Junagarh fort in Bikaner Rajastha India

Museums & Collections

Junagarh fort

Junagarh fort is located in the arid region of the Thar desert of Rajasthan bordered on the northwest by the Aravalli range, a range of mountains in western India. Part of the desert area is in Bikaner city, which is one of the three desert triangle cities; the other two cities are Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The name of the place where Bikaner city with its forts was established was then known as Jungladesh.

This beautiful structure was built by Raja Raj Singh early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort. It was earlier called Chintamani and later renames as Junagrah for or 'Old fort'.

The fort complex was built under the supervision of Karan Chand, the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD. Construction of the walls and associated moat commenced in 1589 and was completed in 1594. It was built outside the original fort of the city. Historical records reveal that despite the repeated attacks by enemies to capture the fort, it was not taken, except for a lone one-day occupation by Kamran Mirza. Kamran was the second son of the Mughal Emperor Babur who attacked Bikaner in 1534, which was then ruled by Rao Jait Singh. In the battle, the Mughals were defeated by Rathors. Kamran then returned to Lahore.

The 5.28 hectares large fort precinct is studded with palaces, temples and pavilions. Entry to the fort is through a gate known as Suraj Pol, and then up a steep stone ramp. Of special interest is the Diwan-e-khas, an enormous hall, intricately carved, seemingly of wood, but in fact entirely of stone. There is a window in blue Dutch tiles, highly decorated chambers of the king and queen, and a pair of golden gates, now removed from their original moorings and secured behind iron bars.

The tour of the fort takes you five storeys high, to the terrace, which affords a spectacular view of the gardens. This is also the only chance to glimpse parts of the palace that are still inhabited by royalty and not open to the public. These buildings depict a composite culture, manifest in the mix of architectural styles.