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Jaisalmer Travel Guide
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 1156 AD.
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 soundand 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.
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Places Jaisalmer || Jaisalmer Excursions
|| How to Reach Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Travel Guide , Rajasthan
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