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Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Jaisalmer
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 15
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 and cess 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
