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Introduction
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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