Which Fort in India Has the Most Bastions? Know the Fort Name

India is known for its grand forts, which were built by kings and rulers to protect their kingdoms and showcase their power. These forts are not only strong defensive structures but also examples of brilliant architecture. Many forts have special features like bastions, watchtowers, and gateways. Among them, one fort is especially famous because it has the highest number of bastions in the entire country.

What is a Bastion?

The word “bastion” comes from the Arabic term burj. A bastion is a circular or projecting tower-like structure built on the walls of a fort. These were designed to extend outward from the walls, giving soldiers a better view and stronger defense. In Hindi, bastions are called Garhaj or Gurjaj.

Purpose of Bastions

Bastions were an essential part of a fort’s defense system.

• They gave shelter to soldiers during battles.
• Soldiers stored weapons and cannons inside them.
• They offered protection from sun, rain, and enemy attacks.
• During wars, soldiers could safely hide behind bastions while firing weapons.

Even today, the word “burj” is used in modern architecture, as seen in skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The Fort with the Most Bastions

The fort with the highest number of bastions in India is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila or Golden Fort, in Rajasthan. It earned the name “Sonar Qila” because it glows like gold when sunlight falls on its yellow sandstone walls.

How many Bastions Does Jaisalmer Fort Have?

The fort is surrounded by a massive wall that includes a total of 99 bastions. These were mainly built between 1633 and 1647 to strengthen the fort’s defense. The golden sandstone bastions give the fort its dazzling appearance, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Who Built Jaisalmer Fort?

• The Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput ruler of the Bhati clan.
• It is situated on Trikuta Hill in the middle of the Thar Desert.
• Remarkably, this fort is still a living fort, with thousands of people residing inside its walls.
• In 2013, UNESCO declared Jaisalmer Fort a World Heritage Site as part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan.”