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Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of
Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its
awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, lord
Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of
the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156AD.
When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded
a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer
were fedual chief who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious
silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seems
to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in
its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course
skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the setting turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful
golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival held
in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious
tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest, especially
the turban raying contest.
Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivals colorful craft bazars
are setup for the occasion and a soundand light spectacle is organized with
folk artistes performing against the spledid backdrop of the famous sam sand
dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed events. Its like straight
out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture
of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing
the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws
is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were
built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of
the desert city.
And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your
way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar
Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name,
founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut
Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16
kilometres northwest.
In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade
route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti
Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing
by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle.
Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by
outside influences. In the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of Delhi besieged
the fort for nine years in an effort to take back the treasure taken by the
Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan train. When the fall of the fort was
imminent the women of the fort committed Jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation,
while men donned saffron robes and rode to their certain death.
Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the battle. Dudas descendants
continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 they even fought Mughal Emperor Himayun.
Though their relations with Mugshal was not always hostile. Sabala Simha won
the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha Jahan for battle distinctions in Peshawar
and the right to rule Jaisalmer. In the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last
to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.
Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting
winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture
and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.
The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down
sadly for want of building material in recent years.
The massive golden fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through
First Gate. Is a burrow of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old
palaces. The main market the Bhatia Market is right below the hill. The bank,
offices and several shops are also located near the Amar Sagar Gate to the west.
Places to See
The Jaisalmer Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter
high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It
has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely
havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century A.D.
and five interconnected palaces.
The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol
and hava Pol. Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main market place outside the fort
leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous havelis.
Gadsisar Lake 
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular
avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Tazia Tower
A pagoda like structure looming up from the "Badal Mahal" with beautiful
Taazias' - ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried
out in processing during Moharram by the Muslims.
Nathmal ji ki Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display of sheer
craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansions, which were carved by
two brothers, are not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The
interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
Patwa ki Haveli
The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely
carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.
One of the apartments of this five story high haveli is painted with beautiful
murals.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
This 300 year old Haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj
Singh Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superby carved brackets
in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered
with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.
The mansion is one of the most notables of the array of havelis.
Jain Temples
The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara-Rishabdev,
Sambhavnath and Parswanath.
Gyan Bhandar of Library
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established
as a part of jain temples.
Jaisalmer Travel Guide, Rajasthan Travel Guide
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