Junagarh Fort
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This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujrat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort. A contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jehangir, he held a very high rank in the Imperial court. As a reward for this services as military commander, he was granted fields of Gujrat and Burhanpur by the Emperor. During his tenure in imperial service he traveled far and wide which gave him vision and great ideas about art and architecture and we can see how meticulously these ideas were incorporated in the architectural styles of his building in Junagarh fort.
The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. The Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) is main entrance to the fort. The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.
A measure feature of Junagarh fort is the superb quality of the stone carving-it rivals the best anywhere in the world. Among the places of interest is the Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace, with paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace is decorated with glass and mirrors. The Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb. The Anoop Mahal is famous for its gold leaf painting. Other palaces worth visiting are the Dungar Niwas, Ganga Nivas, Gaj Mandir, Rang Mahal, and Bijai Mahal. Gigantic columns, imposing arches and graceful scenes, minarets and pavilions, in fact, make it worth a repeat visit.
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