore dynasty took an oath that they would sleep on such a short bed that their legs would touch the ground so that if some onw atta cked them, they could stand up on their feet and face the enemy. Besides these palaces, there are some onter palaces in the present edition of this book, because guides are available in side the fort, They will show you all the palaces. How to get there. You may join Conducted sight seeing tour, organized by the 'Desert Tours' behind head past office Bikaner. If you don't like going with organized tour then you may go alon. Entry ticket for Junagarh fort. Rs. 25/-(For foreign travellers) Rs. 10/-(For domestic travellers) Photography charges. Rs. 10/-(For still photography, the same charge from all the travellers) Visiting hours. Every day between 10.00 A.M.and 4.30 P.M. Weekly holiday. No. Supplementary imformation (In and around the Fort) It is situated just at the first gate of the Fort. It provides free of cost information to travellers. The Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of the state Government of Rajasthan run the tourist information office. You can also buy picture post cards and posters of interesting places of Rajasthan from that office. Taxi car and Jeep. Outside the fort you can find numerous cars and Jeeps for the purpose of tourist taxi. A few Auto Rickshaws are also seen outside the Fort. |
||
