Junagarh Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Junagarh Fort, located in Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is an important fort of the state and one of the very few not to be situated on a hilltop. The fort was earlier the capital of Mewar and was known as “Chintamani”. The name was changed to Junagarh (or the “old fort”) during the early twentieth century when the royal family moved to the Lalgarh Palace.

Before the construction of the present Junagarh Fort, a stone fort existed in its place. This old fort was constructed by Rao Bika in 1478 as part of the new city of Bikaner he built in 1472. Rao Bika, as the second son of Maharaja Rao Jodha, the Rathor ruler of Mandore, was unlikely to inherit his father’s throne. So, he conquered the arid regions to the northern parts of Rajasthan (an area then known as “Jungladesh”) and set up his own kingdom of Bikaner.

It was around a hundred years later that the kingdom prospered under the 6th ruler of Bikaner, Raja Rai Singhji (1571-1611). He accepted the dominion of the Mughal Emperors and held a prominent position in the courts of Emperors Akbar and Jahangir. He proved his strategic expertise in the war against Mewar, earning great honour and rewards from the Mughals.

Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort Pictures

Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort Inside

Inside Junagarh Fort

Inside the Junagarh Fort

Jhoola Inside the Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort Inside

Junagarh Fort Museum

Arms Museum Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort Museum Pictures

Junagarh Fort Museum

Junagarh Fort Entrance

Entrance of Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort Entrance

The rectangular red sandstone and marble fort extends over an area of 5.28 ha with the perimeter walls being 4.4 m wide and 12 m high. The palaces, temples and other constructions within the fort have attracted tourists over the years for their rich architectural value. The picturesque balconies, windows, courtyards and kiosks boast of intricate latticework as well as glass and wood work. Notable constructions include the Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, Badal Mahal, Anup Mahal, Ganga Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Bikaneri Havelies. Many of these palaces have been turned into museums showcasing the grand lifestyle of the royalties of Rajasthan.