Jaisalmer Fort Histor: Hello, welcome to the golden city of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer. This amazing fort standing amidst the vast desert of Thar is telling the glorious story of almost 900 years of architecture. In 1155 AD, Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of a fort on Trikut hill which has remained the pride of Rajasthan for hundreds of years to come. Trikoot Hill, located in the middle of the Thar Desert, was chosen for the construction of the fort due to its natural security and height.
Thousands of artisans and laborers started the construction of this amazing fort by carrying huge stones to the hill under difficult conditions. The surprising thing is that lime or cement was not used in the construction of this fort. Yet it stands strong till today. Gradually this fort made of yellow sandstone started taking shape and started shining like gold from a distance. It was named Jaisalmer because it was built on Meru i.e. hill by Jaisal.
Mughal historian Abul Fazal described the journey to Jaisalmer as extremely difficult and said that it was not only a military fort but was also the living place of thousands of people. This fort shines like gold at the time of sunrise and sunset. For this reason it is called the Golden City. Jaisalmer Fort, standing for almost 900 years, is a living proof of the strength of ancient Indian construction art.
In the 13th century the Delhi Sultanate was expanding its power. The forts of Rajasthan had become the main targets of his ambition. At that time Jaisalmer was ruled by Bhati Rajput ruler Mulraj I. He was famous for his courage and self-respect. It is said that Mulraj's sons Ratan Singh and Tilak Singh captured Alauddin Khilji's horses and refused to return them.
When Alauddin Khilji got the news of this incident, he became angry and started preparing to attack Jaisalmer. After some time, the huge army of Delhi surrounded Jaisalmer Fort from all sides. (Sound of screaming) When the hope of victory was gone, the Rajput heroes donned saffron and got ready for the final battle. (Sound of screaming) Rajput warriors displayed amazing courage and fought till their last breath and attained martyrdom.
Many years later, Sultan Firoz Tughlaq of Delhi also attacked Jaisalmer. At that time Jaisalmer was under the rule of Durjan Sal. He fought with his soldiers to defend the fort. Jaisalmer became the second Saka during the attack of Firoz Tughlaq. Who wrote another immortal saga of Rajputana bravery. Amir Ali, living in Kandahar, Afghanistan, had a dispute with his brother. After losing in the conflict he had to leave his kingdom.
After leaving his home, Amir Ali reached Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in search of refuge. Following the Rajput tradition, the ruler of Jaisalmer, Lunkaran, gave shelter to Amir Ali and gave him respect like his religious brother. Come Ameer Ali. Time passed and a deep friendship was established between Amir Ali and Loonkaran. But greed had awakened in the minds of some of Amir Ali's companions. His eyes were now on Jaisalmer Fort.
One day Amir Ali suggested that the women of both the families also meet together. Lunakaran found this proposal absolutely normal. According to the plan, about 150 palanquins were prepared. But instead of women, soldiers were hidden in them. When the palanquins reached the main gate of the fort, the guards noticed something unusual. Wait, stop the palanquin here. As soon as there was fear of the secret being revealed, the soldiers came out of the palanquins and started attacking the entrance of the fort.
This sudden treacherous attack changed the history of Jaisalmer forever. Now a decision was about to be taken which would be remembered for centuries. As soon as Amir Ali's soldiers entered the fort, there was chaos in the entire Jaisalmer. Everyone understood that the decisive moment had now arrived. The women were collected. She knew that if the enemy won, she would be taken prisoner.
The situation was so serious that there was not enough time left even to prepare for Jauhar. Rajput women took a difficult decision. He said that it is better to accept death with dignity than to be humiliated at the hands of the enemy. It is described in history that women made supreme sacrifice to protect their honor and self-respect. On the other hand, Rajput heroes wore saffron and prepared themselves for the final battle.
The gates of the fort opened and Rajput warriors entered the battlefield for the last time. His aim was not to win but to achieve martyrdom. Because the traditional Jauhar fire could not be lit in this incident, it was not considered a complete Saka. For this reason, historians say that there are two full Saka and one half Saka in Jaisalmer. That is why it is also called the fort of two and a half credits. Even today, the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer tells the immortal story of the sacrifice of those brave men and women who sacrificed everything for the sake of honor and self-respect.