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Unlike any other
city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and
unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient
trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade
routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built
by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from
golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The
fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80
metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples.
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. |
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The Jaisalmer Fort
Exploring the various sections of the
fort reminds you of the luxurious lifestyle of the maharajas of
yesteryears. The fort can be
approached through the Ganesh Pol but there are other gates too
including Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. The golden - yellow
sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort has facades with sculptural filigree,
screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies.
The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old,
crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets,
lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from
outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by
merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia. Once
this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade route, and
Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial
shipping relegated the town to relative obscurity.
Manak Chowk and Havelis
It is located just outside the fort and
seems to be the center of local city life. The market area is very
colorful abounds in various
souvenirs. It is a perfect place to visit some of the breathtakingly
beautiful havelis with latticed facades. It was amazing the view the
detailed architectural work in various havelis including Patwon ki
haveli and Salim Singh ki haveli.
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is an
excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich
fauna. The Sudashri forest
post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert
National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 percent of the Park,
which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake
bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.
Gadsisar Sagar
Tank
There are several temples around this
tank and the tranquility of the place is noteworthy. In winter
various birds flock over
the waters of the tank.The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway
arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is
said to have been built by a famous prostitute, Tilon . When she
offered to pay to have this gateway constructed, the Maharaja
refused permission under it to go down to the tank and he felt that
this would be beneath his dignity. While he was away, she built the
gate , adding a Krishna temple on top so that king could not tear it
down.
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