Junagarh Fort stands right in the middle of Bikaner city instead of on a hill, which makes it feel very close and accessible compared to other Rajasthan forts. From outside you see thick red-sandstone walls and bastions; inside, it turns into a complex of palaces, courtyards and balconies with rich interiors—mirror work, lacquered ceilings, Venetian glass, painted walls and carved stone screens. Key sections like Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal and Badal Mahal show how taste changed from muscular Rajput to highly decorative late-19th-century styles. The fort museum displays royal weapons, palanquins, howdahs and manuscripts, while rooftop viewpoints give wide views over the desert city.
About this place
History & highlights
The first fortifications here were begun in 1478 by Rao Bika, founder of Bikaner, but the main stone fort complex called Chintamani was built much later, between 1589–1594, under Raja Rai Singh (6th ruler of Bikaner). His prime minister Karan Chand supervised construction, using local Dulmera sandstone and imported marble, at a time when Rai Singh served as a general under Mughal emperor Akbar and drew on imperial styles. Over the next three centuries, rulers added new palaces, gates and courtyards, blending Rajput, Mughal and Gujarati influences. In the early 20th century, when a new palace (Lalgarh) was built outside, the old fortress started being called Junagarh (“Old Fort”). Despite battles and sieges, it was never captured by invaders, and today it survives as one of Rajasthan’s best-preserved, most richly decorated forts.
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