Jaisalmer fort - Rajasthan

One of the oldest fort of Rajputana History.
Jaisalmer Fort - History, Planning, Architecture, Construction and other details.
By: Adarsh Kumar ( B.Arch 5th sem)
reference is taken from google.

1. JAISALMER FORT Submitted by Adarsh Kumar B.Arch 5 th sem. Submitted to: Ar. Avitesh

2. LOCATION : The city is situated in the midst of the Great Indian Desert on the western frontier of India.  Jaisalmer is almost entirely a sandy waste , forming a part of the Thar desert (great Indian desert). Those in the west are covered with log bushes, those in the east with tufts of long grass. The climate is dry and health CLIMATE : The region experiences an arid climate through the year. The temperature remains low during the winter season while summers are characterized by cold and dry Jaisalmer weather. Hot winds blow during summer and sand storms are also seen. The absorbed radiation are dissipated to atmosphere at night. Mud hut of Rajasthan.

3. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the  Sonar Quila  or  Golden Fort . Jaisalmer Fort  situated in the city of  Jaisalmer , in the  Indian  state of Rajasthan . It is a  World Heritage Site . It was built in 1156 AD by the  Rajput  ruler  Rawal Jaisal , from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great  Thar Desert , on  Trikuta Hill , and has been the scene of many battles.

4. The fort is located in the very heart of the city, and is one of the most notable monuments in the locality .

5. The fort is 1,500 ft (460 m) long 750 ft (230 m) wide . It is built on a hill that raises above a height of 250 ft (76 m) above the surrounding country side

6. Raj Mahal (Royal palace ) Laxminath temple 4 massive gateways Merchant Havelis

7. The fort has an ingenious drainage system called the  ghut nali  which allows for the easy drainage of rainwater away from the fort in all four directions of the fort. Over the years, haphazard construction activities and building of new roads has greatly reduced its effectiveness

8. The basement of the fort has a 15 ft (4.6 m) tall wall forming a double line of defence . Used for exibitions

9. Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is the most awaited and famous cultural and colorful events that dominates the sand of Rajasthan and Camel races, turban tying competitions are organized. It is held in the month of February every year in Rajasthan. The desert festival in Jaisalmer is showcase Rajasthani folk songs and dance so it is very attracted festival for foreign tourists. The rich culture of the region is on display during this three day long festival. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer to witness performing arts like Kalbelia dances and folk songs and music.

10. The natural cooling systems used at Jaisalmer include: 1. Dense clustering of buildings. 2. Sun control through orientation and structural projections. 3. Cooling of sunlit surfaces by use of fins. 4. Massive construction for roofs and walls. 5. Courtyards and other air ducts for ventilation.

11. This cluster is yet to be developed to utilise its full potential. In general the sandstones of Rajasthan are fine grained, compact and can be easily dressed, chiselled and take good polish Jaisalmer Fort showing the three different sand stone walls and the bastion houses along the periphery

12. The Gadisar Lake in the city of Jaisalmer is one of the primary tourist attractions of the region, originally conceived as a water conservation tank to fulfil the water requirements of this acrid city,

13. The advantage of a jali is that it blocks the direct rays of the sun and yet permits air to enter the room and is designed to grant privacy. The advantage of a jali is that it blocks the direct rays of the sun and yet permits air to enter the room and is designed to grant privacy.