The
Sonar Quila or the Golden fort is ideally named so in the land of golden
sand dunes of Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. Made of yellow sandstone, when
the sun rays fall on the fort it shines like bewitching gold. The fort
is a city complex in itself consisting of palaces, security sources,
havelis (mansions) of rich merchants, temples and residential complexes
of the army. The fort was built by Bhati Rajput Raja Rawal Jaisal in the
year 1156 AD and thus is counted amongst one of the oldest fort of
Rajasthan. The fort is also of great significance as it falls enroute
the great trade route connecting India with Persia, Arabia, Egypt, and
Africa. The defense mechanism of the fort is enhanced by the 99 bastions
of the fort.The fort complex encompasses mammoth merchant havelis which were built in the 12th century by the rich merchants under the Bhati Rajputs. The mansions are a fine example of craftsmanship of Hindu and Muslim workers. The sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies of the mansions would simply leave the spectator speechless by their beauty. The fort also has Jain temples dating back to the 12th century as well as the Laxminath temple.
The Jaisalmer fort has four principal gateways called the Ganesh pol, Suraj pol, Hawa pol and Bhoot pol. The historic fort has been a witness to several wars and battles fought here since its inception. When it was captured in the 13th century for a period of about nine years, several proud Rajput women performed Jauhar to prevent going in the hands of the enemy ruler. The Golden Fort today stands as the only living fort in the World, one where people still live. At one point the entire city of Jaisalmer was settled in the Sonar Quila. It was only in recent times with the increasing population that few inhabitants of Jaisalmer have moved out of the Jaisalmer fort. None the less the fort is the lifeline of the people of Jaisalmer, always pulsating with some activity.