Jalore Forts and Palaces
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jalore Fort |
Jalor' , also known as Jalore , is a city in Rajasthan state of western India .
Jalore Fort is the main attraction of Jalore , a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan , one of the nine castles of the Maru ', under the Paramaras in the 10th century. It is one of the most famous and impressive forts in the state and has been known through history as the Sonagir or the ‘golden mount'. It is the administrative headquarters of Jalor District Jalore Fort is the main
attraction of Jalore, a town in the Indian state of
Rajasthan, one of the nine castles of the Maru’, under
the Paramaras in the 10th century. It is one of the
most famous and impressive forts in the state and has
been known through history as the Sonagir or the
‘golden mount’. Jalore fort is perched atop a steep and
perpendicular hill. It commands the town from rocky
outcrop 336m (1200 ft) high fortified with a wall and
bastions with cannon mounted upon them. The fort has
four gigantic gates however it is approachable only
from one side, after a two-mile long serpentine ascent.
The approach to the fort is from the north, up a steep,
slippery road through three rows of fortification to a
single rampart wall 6.1m (20ft) high. It takes a good
two hours to climb. The fort is built on the lines of
traditional Hindu architecture. |
|
|
|
The Attractions inside the
Fort |
|
Topekhana :
One of the most important structures with in the fort
is the Topekhana or "the cannon foundry". The building
is not in the best of conditions now, but its
architecture indicates that this structure must have
been awesome in the old days. The structure is
imposing, with a spacious forecourt and an intricate
facade. The colonnade and the ceiling are tastefully
carved.The Topkhana was built in the 14th century by
Ala ud din Khilji who conquered Jalore's fort from the
Rajputs, and it is said he made the mosque using ruins
of 84 Hindu and Jain temples.
The Fort Mosques:
Topekhana Masjid (Arsenal Mosque) and the Kila Masjid
(Fort Mosque) within the fort are also noteworthy as
they demonstrates the widespread influence of the
architectural decorations associated with the Gujarati
styles of the period (i.e. late 16th century).Another
shrine in the fort is that of Saint Rehmad Ali Baba.
Near the main gate there is the tomb of Malik Shah, a
noted Mohammedan saint.
The Jain Temples:
Jalore is also a place of pilgrimage for Jains and the
famous Jain temples of Adinath, Mahavira, Parsvanath
and Santinath are located here.The oldest temple is
that of Adinath, which existed as far back as in the
8th century. The mandapa was subsequently built in 1182
A.D. by Yasovira, a Srimali vaishya. The temple stands
out the most among the dark fort walls and rocky
surrounding . Built in white marble this imposing
structure is quite a sight.
Hindu Temples:
There is an old Shiva temple, a temple devoted to Lord
Shiva. A triple temple dedicated to Amba mata, Ashapuri
and Hanuman (the monkey god) is also located within the
fort premises.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
