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in Jaisalmer 
Rising
from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer.
A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor,
dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated
with it, according to which, lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna
that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta
Hill, His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD.
When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti
Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched
on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off
the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed
the territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out of the "Tales
of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.
The life within 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 turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival
held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious
tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest, especially
the turban raying contest.
Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven
the festivals colorful craft bazars are setup for the occasion and a sound and
light spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing against the spledid
backdrop of the famous sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed
events.
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 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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