Jaisalmer: History and Present of the city

The foundations of Jaisalmer were laid by Rawal Jaisal (r. c. 1153–1168), a scion of the Bhati Rajput ruling family that descended from the legendary Rawal Deoraj Bhati.

Foundations of Jaisalmer

 

Legend goes that Rawal Jaisal met sage Eesul while checking out land to establish a new capital. The wizened sage told him the prophecy about a descendant of Lord Krishna, visiting the place and laying the foundations of a new city and state. Impressed with the recital, Jaisal decided to proceed and set up a mud-fort as his capital, which he named after himself, Jaisalmer in 1156 AD.

 

Barring a few instances, the Bhati rulers were by and large successful in maintaining cordial relations with the ruling dynasties at Delhi and Agra.

 

By the 19th century they were to deal with a new league of rulers who had started off as seafaring traders. The Union Jack had begun its imperial spread across large swathes of India, through force or aggressive diplomacy. The royal houses of Rajputana were invited to sign the ‘Instrument of Agreement’ and join the British as allies albeit under moderate supervision. The Jaisalmer durbar took some time and joined the alliance as the last signatory.

 

When India achieved its independence in 1947, the royal house signed the instrument of access to join the new dominion. Even since Jaisalmer has progressed as one of the most renowned tourist destinations in India.

 

Jaisalmer Today

 

Located in the Thar Desert’s southern region that encompasses the portions of modern-day districts of Bikaner and Jodhpur, Jaisalmer has Jangladesh region borders it on the north and Marwar area borders it on the east.

It is the third-biggest district in India and the largest district of Rajasthan. The administrative centre of the district is in the city of Jaisalmer, which is situated in Marwar (Jodhpur Division).

In terms of distance, while Jodhpur is around 289 km away, Jaipur, the state capital, is about 559 km.

 

World Heritage Site 2013

 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, the Jaisalmer Fort because of its yellow sandstone is also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort. Within the fort are well-known sites such the Raj Palace, Jain temples, Laxminath Temple, and the four entrances, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol, and the Hawa Pol. A sizable portion of the population stays in the city for the four months of the tourist season.

The city’s well-known handicrafts are often manufactured by the people utilising leather as the primary material.

 

Attractions in Jaisalmer

 

• Jaisalmer Fort
• Jaisalmer War Museum
• Thar Heritage Museum
• Salim SIngh Ki Haveli
• Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
• Patwon Ki Haveli
• Gadisar Lake
• Amar Sagar
• Dunes in Sam
• Longewala Post and Tanot Mata Temple

 

Activities in Jaisalmer

 

• Desert Festival
• Safari – Came and Jeep
• Boating – Gadisar Lake
• Shopping – A shopping paradise, the city features everything, from fine linens to jewellery and stoneworks
• Food – Must tries – Murgh-e-subz, Tikkas and Kebabs and Ker Sangri

 

Jaisalmer Travel Season

The ideal time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March.