Jalore Fort
Jalore Fort, also known as Jalore Quilla or Swanagiri Durg, is a major attraction in Jalore, a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Built between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, this fort is one of the nine castles of the Maru, under the Paramaras. Known throughout history as the Svangiri or the “golden mount”, this fort symbolizes the valor of the Songra Chauhans.
History
The fort was built by the Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs, and Jalore was ruled by a Paramara branch in the 10th century. Kirtipala, the youngest son of Alhana, ruler of Nadol, established the 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 captured back Nadol and Mandore from the Muslims. In 1228 Iltutmish circled Jalore; however, Udayasimha offered stiff resistance. He was succeeded by Chachigadeva and Samantasimha respectively. After Samantasimha his son Kanhadadeva became ruler of Jalore. During the reign of Kanhadadeva, Jalore was conquered in 1311 by Ala ud din Khilji, Sultan of Delhi. Jalore was conquered by the Rathore of Ratlam and remained a part of Jodhpur State until it integrated into India.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Jalore is Jodhpur Airport, which is just 141 Km from Jalore. At the airport itself, cabs and taxis to the Jalore Fort are abundantly available. Being located beside the National Highway No.15, one can reach Jalore via Rajasthan Roadways/ Private Bus Services from Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmadabad, Surat, and Bombay. The nearest railway station is Jodhpur, which is well connected to all the major cities of India, via Indian Railways.