Jaisalmer Fort
| Jaisalmer Fort | |
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| Jaisalmer Quilla or Sonar Quila | |
| Part of Jaisalmer State Rajputana | |
| Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan | |
Jaisalmer Fort panorama
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 Jaisalmer Fort
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| Coordinates | 26°54′46″N 70°54′45″E / 26.9127°N 70.9126°E |
| Type | Desert Fortification |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Jaisalmer State |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Protected Monument |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1156 AD |
| Built by | Rawal Jaisal, |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | About a quarter of Jaisalmer's population |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii |
| Designated | 2013 (36th session) |
| Part of | Hill Forts of Rajasthan |
| Reference no. | 247 |
| State Party | India |
| Region | South Asia |
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. It is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill. Before the days of the British Raj, the fortress city served as a refuge and way-station for caravans and travelers along the Silk Road. Its ramparts served as the backdrop for many battles in past centuries when the Silk Road still served as one of the main trade routes between East and West.
The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. The fort is located along the southern edge of the city that bears its name, and is perhaps one of the more striking monuments in the area, its dominant hilltop location making the sprawling towers of its fortifications visible for many miles around.
In 2013, at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jaisalmer Fort, along with 5 other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
The fort was built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 CE. Jaisal conspired with the Sultan of Gaur to dispose his nephew Bhojdev from his territory. The other important event of the fort was during 1276 when King Jetsi strengthened the fort against the invading Sultan of Delhi. The 56 bastions were manned by 3,700 soldiers. After eight years of invasion and siege, the Sultan's army finally breached and destroyed the castle. Bhatis took control of the fort, but had no means to repair it. In 1306, Dodoo was elected the Rawal for his bravery for ejecting the Rathors. He subsequently took up the work of repairing and strenghening the fort.
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Wikipedia