Which fort in India is popularly known as the Golden Fort because of its yellow sandstone walls that glow with a golden hue in the sunlight?

Introduction / Context:
India has many famous forts, each with its own distinctive architecture and history. One of these forts is well known as the Golden Fort because of the way its yellow sandstone walls take on a golden glow, especially at sunrise and sunset. This question asks candidates to identify which fort carries that popular nickname, a common topic in tourism and culture sections of general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The fort is called the Golden Fort due to its golden appearance. - It is built largely of yellow sandstone. - Options include Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore and Jaisalmer. - We need to select the fort associated with this golden nickname.

Concept / Approach:
Jaisalmer Fort, located in Rajasthan, is constructed from yellow sandstone that glows golden in the desert sunlight. For this reason, it is commonly called Sonar Quila, meaning Golden Fort. The other forts listed, such as Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore, are important historical sites but do not share this specific golden nickname. Thus, the approach is to recall which fort is also known as Sonar Quila and match it to the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jaisalmer Fort is built on a hill in the Thar Desert and is famous for its yellow sandstone construction. Step 2: Remember that when sunlight falls on this sandstone, especially at dawn and dusk, the fort appears to glow like gold. Step 3: Because of this effect, Jaisalmer Fort is popularly called the Golden Fort or Sonar Quila. Step 4: Compare this with Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore, which are not described in standard references as Golden Fort. Step 5: Choose Jaisalmer as the correct answer, since it clearly matches the description given in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Tourism literature and history books on Rajasthan frequently refer to Jaisalmer as the Golden City and Jaisalmer Fort as the Golden Fort or Sonar Quila. The association with golden colour is especially strong in photographs and travel accounts. None of the other forts in the options are given that specific title on a regular basis. Chittorgarh is known for stories of valour, Kumbhalgarh for its long walls and Ranthambore for its wildlife sanctuary. This consistent naming pattern confirms Jaisalmer Fort as the Golden Fort.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Chittorgarh: This fort is famous for Rajput history and tales of bravery but is not commonly known as the Golden Fort, so this option is incorrect.
Kumbhalgarh: Kumbhalgarh is recognised for having one of the longest fort walls in the world, but it does not carry the Golden Fort nickname, which makes this choice wrong.
Ranthambore: Ranthambore is more closely associated with its national park and tiger reserve than with any golden appearance; its fort does not have the popular title Golden Fort, so this option is not correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse Jaisalmer Fort with other forts in Rajasthan because several are made of stone and have impressive appearances. Others might guess based on names they have heard more often, such as Chittorgarh, without recalling the specific golden association. A good way to avoid this is to remember that both the city of Jaisalmer and its fort are linked to the word golden, due to the yellow sandstone and desert light, which makes Jaisalmer Fort the clear answer when the term Golden Fort appears in a question.

Final Answer:
The fort popularly known as the Golden Fort is Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan.