Junagarh fort in Bikaner is considered one of India's
most impressive fort complexes. It's exquisitely decorated interiors are
in an excellent state of preservation. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh,
it is one of the few major forts, which were not built on a hilltop. The
complex consists of palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and balconies. The
walls are adorned with carved stones, marble, paintings, and inlaid
semi-precious stones. Each palace in the complex was built by a
different ruler, over the centuries.
The Anup Mahal is one of the most impressive rooms in the fort complex.
The ornately lacquered walls are covered in red and gold with colored
glass inlay. White plaster pillars are decorated in delicate patterns
and covered with gold leaf. In a land where water is rare, the Badal
Mahal or Cloud Palace's walls are painted with a fresco of rain clouds.
The Rain Fresco photograph shows a painting of Krishna and Radna
surrounded by the blue cloud motifs.
It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built
in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals
in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure
encircled by a moat. The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol (Gate)
that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol, the sun gate. The fort
situates in it some very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga
Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har Mandir is the
majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and
goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make
a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows
dotted all over the structure. The premises also house a museum which is
an array of a rich collection.






