Jaisalmer

HISTORY OF JAISALMER
Jaisalmer is situated in the western most part of the state of Rajasthan, the heart of the great Thar Desert. Its neighbouring Pakistan on its western side. Legend has its that Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156 A.D. . Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences & even during the days of Raj,Jaisalmer was the last sign of the instrument of agreement with the British. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture & harsh climate conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.

MONUMENTS TO VISIT
 
Jaisalmer Fort- An apt description of the Jaisalmer fort, one of the finest in the country but one which looks rather incongruous given the desolation around it. Located bang in the middle of the Thar desert (literal meaning abode of the dead), it rises like a mirage from the sands, with its huge turrets pointing skywards. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer is the second oldest of Rajasthan major forts after Chittorgarh. Constructed by Raja Jaisal, who was searching for a new capital as the earlier one Lodurva was too vulnerable to invasions, he built the fort and the city surrounding it, thus fulfilling Lord Krishna's prophecy in the Mahabharata. It has all the romance and suspense of a Hitchcockian mystery. You half expect an invading army to march up to the castle, over its enormous paved flagstones, while those defending the fort shoot missiles at them from the ramparts. Suffice to say the Jaisalmer fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani architecture, particularly of the stone-carver’s art.
Patwa Havelies- This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.
Salim Singh’s Haveli- This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.
Nathmal’s haveli- Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolies the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
Madir Palace (Tazia Tower)­- The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron
Godisagar Lake- This tank, south of the city walls, once held the town water supply, and befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and shrines. The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is said to have been built by a famous prostitute, Tilon . When she offered to pay to have this gateway constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under it to go down to the tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity. While he was away, she built the gate, adding a Krishna temple on top so that king could not tear it down.

DESCRIPTION- Jaisalmer is situated in the western most part of the state of Rajasthan, the heart of the great Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture & harsh climate conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.

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LANGUAGE
Hindi, English, Marwari.