Top 10 Forts in India
Junagarh Fort
Jungadh Fort is located in Bikaner. One of the most imposing forts of Northern
India and one of the finest of Rajput monuments. Raja Rai Singh, Akbar's
contemporary started building Junagadh Fort in 1587. Often attacked, Junagadh is
one of the few forts in India, which was never conquered. It consists of 37
palaces, pavilions and temples built by different Kings stand protected by
massive ramparts and round towers.Junagarh fort in Bikaner is considered one of
India's most impressive fort complexes. It's exquisitely decorated interiors are
in an excellent state of preservation. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, it is
one of the few major forts, which were not built on a hilltop. The complex
consists of palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and balconies. The walls are adorned
with carved stones, marble, paintings, and inlaid semi-precious stones. Each
palace in the complex was built by a different ruler, over the centuries.
History
It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593
A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of
Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. The main
entrance to the fort is Karan Pol (Gate) that is east facing. Next to it is the
Suraj Pol, the sun gate. The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces
like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har
Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods
and goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a
picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all
over the structure. The premises also house a museum which is an array of a rich
collection.
Architecture
The Anup Mahal is one of the most impressive rooms in the fort complex. The
ornately lacquered walls are covered in red and gold with colored glass inlay.
White plaster pillars are decorated in delicate patterns and covered with gold
leaf. In a land where water is rare, the Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace's walls are
painted with a fresco of rain clouds. The Rain Fresco photograph shows a
painting of Krishna and Radna surrounded by the blue cloud motifs.A high wall
and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two
gates provide the access inside the fort. The Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the
main entrance to the fort. The Jungadh Fort has defied all the attacks except
for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to retain
his victory more than 24 hours.Inside the fort is a profusion of 37 palaces,
temples and pavilions that are marvels in red sandstone construction. The
palaces have exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers.