Forts of Rajasthan: Symphony in sandstone

From the reddish tint of Amber Fort to the honey-golden hues of Jaisalmer Fort

The forts in Rajasthan highlight the state's architectural genius and royal heritage. Each structure tells a story of history and craftsmanship, from the red sandstone of Amber Fort to the golden hues of Jaisalmer Fort.

Rajasthan, in northwestern India, also known as the land of kings, has some of India’s most magnificent forts. In addition to serving as emblems of the area’s royal past, these architectural wonders also highlight the variety of sandstones that were used in their construction. Each fort narrates a tale of craftsmanship and history, from the reddish tint of Amber Fort to the honey-golden hues of Jaisalmer Fort.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort, located about 10 km from Jaipur city centre, is perched on a hill with a view of Maota Lake. This fort, which was constructed in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, is a masterwork with mélange of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Red sandstone and white marble are the main building materials used to construct the fort, producing a dramatic visual contrast. Each of the six sections that make up Amber Fort has its own gate. For a royal experience, visitors can take an elephant ride or travel by road to the fort.

Sonar Quila, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Quila or Golden Fort, rises majestically from Jaisalmer city’s Trikuta Hill. The architecture of Jaisalmer, which is 575 km west of Jaipur and located in the centre of the Thar Desert, is evidence of the stone’s beauty and adaptability. Sonar Quila, the local name for the Jaisalmer Fort, is a striking illustration of the use of yellow sandstone. King Rawal Jaisal constructed the fort in 1156 AD, and it has a captivating visual effect when it glows in the sunlight.

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Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli are examples of havelis with elaborate designs made possible by the sandstone’s ease of carving. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the stone is strong and weatherproof, which makes it perfect for both modern and historic buildings. Yellow sandstone continues to be quarried near the city and is widely used in flooring, wall claddings and decorative elements.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Known as ‘The Blue City’, Jodhpur is equally renowned for its architecture made of red sandstone. One of the biggest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort, was built largely out of this colourful stone. The fort, perched on a rocky hill 125 km from Jaisalmer, rises sharply above the city. Because of its high iron oxide content, the red sandstone used here has a rich reddish colour that contrasts exquisitely with the blue-painted homes below.

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Because of its strength and durability, red sandstone is a popular choice for the fort complex’s palaces and temples. The stone has been preserved for centuries because of its quality of resistance to the severe desert environment. The red sandstone of Jodhpur is still a representation of architectural creativity and regal grandeur today.

Bharatpur

Bharatpur, located 180 km south of Jaipur, is renowned for its pink sandstone. During the reign of Emperor Akbar in late 16^th century, this stone was widely used in the construction of historical monuments such as Fatehpur Sikri. Bharatpur sandstone’s warm pink colour blends in perfectly with other materials, such as marble, and gives buildings a refined charm. Intricate carvings on palaces and temples throughout Rajasthan have also made use of pink sandstone, which is prized for its fine grain texture and workability. This stone is still available from Bharatpur today for use in modern designs as well as restoration projects.

Junagarh Fort

Another treasure displaying Rajasthan’s architectural skill is the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, a city located about 340 km northwest of Jaipur. Constructed by Raja Rai Singh in 1589, this fort is conveniently located near the heart of Bikaner and can be reached by private automobiles or autorickshaws. Tourists find it convenient to visit because of its close proximity to the railway station, just over 1 km  away. Red sandstone and other materials were used to build the enormous walls of Junagarh Fort.