Hey readers
To continue off the series from a few posts before, here is the last part of the series.
Today you will see the most typical yet beautiful of all forts in Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort. You know how nature grows around something that is ‘supposed to be’ a hurdle (e.g. tree roots around a rock). The same way, but opposite, the modern city of Bikaner has grown around the Junagarh Fort a.k.a. ‘Old Fort’.
As we proceed through these pictures, I will take you through the enchanting history behind each image. Stay with me on this one. It is not every day that a fashion blogger acts a guide to an Indian fort.
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| Bikaneri Haveli, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
Welcome to the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner. This is the pride of Bikaner city. The perfect staircase, the dome-shaped door, the tiles and other architectural words, are definitely an architect maven. Just look at this monochromatic beauty. Guess, monochrome look in Fashion was inspired by this?
Some parts of the haveli were restricted for the public so only a few Mahals were open to tourists.
This was our entrance to one of the forts. These iron curtains, I wouldn’t mind staying behind in.
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| Anup Mahal, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
Welcome to Anup Mahal. The guide said that the tiles were Italian and we could see ornate mirrors on ceiling and latticework on doors and pillars like on the respective ends above. This was known for its grandest construction. Guess we had a great taste back then as well.
One thing you should know about me is that personally, I’m not a great devotee or hold pride
for India. But, the Indian heritage, these forts, the hard-working artisans and the genuine love for art is what makes me super happy.
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| Anup Mahal, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
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| Look at this beautiful door. I’m sure this particular door must be in every photographer’s hard drive. |
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| Removed me so that you can take a look at the centre handle! Beautiful Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
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| Marble tiled floor in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
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| Badal Mahal, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
Needless to say that each king had in-house karigars or sword makers.
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| Chandra Mahal, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
Chandra Mahal – Do you know what we are standing in front of? That’s the king’s bed, that’s right! Why is it so important to take a picture in front of a king’s bedroom? Well, we couldn’t obviously go inside but the guide told us that the king had made a low-rise bed and strategically placed mirrors.
Why the low-rise bed? Back in the days, it was quite common for enemies to get under beds of kings, hide until it’s the right time to murder him. This Maharaja was quite smart. He didn’t want nobody getting in his room, let alone underneath his bed.
Strategically placed mirrors – So that while sleeping he can see if an intruder is entering his room. Paranoid much? Well, you would be if you were the king with a lock for security.
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| The group at Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
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| Phool Mahal, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
WEARING: Suit: Biba
Now, I am not too sure what part of the puzzle this piece fits in. This resembles Chandra Mahal but look closely and you will see that although the colours used are the same, the paintings are very different.
The above image also looks like Phool Mahal since the mirror in which you can see me taking the picture was one of the many mirrors placed for the rani and her dasi (Queen and her friends). Make no mistake, those women were naturally beautiful. Rose lip balms and naturally made kohl.
I just realized, my suit’s design closely matches the Phool Mahal.
Hope you enjoyed this post. I had so much fun walking you through this small part of the grand Junagarh Fort.
Keep loving life
xoxo
Akanksha