Jaisalmer India Tourism
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.
Jaisalmer Fort
Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega
structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting
suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply
a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of palace
complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved
with an incredibly light touch, several temples and the residential complexes
of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route, from
where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the
prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom.
These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status
in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th
century and proceeded further. But the rich merchant inspired by the classic
style of the royals , constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each
other in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated walls and
ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and interiors. The colourful art
forms and some how side kind the royal heritage and made it appear more
pale in comparison . The craftsmen were usually muslims who were induced
on their journey to exhibit their skills. The results was architectural
purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.
Jaisalmer India Tourism, North India Tourism Reservation Form