Junagarh Fort of Bikaner was built by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, in 1587. The fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep moats. There are 37 bastions guarding the fort with only two gates as the
entrance
pathway to the fort, the main one being the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate.
The Junagarh Fort has yet been unconquered excepting the brief victory
of Kamaran, which he could not retain for more than 24 hours. Just like
the 37 bastions, there are 37 red sandstone marvels inside the premises
of the fort, which include palaces with intricately carved windoes,
delicate balconies, towers and kiosks, temples and pavilions. The
highlights are the Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace decorated
beautifully with mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels, the Phool
Mahal or the Flower Palace, the Karan Mahal and definitely the
multi-storeyed Anup Mahal, which was once used as the governance
chambers for the rulers. Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal or
Victory Palace, and Rang Mahal or Color Palace are also fine examples of
the splendid architecture. The fort also houses a museum with an
extensive collection of illuminated and rare manuscripts, jewellery,
utensils, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and other royal
paraphernalia.
This fort and it's palaces were built between
1588-1593 by raja Raj Singh, a general in the army of the Mughal emperor
Akbar. It has a 96 mt long wall, with 37 bastions and 2 entrances. The
main entrance of the fort is Suraj pol or sun gate. The fort enes many
palaces amongst which the most spectacular ones are the Chandra Mahal or
Moon palace, the Phool Mahal or Flower palace, both ornated with carved
panels and mirrors and the Karan Mahal. Karan Mahal was built in
remembrance of the celebration of the grand victory over Aurangzeb.
Durga Niwas, a fabulously painted courtyard and Ganga Niwas which housed
a finely carved red sandstone front, are the other places of attraction
in this fort.
This
grand palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was
built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja
Lal Singh Ji in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy.
This architecture is a
fusion
of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The exterior contrasts
dramatically with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has
beautiful latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a great
craftsmanship. The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained
paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming
bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make a visual extravagance.
Designed
by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a
magnificent blend of Oriental and European style. The terraced lawns and
the Bougainvillea bushes add beauty to the palace. Peacocks stroll
around the palace, which has been partly converted into a hotel. The
intricate filigree work and latticework exhibit the refinements and
delicacy of craftsmanship. The palace museum displays well preserved
hunting trophies and old photographs. The library of the Lalgarh palace
is supposed to have the largest collection of original Sanskrit
manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques. Built in
the memory of maharaja Lal Singh, Lalgarh Palace has a graceful facade
of red sandstone, and is one of Maharaja Ganga Singhs great
achievements. The maharaja ruled for a period of 56 years. The state
especially prospered under his rule.