RAS question
The Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila (Golden Fort), was founded by which Bhati Rajput ruler?
Correct answer: (D) Rawal Jaisal.
Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler, founded Jaisalmer Fort in 1156 CE.
Explanation
Rawal Jaisal is the founder associated with both Jaisalmer city and its fort. The foundation was laid in 1156 CE on Trikuta hill, and Rajasthan Tourism confirms that Rawal Jaisal chose a new site for his capital and, in 1156, constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself, and declared it his capital. The fort is remembered as Sonar Quila, or Golden Fort, because its yellow sandstone setting and walls take on a golden appearance in sunlight and blend with the desert's golden hues. Its importance is not only architectural: Rajasthan Tourism also notes that, unlike most Indian forts, it still contains shops, hotels and old havelis where families continue to live.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Mulraj Bhati was a later Bhati ruler, so he cannot be credited with founding Jaisalmer Fort in 1156 CE.
- (B) Deoraj Bhati belongs to the ancestral line connected with Rawal Jaisal, but Rawal Jaisal, not Deoraj, was the ruler who built and named the fort.
- (C) Rawal Ratan Singh was a later ruler of Jaisalmer, whereas the foundation of the fort is specifically tied to Rawal Jaisal in 1156 CE.
Concept
Rajput dynasties, fort foundations and capital formation are core themes in Rajasthan history. RAS often links major forts with their founders, locations, dynasties and cultural names.