What’s causing the walls of the iconic Jaisalmer Fort to crumble?

The historic Sonar Fort, or more popularly known as Jaisalmer Fort, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, suffered a significant wall collapse due to heavy rainfall in the region over the past week. The collapse occurred on the Shiv Road side of the fort. As per reports, no one was injured, but can’t say the same for the 868-year-old fort.

The recent downpour, which caused widespread flooding and damage across the district, has left the residents of the fort concerned about the structure’s integrity. The Sonar Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been vulnerable to such damage due to weakened walls and inadequate maintenance over the years. This incident is not the first time the fort has faced structural issues, with previous collapses being repaired by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The maintenance of the fort falls under the jurisdiction of the ASI, which has been notified of the recent damage. A high-level team from the ASI is expected to assess the situation and plan the necessary repairs. The fort’s ancient construction, lacking proper lime mortar, has made it particularly susceptible to damage during heavy rains.

Local experts have expressed concerns over the fort’s deteriorating condition, citing previous minor damages that had been reported in recent days. Despite repeated requests to the ASI for action, significant renovations have not been undertaken, raising fears for the fort’s future.

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The Sonar Fort, built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, is one of the very few “living forts” in the world, with residents still inhabiting its ancient walls. The fort’s massive yellow sandstone walls are renowned for their lion-colored hue during the day, which transforms into a honey-gold as the sun sets, blending seamlessly into the surrounding desert landscape. This unique feature has earned it the name “Sonar Quila” or “Golden Fort.” Jaisalmer Fort is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan group – Chittor Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Amber Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Gagron Fort. Together, they are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The recent collapse has highlighted the urgent need for preservation efforts to protect this invaluable piece of history from further damage.