Dev and his brothers have worked hard to build their hotel and make it a success and I was happy with my eco decision to stay outside the Fort.  

It was very tempting but the pressure of visitors and the 50,000 gallons a day of imported water they require is taking it's toll on the structure.  The sewage system is leaking water into the foundations, doing what sandstorms and earthquakes have so far failed to do, undermine the fort.

It is listed as one of the 100 most endangered heritage sites in the world and the Maharaja is working with international groups to save it before it's too late.

The Golden City from the  worlds only living fort, 25% of the population of the city live within it's walls. 

The fort has only fallen to an enemy twice.   As was customary when facing defeat  the women donned their wedding finery and jewels and marched to commit Jauhar on fires thoughtfully lit for them.

The men wearing saffron robes then opened the doors to the fort and fought to the death. 

24,000 women died in the first Jauhar, 16,000 in the second.  On the third there was no time to build a fire so the men slit their throats rather than let them be taken.  Reinforcements arrived in time to save the Fort but not the women.

In 1156, Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler, began building his fort of the yellow sandstone which blends so seamlessly with the surrounding Great Thar Dessert.  At sunset the massive fort turns from pale sand to a warm golden honey colour.

At its center is Dussehra Chowk and the seven storied Palace now a museum.  This is the facade of Moti Mahal one of the 5 integrated palaces.