Sights
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| The
Jaisalmer Fort
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| Unlike
most forts, which are strung across linear
hillsides, the imposing fort of Jaisalmer
crowns the triangular 80 m high Trikuta
hill. Made of soft yellow sandstone the
fort is locally known as the 'sonar kella'
or golden fort not just for the golden
hued ramparts (especially at sundown)
but also for the popular Satyajit Ray
film Sonar Kella, a tale of reincarnation.
The fort looks stupendous when lit up
at night. The
fort was built in 1156 by the Bhatti
Rajput ruler Jaisala; additions were
made by later rulers. It is said that
the fort does not have a single cemented
joint, but was built stone upon stone.
This is one of the few living forts
in the world, with a quarter of the
city's populace, roughly 35,000 people
living in it, most of whom are Brahmins
and the rest Rajput. Living in the past
isn't such a bad thing after all. Head
for sunset point if you want great views
and a great picture. (Open summer daily
8.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.30 to 5pm,
winter 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.30 to
5.00 pm. Entry Rs 10)
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| Gadi Sagar
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The
lake was once the city's only source of
water and it was this that made Jaisal
settle here. Built in 1367 by Maharaja
Gadsi Singh just outside the city walls,
its north and east banks are flanked with
ghats and temples made of the distinctive
yellow sandstone and much like the fort,
glow in the dimming evening light. The
archway (tilon ki pol) with the
Krishna temple on top is said to have
been built by the king's chief courtesan.
Great arched windows, beautifully carved
rooms this is where the royal family picnicked
in the monsoons. But the gate gave the
maharaja heartburn since it meant that
he would have to pass through it to reach
the pool. Built by a courtesan, it was
obviously beneath his dignity. His feelings
were reciprocated by the citizens who
felt it would sully their women to walk
beneath this tainted creation. So a smaller
entrance was built on the right. The lake
is now connected to the Indira Gandhi
canal and is a perennial source of water.
The lake attracts migratory birds, but
it is during the Gangaur festival in March
that it really comes alive.
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