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{{Short description|Fort in Jalore, Rajasthan, India}}
{{more footnotes|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox military structure
| name = Jalore Fort
| native_name = Jalore Fort or Swanagiri Durg
| partof = [[Marwar]] [[Rajputana]]
| location = [[Jalore district]], [[Rajasthan]]
| image = File:Sonagir_engraving2.jpg
| caption = Temples at Jalore Fort
| map_type = India Rajasthan
| coordinates = {{coord|25.3373|72.6144|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline}}
| map_size = 250
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location of Jalore Fort in Rajasthan
| type = Hill fort
| code =
| built = 8th–10th centuries AD
| builder =
| materials =
| height =
| used =
| demolished =
| condition = Protected Monument
| ownership =
| open_to_public = Yes
| controlledby = Management under S Parmar AND [[Jodhpur State]]
| garrison =
| current_commander =
| commanders =
| occupants =
| battles =
| events =
| image2 =
| caption2 =
}}
'''Jalore Fort''' also known as '''''Swarnagiri''''' (golden mountain) is the main attraction of [[Jalore]], a town in the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]], and one of the nine forts of the [[Marudesa|Maru]], under the [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara]]s in the 10th century. It is one of the most famous and impressive forts in the state and has been known through history as the Svangiri or the "golden mount".From this fort, the Songra [[Chahamanas of Shakambhari|Chauhans]] defeated the [[Delhi Sultanate]] ruler [[Alauddin Khalji]]. With the blessings of Kuldevi Maa [https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0TDI3z8rJNqwyYLRSNagwtjSzMEo0MDBIMki0TLW0tDKoSLNMMzY3NLZMNjExBoole4klFmckFpQWJSrkJpYkKmRlKuQlpuTnAABRTBca&q=ashapura+mata+ji+nadol&oq=ashapura+mata+ji+nadol&aqs=chrome.1.0i355i512j46i175i199i512j0i10l3.10260j0j7&client=ms-android-samsung-gj-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 Ashapura] who is also known as Modara Mata. Chauhan gave a different direction to Jalore and to the fort.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-02 |title=उडऩ खटोले से स्वर्णगिरी दुर्ग तक पहुंच सकेंगे पर्यटक {{!}} RoapWay to Jalore fort rajasthan tourism |url=https://www.patrika.com/jalore-news/roapway-to-jalore-fort-rajasthan-tourism-1772419?amp=1 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Patrika News |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Mehta |first=Pratap Singh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IVs1DwAAQBAJ&dq=Swarngiri&pg=PA4 |title=Guns and Glories: Rajputana Chronicles |date=2017-09-13 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-93-5206-601-8 |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Refimprove-section|date=April 2020}}
'''Jalore Fort''' was built between the 8th and the 10th centuries by Maharaja of [[Parmar (Rajput clan)|Parmar]] [[Rajput|Rajputs]], and Jalore was ruled by a [[Paramara dynasty#Branches and claimed descendants|Paramara branch]] in the 10th century.

[[Kirtipala]], the youngest son of [[Alhanadeva|Alhana]], ruler of [[Nadol]], established the [[Chahamanas of Jalor|Jalore line of Chauhans]]. He captured it from the Paramaras in 1181 and took the clan name Songara after the place. His son, [[Samarasimha]], succeeded him in 1182. After him, [[Udayasimha]] became the ruler. The rule of Udayasimha was a golden period in the history of Jalore. He was a powerful and able ruler. He ruled over a large area. He regained [[Nadol]] and [[Mandore]] from the [[Muslims]]. In 1228 [[Iltutmish]] circled Jalore; however, Udayasimha offered stiff resistance. He was succeeded by [[Chachigadeva]] and [[Samantasimha (Chahamana)|Samantasimha]] respectively. After Samantasimha his son [[Kanhadadeva]] became ruler of Jalore.

During the reign of Kanhadadeva, [[Alauddin Khalji's conquest of Jalore|Jalore was conquered in 1311]] by [[Ala ud din Khilji|Alauddin Khilji]], the [[Delhi Sultanate|Sultan of Delhi]].

Jalore was conquered by the [[Rathore dynasty|Rathore]] of [[Ratlam State|Ratlam]] and remained a part of [[Jodhpur State]] until it integrated into India.<ref>Rathors of Marwar pg.212</ref>

== Physical features ==

Jalore fort is perched atop a steep and perpendicular hill. It commands the town from rocky outcrop 336m (1200 ft) high fortified with a wall and bastions with cannon mounted upon them.

The fort has four gigantic gates; however, it is approachable only from one side, after a two-mile (3 km) long serpentine ascent. The approach to the fort is from the north, up a steep, slippery road through three rows of fortification to a single rampart wall 6.1m (20ft) high. It takes an hour to climb up. The fort is built on the lines of traditional [[Hindu architecture]].

'''The main poles or gates'''

Built into the front wall are four mighty gates or pols that lead into the fort: The Suraj Pol, Dhruv Pol, Chand Pol and the Sire Pol. The Suraj Pol or the "Sun gate" is built so that the first rays of the morning sun enter through this gateway. It is an impressive gate with a small watch tower built over it. The Dhruv Pol is rather simple looking compared to Suraj Pol.

== Attractions inside the fort ==
The mahal or "the residential palace" inside the fort is now desolated, and what is left of it are the ruined symmetrical walls with huge rock formations around it. The cut-stone walls of the fort are still intact at many places. There are some drinking water tanks in the fort.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kiVuAAAAMAAJ&q=Swarngiri |title=Rajasthan: Lesser Known Destinations |date=1999 |publisher=Department Tourism, Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan |language=en}}</ref>

===Hindu temples===
There is an old [[Shiva]] temple, a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It was built by Kanhaddev Ruler of Jalore. Same was renovated by Mah Singh Ruler of [[Jodhpur]] and built a Samadhi Mandir of Shri Jalandharnath. Recently this temple renovated again by Shri Santinathji Maharaj in 2005 with all facility for devotees. A triple temple dedicated to Amba Mata, Ashapuri and [[Hanuman]] ji is also located within the fort premises.

===The Islamic mosques===
The Kila Masjid (Fort Mosque) within the fort is also noteworthy as they demonstrate the widespread influence of the architectural decorations associated with the [[Gujarati people|Gujarati]] styles of the period (i.e. late 16th century). This is because it was built by destroying existing Hindu temple.

Another shrine in the fort is that of Saint Rehmad Ali Baba. Near the main gate, there is the tomb of Malik Shah, a noted Mohammedan saint.

===The Jain temples===
Jalore is also a place of pilgrimage for [[Jain]]s and the famous Jain temples of [[Rishabha (Jain tirthankar)|Adinath]], [[Mahavira]], [[Parshvnath]] and [[Shantinath]] are located here.

The oldest temple is that of [[Rishabha (Jain tirthankar)|Adinath]], which existed as far back as in the 8th century. The [[mandapa]] was subsequently built in 1182 A.D. by Yasovira, a [[Srimali]] vaishya. The temple stands out the most among the dark fort walls and rocky surrounding. Built in white marble this imposing structure is quite a sight.

The temple of [[Parsvanath]] was built by the ruler of Jalore and then rebuilt in 1785 A.D. This temple has a spectacular toran or an archway and a golden "cupola" in the hall meant for theatre performances. Built near the Bal Pol, which is situated northwest of the fort.

The temple of [[Mahavira]] was also known as Chandanavihara Nahadarao, named after a [[Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty|Pratihara]] ruler and a hero of Jain tradition who built it in the 14th century.

The temples of Santinatha and the Ashtapads are believed to have existed in the 13th century.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721191408/http://www.maharajajodhpur.com/hh/magic_jalore.htm maharajajodhpur]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111007100206/http://jalore.nic.in/ Jalore district Official Website]

{{Forts in Rajasthan}}
{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Forts in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Jalore district]]
[[Category:8th-century Jain temples]]

Jalore Fort - Revision history

Corel Bazaar at 23:52, 31 May 2025