Skip to main content

Pokaran Fort

Fort Pokhran, the 14th century citadel also known as "Balagarh", stands amidst the Thar Desert. This monument is the premier fort of the chief of the Champawats, one of the clan of Rathores of the state of Marwar-Jodhpur. Fort Pokhran is open for visitors and is being currently run as heritage hotel by the royal family of Pokhran.

Hotel Fort Pokaran is located strategically between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and is a popular destination even for a day trip or a midway halt for those on their way to Jaisalmer. The museum, curated with the Pokaran family’s treasured antiquities and artefacts, is frequented by day visitors. The museum is a visual chronicle of the region and allows visitors to experience the history of the region and Rajasthan in a succinct and unique manner. Owing to its convenient location, the hotel is also an ideal option for travellers visiting Ramdevra or Ashapura temple.

Entrance Gate.
The entrance gate to Pokaran Fort is located to the north.


Gateway to the palace.
Gateway to the palace located just to the right after the entrance gate.


Guardhouse.
Guardhouse located just to the left after the entrance gate.


Interior road.
Interior road that crosses the Fort from north to south.


First building.
First building on the right side of the inner road.


Second building.
Second building on the right side of the inner road.

  • This building features the gateway to the heritage hotel.
  • On either side of this door is a small cannon.

South side of the inner courtyard.

Heritage Hotel.
On the north side of the inner courtyard is the heritage hotel.


Entrance to the Gul Mahal restaurant.

Garden to the east of the Fort.
A long basin runs across the garden from east to west to hold water. We can see several water fountains along its length.

  • In the center there is a raised platform for performances or just to enjoy the freshness of the water.

Pavilion with balconies and rooftop terrace.

Carved Red Stone Jharokhas.
The Jharokha is a stone window projecting from the wall face of a building, in an upper story, overlooking a street, market, court or any other open space.

  • A common feature in classical Indian architecture, most prominent in Rajasthan.
  • It is supported on two or more brackets or corbelling, has two pillars or pilasters, balustrade and a cupola or pyramidal roof; technically closed by jali but generally partly open for the residents to peep out to see passing processions.
  • See more at Jharokha - Wikipedia.

Archway at the end of the interior road.
This archway is located on the south side of the fort.


Ramdev Pir.
Baba Ramdev (or Ramdevji, or Ramdeo Pir, Ramsha Pir (1352–1385 AD; V.S. 1409–1442) is a Hindu deity of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India.

  • He was a fourteenth-century Rajput ruler who was said to have miraculous powers and devoted his life to uplifting the downtrodden and poor people.
  • See more at Ramdev Pir - Wikipedia.

See also

Sources

Location

Location: Dist, Pokhran, Rajasthan 345021, India