Junagarh Palace
Location
The Junagarh fort is situated in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
About the Junagarh Fort
Junagarh fort in Bikaner has the honour of been unconquered by the
enemies. The fort is also one of the few in Rajasthan which are not
constructed on a hilltop. The beautiful fort complex consists of
palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and balconies. The walls are decorated
with marbles, carved stones, paintings and semi-precious stones. The
construction of the main fort started in 1587, by Raja Rai Singh, one of
the most trusted generals in the army of Akbar. Since then the fort was
under the ownership of his family. The palaces in the complex were built
consequently by different rulers over the centuries. There is deep moat
and high wall around the fort. The walls strech for 986 Mts. The 37
bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide entry inside the
fort.
Interiors of the Fort
The Junagarh Fort houses many small palaces, known for their sprawling
courtyards and intricate carvings. The interiors are done up in
lacquered furniture, mirror work, murals, gold polish, enamel work,
shell finish and lime plaster. These palaces have exquisitely carved
panels and mirrors, carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The
interior decoration of these palaces are a treat for eyes. The major
buildings in the fort are:
The Suraj Pol:Suraj Pol, meaning Sun Gate, is the main
entrance to the fort. A superb quality of the stone carving on this gate
rivals the best anywhere in the world.
Anup Mahal:The gorgeous and opulent coronation room is
rich in interiors. The palace interiors glows red and gold. Magnificent
doors with beautiful raised lacquer work, ornamented with opaque glass
inlay work, impart a jewel-like opulence to this royal chamber.
Gaj Mandir Sheesh Mahal:The temple is known for its
ivory inlaid bed, beautiful swing seat, silver chairs with polished
wooden chests and cupboards.
Durbar Hall Museum:The fort museum has an extensive
collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars and carpets, arms
and weapons, treaties, decorations and the 'Farmans' (original
manuscripts of the orders issued by the royal family). This museum also
has valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques.
Other major palaces in the compound are Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Karan Mahal, Durga Niwas and Ganga Niwas.
Reaching Bikaner
Air:The closest airport is Jodhpur Airport, Jodhpur,
250 Km from Bikaner.
Rail:Bikaner railway station is well connected to the
major cities of India. Direct trains to Delhi, Agra, Allahabad, Jaipur,
Jodhpur, Kalka, Haridwar, Kolkata, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Road: Bikaner is connected by good motorable roads to
Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Agra.
