Home :: Rajasthan India Travel :: Jalore

Located just south of the Sukri River, which is a tributary of the Luni River, a medieval stronghold, Jalore was the 12th-century capital of the Chauhan Rajputs (the warrior rulers of the historic region of Rajputana) and was captured in 1310 AD by the Delhi Emperor 'Ala-ud-Din Khilji. An 11th-century hill fort overlooks the city. In the ancient- medieval times, Jalore was known as Jabalipur. The city is also referred to as Suvarnagiri after the name of the hill, at the foot of which it is situated.

Jalore was a flourishing town in the 8th century AD. It was ruled by Pratihar kings and consisted of beautiful temples and residential houses. The fort and the palaces passed into many hands before finally falling into the hands of the rulers of Marwar. During those times the Hindu rulers were great patrons of art and culture. Two of the greatest poetic works in any Indian language, namely, ‘Kuvalayamala’ and ‘Kanhad Dev Prabandh’ were composed in Jalore.

Prime Attraction
Jalore Fort: Jalore is famous for its fort built by the Parmaras, probably in the 10th century. It is one of the most famous forts in the state that is standing atop a perpendicular hill. The palaces here are simple, without any superfluous embellishment.

The fort of Jalore has a proud past aptly expressed in this famous couplet- “Let the sky be torn, The earth turned upside down, Let the iron armour be cut to pieces, Heads severed, Body fighting alone, But Jalore still would not surrender.” The fort has four gigantic gates but it is approachable only from one side, after a two-mile long serpentine ascent. The fort is built on the lines of traditional Hindu architecture.

Mosque of Malik Shah: In the centre of the spacious enclosure of the fort is the mosque of saint Malik Shah, which is said to be built by Allauddin Khilji.

The Jain Temples: Jalore abounds in Jain temples dating back to 8th century AD. Most famous among them are those dedicated to Adinath, Mahavir, Parsvanath and Santinath.

Excursions From Jalore
Bhinmal: It was a renowned centre of Brahmanical learning under the rulers of Jalore. The ancient town is believed to have been buried due to a natural calamity.

Sanchore: 145-km from Jalore, the ancient town of Sanchore was a great centre of Jainism and Shaivism and a prominent centre for learning.