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Jaisalmer
General Information about
Jaisalmere
Rising
for the heart of the Thar Desert the heart of the Thar Desert lika a
golden mirage it the
city of Jaisalmer . A commanding fort etched in yellow
sandstone stands with all its  awesome splendour , dominating the amber – hued city.
The
city has an intresting legend associated
with it, according to
which , Lord Krishna –
the head of the Yadav
Clan , foretold Arjuna
that a remote descendent
of the Yadav Clan would
build his kingdom atop
the Trikuta hill . His prophency was fulfilled in 1156 A.D whel Rawal
Jaisal , a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput ,
Abandond his fort at
Lodurva and founded a new capital – Jaisalemr , perched on the
Trikuta hill.
Bhati
Rajputs of Jaisalmer were
feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the carvans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi or
Sind . These Carvans earned the town great wealth . For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside
influences . The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw
the decline of Jaisalmer . But the desert fortress , that seems to be
straight out of the ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights “ , Still
enchants.
The
Life with in the citadel
conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes
strewn with magnificent palaces , havelis , temples and of course
skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels.
The
setting sun turning Jaisalmer in to a beautiful golden Desert Festival , held in Jan/ Feb ,
Every year when the city reverberates to the sound of melodius tunes
and rythms .
Folk dances exciting competitions and contests , especially the
turban –tying contest . Mr Desert contest and camel races enliven the
festivities . Colourful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and
a sound and light spectable is organized with folk artistes
performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam Sand dunes
on th full moon night . Surely a not-to-be missed event.
Place
of Tourist Interest
 The Fort:
The
Golden hued fort is a
sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the
hill , housing the entire township with in its ramparts . It has an
enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelies ,
three beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th –
15th century A.D and five interconnected palaces .
The
Fort is approached through for gateway –Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol ,
Suraj Pol and hava Pol .
Manak
Chowk and Havelis: A
Main marketplace outside
the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.
Gadsisar
Lake:
A Scenic rain water lake with numerous
beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avain variety . The lake
is an idyllic
spot for outings .
Tazia
Tower:
A
pagoda like structure looming up from the ‘Badal Mahal “ with
beautiful “Tazzias – ornately decorated bamboo , paper and tinsel
replicas of a bier , carried out in procession during Moharram by the
Muslims.
Havlies:
Some of the most
exotic mansions or
havelis , all intricately latticed are strewn all over Jaisalmer
–each with a different façade .
A].
Nathumal Ji- Ki –Haveli :
The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture
– a display of sheer craftsmanship .The left and right wings of the
mansion which were
carved by two brothers are not identical but very similar and
balanced in design . The interior walls are ornate with splendid
miniature paintings .
B].
Patwon ki Haveli :
The most eleborate and
magnificent of all the
Jaislamer havelis .it
has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers .
One of the apartments of
this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals .
C].
Salim Singh
Singh Ji Ki Haveli :
This 300 years old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Rawal
Gaj Singh – Salim Singh has a beautiful blue coupola roof with
superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks . This extraordinary
mansion is yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an
elaborate projecting balcony on
the top storey . The Mansion is on e of the most notable of the array
of havelis .
Jain
Temples: The
fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain
Tirthankaras –Rishabdev , Sambhavnath and Parswanath .
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