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Jaisalmer
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. Its inhabitants include the blackbuck,
chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat.
Flights of sandfrouse start coming to waterholes from
sunrise onwards. One also hear the morning call of the grey
partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, drongos, common
and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are
commonly found around waterholes. the park is also home to
the great Indian Bustard which is peril of extinction. |
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Gadsisar
Lake
A rain water lake built by Maharawal Gadsi in 14th
century, which was the main source of water for entire town
before introduction of take water, now a tourist spot. There
are may small temple & shrines around it. A vide variety of
water birds can bee seen here specially in winter.
The beautiful get way which arches across the road down to
the take was built by royal courtesan named tillon in the
and of 19th century.None as Tillon Ki prol (Gate of Tillon).
The God Vishnu’s statue was installed in the year 1908 a.d.
or the gate by the courtesan & declared Krishna Temple to
save it from demolition by then Maharawal. |
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