Because much of the inside is now overgrown with lantana scrub, it's difficult to get a clear impression of the old fort which gives Junagadh it's name. There has been a fort here since the Mauryan dynasty though most of the present fortifications were built or strengthened under Rah-Mundlik III around 1450. The fort has withstood numerous sieges including one that lasted a full 12 years (with an area of over a quarter of a million square yards and some very deep wells, it would have been comparatively comfortable for the defenders).