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Jaisalmer Fort - Rajasthan |
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Visible from miles away, deep in the heart of Thar Desert, is the golden hued 'Jaisalmer Fort'. One of the last princely bastions in the region that command a distinct place in every tourist book. The fort stands high above the city and houses an entire living area within its huge ramparts. A maze of small winding lanes inside this imposing fortress take you through a splendid array of havelis, temples and palaces soaked in golden-yellow sandstone.
Legend has it that once Lord Krishna- the head of the Yadav clan predicted Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled during the second half of the 12 th century when Rawal Jaiswal built the fort as part of his new city after abandoning the old fort at Lodurva.
A massive wall with a total of 99 turrets surrounded the fort. Strategically located at the crossroad of the erstwhile lucrative trade routes, the fort remained witness to the fortunes and glory of medieval Jaisalmer and speaks volumes about its wealthy Jain merchants of that time. These rich Jain merchants are famed for their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. Today the fort is alive and houses a population of merchants and shop owners within its rugged walls. It is approached through Ganesg Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pool and Hawa Pol.
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