The beautiful Junagarh Fort of Bikaner is the focal point of the city’s development. In the 20th century, the fort was renamed the Junagarh or Old Fort after its original name, Chintamani. Rao Bika laid the foundations for the Junagarh fort in 1478. But back then, it was only a stone fort. On February 17, 1589, the current opulent building was officially opened.
The fort’s palaces, gardens, balconies, kiosks, and other features all exhibit a hybrid architectural style that was shaped by the cultural distinctions of the various rulers as well as outside influences.
The fort’s distinctive monuments depict 16 generations of Bikaner’s rulers, beginning in the late 16th century.
History of Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Rao Bika constructed the foundation for the Junagarh fort in 1478. It was only a stone fort before. In order to safeguard the stone fort constructed by Bika, the current Junagarh fort was constructed. The city of Bikaner developed up around the powerful fortification when it was founded in 1472. Foreign foes made numerous attempts to seize it. All but one, though, failed. In 1534, when Rao Jait Singh was in power, Kamran Mirza, Babur’s son, briefly took control of the impressive fort.
Raja Rai Singh, Bikaner’s sixth ruler, reigned from 1571 to 1611 and saw the city grow. During the reigns of Akbar and Jehangir, Raja Rai Singh held a prominent position and accepted Mughal sovereignty. He received numerous honours and jagirs for his successes in different conflicts. Following his rise to prominence during the Mughal era, Raja Rai Singh began construction on the Junagarh fort. This magnificent fortress’s foundation ceremony took place on February 17, 1589, and construction was finished on January 17, 1594. The fort was intended to be an imposing building in the middle of the Thar Desert by Raja Rai Singh, an artist and architectural expert.
Architecture of Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
The fort in Junagarh is the pinnacle of architecture. A variety of cultures have influenced the building, with the Rajput style being the oldest. The ancient Rajput style, which was influenced by the Gujarati association’s affiliation with the Mughals, is the first example of design. Subsequently, the architecture displayed semi-western influences, followed by revivalist Rajput buildings constructed primarily during Maharaja Ganga Singh’s reign.
The Junagarh fort is roughly 1078 yards long and has a rectangular design. A total of 63119 square yards are enclosed by it. The original purpose of the fort was to protect the ancient stone fort that Rao Bika had constructed. In the past, it had a moat for security, but it is no longer there. Numerous palaces with amazing designs are enclosed by the impressive castle. The culture and legacy of the king who constructed the balconies, gates, kiosks, and other buildings have all had an impact.
The red and gold sandstone sculptures of Junagarh Fort are among its most notable characteristics. Red sandstone makes up every construction. The furnishings are furnished in the traditional Rajasthani manner. The magnificent fort features seven gates, numerous palaces, and temples dedicated to Jainism and Hinduism. Additionally, it features two primary gates composed of golden sandstones. The Suraj pol is currently used for entry, but the Karan pol was used in the past. The earliest rays of the light might reach the Karan pol because it faces east. In addition to being a lovely sight, the golden rays on the yellow sandstone are also seen as a positive omen.
This fort’s opulent buildings, each of which is exquisitely beautiful, bear evidence to the regal way of life that was lived here for ages. The Junagarh Fort is referred to as “a paradox between beautiful interior decoration and mediaeval military architecture.”
Structures Inside Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
There are many exquisitely constructed palaces, buildings, and kiosks within the Junagarh Fort. The visitors are captivated by the architectural marvels alone.
Gates: There are seven gates at the fort. The Suraj pole, the present-day min gate, and the Karan pole, the previous primary gate of entry, are the two main gates among them. Yellow sandstone is used to make the Suraj pol. The golden face of the Suraj pol, which faces east, is a sight to behold as it gets the sun’s first rays. Two statues of elephants with mahouts made of red stone stand at the entrance to this gate.
The fort’s other gates are Fateh Pol, Chand Pol, and Daulat Pol (double gate). The Daulat Pol has several imprints of the hands of all those women who committed Sati on the funeral pyres of their husbands who died in battlefields. All the gates are worthy of the gorgeous palace that they lead to.
Temples: The Har Narayan temple, devoted to Lord Lakshmi Narayan and his spouse, Lakshmi, is the fort’s royal shrine. Near the Junagarh fort is the Ratan Behari shrine as well. It is devoted to Krishna, the Hindu deity.
Palaces: As previously said, this fort’s palaces are magnificent works of art and architecture.
1. In 1680, Karan Singh constructed the Karan Mahal to honour his conquest of Aurangzeb.
2. Raja Rai Singh constructed the Phool Mahal, the fort’s oldest palace.
3. Anup Mahal served as the kingdom’s administrative centre. It is a multi-story structure with elegant architecture.
4. The most opulent and beautiful palace in the fort is Chandra Mahal.
5. Raja Ganga Singh constructed Ganga Mahal in the 20th century. There is now a museum there.
6. The Badal Mahal, which has numerous exquisite paintings, is an extension of the Anup Mahal.
7. The distinctive architectural style of the Bikaneri havelis may be found both within and outside the fort.
Museum: Maharaja Dr. Karni Singhji constructed the fort’s museum in 1961. The museum’s collection of paintings, jewellery, and other artefacts portrays the regal life that the fort once saw.
How to Reach Junagarh Fort
Through the Bikaner Railway Station, which serves both residents and visitors, there is easy access to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad, guaranteeing convenient and hassle-free travel options throughout that area. Because there are so many trains that run back and forth frequently, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the numerous exciting journey possibilities.
Visitors will also find a variety of easily accessible, trustworthy taxi and autorickshaw service providers eager to make sure they are transported without incident all the way up to Junagadh Fort once they arrive at this station site. Regular trips to Bikaner are provided by both commercial and state-run buses. To get to the fort, you can alternatively choose to rent a taxi or drive your own vehicle.
Timings : 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Time Required : 2-3 hours
Entry Fee : Indians: INR 50,
Foreigner: INR 300,
Audio Tour: INR 350,
Phool Mahal and Chander Mahal: INR 100
Photography: Allowed
Student Discounts on Ticket Prices at Junagarh Fort : Indian (Student Concession): INR 30,
Foreigner (Student Concession): INR 150,
Audio Tour (Student Concession): INR 200
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