Jaisalmer 
pronunciation (Rajasthani: जैसलमेर), nicknamed "The Golden city", is a city in the Indianstate of Rajasthan. It is located 575 kilometres (357 mi) west of the state capital Jaipur. It is a World Heritage Site. It was once known as Jaisalmer state. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (great Indian desert) and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.
pronunciation (Rajasthani: जैसलमेर), nicknamed "The Golden city", is a city in the Indianstate of Rajasthan. It is located 575 kilometres (357 mi) west of the state capital Jaipur. It is a World Heritage Site. It was once known as Jaisalmer state. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (great Indian desert) and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.
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Origin of name
Jaisalmer is named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD.[1] "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area.
Location
Jaisalmer District is located within a rectangle lying between 26°.4’–28°.23' North parallel and 69°.20'–72°.42' east meridians. It is the largest district of Rajasthan and one of the largest in the country. The breadth (East-West) of the district is 270 km (170 mi) and the length (North-South) is 186 km (116 mi). On the present map, district Jaisalmer is bounded on the north by Bikaner, on the west & south-west by the Pakistani border, on the south by Barmer and Jodhpur, and on the east by Jodhpur and Bikaner Districts. The length of international border attached to Jaisalmer District is 471 km (293 mi).
History
- For the history of the region, see History of Jaisalmer.
Portrait of Maharawal Jaisal Singh inside Jaisalmer Fort.
The majority of the inhabitants of Jaisalmer are Bhati Rajputs, named for Bhati, who was renowned as a warrior. The ruling family of the erstwhile Jaisalmer State belongs to Bhati Clan ofYadu[2] Rajputs of Chandravanshi(Lunar) race who claim descent fromLord Krishna,the deified hero who ruled at Dwarka.[3] In 1156 Rawal Jaisal,[1] the sixth in succession from Deoraj, founded the fort and city of Jaisalmer,atop Trikuta Hill and began to levy taxes on the camel caravans travelling along the nearby route. Laden with exotic spices and precious silks, these trading caravans were en route to cities like Delhi or Sind, but had to pass directly through Jaisalmer. This strategic location continued to serve Jaisalmer well, as it lay right on the two main routes connecting India with Persia, Egypt and farther west. He later made it his capital as he moved from his former capital at Lodhruva (which is situated about 15 km (9.3 mi) to the north-west of Jaisalmer). In 1293, the Bhattis so enraged the Sultan of DelhiAla-ud-din Khilji that his army captured and sacked the fort and city of Jaisalmer, so that for some time it was quite deserted.Some Bhatti's from the Royal family migrated to Jaisal (Now in Pakistan), a place near to Chiniot Distt and some migrated to Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Distt. Nankana Sahib (Punjab, Pakistan) and others settled in Larkana (in Sind, Pakistan)under the name of Bhutto. In Nankana Sahib, the Bhatti Clan can be traced from the lineage of Rai Bhoe and Rai Bular Bhatti. After this there is nothing to record until the time of Rawal Sahal Singh, whose reign marks an epoch in Jaisalmer's history in that he acknowledged the supremacy of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Following the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Jaisalmer, like the rest of Rajputana, became subservient to the Marathas,[4]until it came under the protection of theBritish East India Company following the British victory in the Third Anglo-Maratha War. In 1818, the Rawals of Jaisalmer signed a treaty with the British, which protected Jaisalmer from invasion provided it was not the aggressor and guaranteed the royal succession.
The Maharajas of Jaisalmer trace their lineage back to Jaitsimha, a ruler of the Bhati Rajput clan. The major opponents of the Bhati Rajputs were the powerfulRathor clans of Jodhpur and Bikaner. They used to fight battles for the possession of forts, waterholes or cattle. Jaisalmer was positioned strategically and was a halting point along a traditional trade route traversed by the camel caravans of Indian and foreign merchants. The route linked India to Central Asia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africaand the West.
Panorama of Jaisalmer from top of Maharaja Palace
Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer
Medieval period
In the 13th century, Jaisalmer escaped direct Turkic conquest due to its geographical situation in the desert region. The Rawals of Jaisalmer agreed to pay an annual tribute to the TurkicSultans of Delhi. The first siege of Jaisalmer occurred during the reign ofAlauddin Khilji, the Turkic Sultan of Delhi. It was provoked by Bhatis' raid on a caravan filled with treasure. According to local ballads, the Bhatis defended the fort for seven years until the enemy army forces breached the ramparts. Bhatis, facing certain defeat, proclaimed the rite of jauhar. Later, SultanFerozshah also besieged Jaisalmer after the rulers of Jaisalmer raided his camp at Anasagar lake near Ajmer. The siege led to another jauhar. Jaitsimha's son Duda perished in the attack. Duda's descendants ruled over Jaisalmer for about two centuries. Duda's descendant Lunakarna had a fight with Humayunwhen the latter passed through Jaisalmer en route to Ajmer.
Princely Jaisalmer
Main article: Jaisalmer State
Flag of the princely state of Jaisalmer
Facade of a mansion in Jaisalmer
Royal Cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer
Sand Dunes Camels
On the eve of British Raj in India, Jaisalmer was subservient to theMarathas,[4] until it came under the protection of the British East India Company following the British victory in the Third Anglo-Maratha War. In 1818, the Rawals of Jaisalmer signed a treaty with the British, which protected Jaisalmer from invasion provided it was not the aggressor and guaranteed the royal succession. Jaisalmer was one of the last states to sign a treaty with the British. During the British Raj, Jaisalmer was the seat of a princely state of the same name, ruled by the Bhati clan of Rajputs. The present descendant is Brijraj Singh.
Traditionally, the main source of income was the levies on the caravans. However, the glory of Jaisalmer faded when Bombay emerged as a port and the sea trade replaced the traditional land routes. The partition of India in 1947 lead to closing of all the trade routes on the Indo-Pak border and rendered Jaisalmer a drought-prone desert backwater on the international border. Ironically, skirmishes between India and Pakistan gave Jaisalmer a strategic importance and made it serviceable as an army supply depot. Later, the Rajasthan Canal served to revive the surrounding desert areas. Roads and railroads were then built, knitting the hitherto remote town with the rest of Rajasthan. Later, the Government of Rajasthan decided to promote Jaisalmer as a tourist destination.
Geography and climate
Sand dunes near Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer has an average elevation of 229 metres (751 ft). It is situated near the border of India and Pakistan in WestRajasthan, and covers an area of 5.1 km2 (2.0 sq mi). The maximum summer temperature is around 41.6 °C (106.9 °F) while the minimum is 25 °C (77 °F). The maximum winter temperature is usually around 23.6 °C (74.5 °F) and the minimum is 7.9 °C (46.2 °F). The average rainfall is 209.5 millimetres (8.25 in).[5] Highest ever recorded temperature was 48.0 °C (118.4 °F)[6] and the lowest ever recorded temperature being −5.9 °C (21.4 °F).[7]
Jaisalmer is almost entirely a sandy waste, forming a part of the Thar desert(great Indian desert). The general aspect of the area is that of an interminable sea of sand hills, of all shapes and sizes, some rising to a height of 150 feet (46 m). Those in the west are covered with log bushes, those in the east with tufts of long grass. Water is scarce, and generally brackish; the average depth of the wells is said to be about 250 feet (76 m). There are no perennial streams, and only one small river, the Kakni, which, after flowing a distance of 48 kilometres (30 mi), spreads over a large surface of flat ground, and forms Lake Orjhil ("The Bhuj-Jhil"). The climate is dry and healthy. Throughout Jaisalmer only raincrops, such as bajra, jawar, motif, til, etc., are grown; spring crops of wheat,barley, etc., are very rare. Owing to the scant rainfall, irrigation is almost unknown.
Climate
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Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 53-year period 1948–2000.
Economy
Bada Bagh and windmill farms of Jaiselmer
Tourism is a major industry in Jaisalmer. The Government of India initiated departmental exploration for oil in 1955–56 in the Jaisalmer area.[8] Oil India Limited discovered natural gas in 1988 in the Jaisalmer basin.[9]
Musicians and dancers are also a major cultural export from Jaisalmer to the rest of the world. Merasi (formerly manganiyar, a derogatory term meaning "beggar"[10]) musicians have played the world over, and Queen Harish,[11] the dancing desert drag queen, is touring the world and has featured in international movies.
Jaisalmer is also known for its leathermessenger bags, made from wild camels native to the area.
Education
Some of the famous schools at Jaisalmer are:
1. Golden Era Public School, Indira Colony, Jaisalmer 2. St Paul Senior Secondary School: CBSE Board 3. Emmanuel Mission Senior Secondary School: CBSE Board 4. Maharshi Vidya Mandir: CBSE Board 5. Kendriya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School Air force: CBSE Board 6. Kendriya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School Dabla: CBSE Board 7. Army School, Army Station: CBSE Board 8. Airforce school Senior Secondary School: CBSE Board 9. Montessory Bal Niketan Senior Secondary School: Rajasthan Board 10. Swami Vivekanand Bal Niketan Senior Secondary School: Rajasthan Board 11. Govt Senior Secondary School: Rajasthan Board 12. Govt Girls Senior Secondary School: Rajasthan Board 13. Karni Bal Mandir Senior Secondary School: Rajasthan Board 14. Adarsh Vidya Mandir Gandhi Colony : Rajasthan Board 15. Adarsh Vidya Mandir Bhatia Bagechi : Rajasthan Board 16. Gandhi Baal Mandir Senior Secondary School: Rajasthan Board 17. LITTLE HEART SECONDARY SCHOOL- MAJDUR PADA 18. Nehru Bal Mandir, Jaisalmer 19. Rajasthan Bal Bharti, Jaisalmer 20. Tagore Public School 21. Kidzee Genius 22. Euro Kids
Some of the famous colleges at Jaisalmer are:
1. SBK Government Post Graduate College, Jaisalmer 2. Government Girls Post Graduate College, Jaisalmer 3. MAA DURGA S SANSTHAN (W) TEACHER Training COLLEGE, Jaisalmer 4. Chandrawati Engineering College, Jaisalmer 5. Govt Polytechnic College, Jaisalmer 6. Ramdev Teacher Training College, Jaisalmer 7. Govt STC college, Jaisalmer 8. Jagtamba College Of It & Management 654; Main Rd Gandhi Colony Jaisalmer 9. Govt ITI College Jaisalmer
Event Destination
Jaisalmer is major and one of the most preferred event organizing destination in Rajasthan. Rodies(India's famous T.V. show), Balika vadhu, Maharana pratap, and several movies were shot in various locations and famous fort structured hotels of Jaisalmer.[12]
Transport
Road sign to Bikaner (right) and Jaisalmer (left)
Jaisalmer is the terminus of a broad gauge branch railway of Indian Railways, which joins with the main system at Jodhpur. The Palace on Wheels has a scheduled stop at Jaisalmer. The train from Delhi to Jaisalmer via Bikaner is planned to be scheduled in a forthcoming railway budget and will save 280 km and 12 hours for a round trip. The survey of the new Jaisalmer-Barmer-Bhabhar (towards both Kandla and Ahmedabad) rail line has been accomplished and may be approved soon. This proposed route will not only connect Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Gujrat but also develop the infrastructure for industry, tourism, transport, and socioeconomic growth, while likewise providing strategic benefits for the defense forces.[13] Due to this linking, Jaisalmer and Barmer will be connected directly to the southern and eastern parts of India.
Previously, Kingfisher Airlines provided flights during the time of the Desert Festival; however, due to an expired license, this service has been discontinued.[14] There are no other known regular air services. Jaisalmer is highly connected by road; many sleeper and sitting buses ply the routes between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, Jaipur, Barmer,Bikaner throughout the year.
Demographics
As of the 2001 India census,[15]Jaisalmer had a population of 58,286. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Jaisalmer has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 50%. In Jaisalmer, 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Occupation
The bulk of the population, aspastoralists, lead a wandering life, grazing their flocks and herds. Large herds of camels, horned cattle, sheep and goats are kept. The principal trade is in wool, ghee, camels, cattle and sheep. The chief imports are grain, sugar, foreign cloth, piece-goods. It suffered from famine in 1897, 1900 and other years, to such an extent that it has had to incur a heavy debt for extraordinary expenditure.
Tourism
While Jaisalmer may always have been remote, it is filled with many artistic structures and monuments of local historical importance. Jaisalmer's medieval mud fortress and walled township make it a popular tourist destination. The surrounding desolate landscape evidences a stark, austere beauty. Camel safaris through the nearby desert dunes are popular with tourists; competition for business is fierce. Prices range wildly and one has to bargain for everything, hotel rates included. Jaisalmer is known for huge mark-ups which range between 400% to 500% depending on the product. So buying shawls, carpets, jewelry etc. can be a very time consuming and nerve rattling experience. A few quiet days spent wandering around the town and the surrounding desert can be a wonderful way of unwinding from the chaos of larger Indian cities.[16]
Visitor attractions
Jaisalmer Fort
Sign in Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan
Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort is situated on Meru Hill and Named as Trikoot Garhhad seen the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets. The famous Indian film director Satyajit Raywrote a detective novel and later turned it into a film − Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) which was based on this fort. This is a living fort and about a quarter of city's population still live inside the fort. The main attractions inside the fort are: Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jaintemples and the Laxminath temple.
Jain heritage of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer has been enriched by its Jain community, which has adorned the city with beautiful temples, notably the temples dedicated to the 16thTirthankara, Shantinath, and 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath.
Jaisalmer boasts some of the oldest libraries of India which contain rarest of the manuscripts and artefacts of Jain tradition. There are many pilgrimage centres around Jaisalmer such asLodarva (Lodhruva), Amarsagar, Brahmsar and Pokharan.
Museums
- Desert Culture Centre & Museum
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
- Government Museum
- jaisalmer fort palace museum
- jaisalmer fort outsidre and insidery
Other
Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar lake, Jaisalmer
- Gadsisar Lake – Excavated in 1367 by Rawal Gadsi Singh, it is a scenic rainwater lake surrounded by the small temples and shrines of Amar Sagar. Earlier, this lake was used to be the main water source of Jaisalmer. Due to an increased water demand for agriculture, the lake is increasingly threatened to dry out.[17]
In neighbourhood
Ganga Sagar
- Bada Bagh, a complex with chhatris ofJai Singh II (d. 1743) and subsequent Maharajas of Jaisalmer
- Lodhruva
- Desert National Park
- Bhaniyana
- Lanela
Remains of houses in Kuldhara – The deserted village of Rajasthan
Desert Festival
This is held over three days in January/February every year. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer to witness performing arts like Kalbelia dances and folk songs and music.
See also
- Paramara Dalvi-Deshmukh of Nasik originating from Jaisalmer
- Indira Gandhi Canal
- Pokhran
- Baba Ramdevji
- Tanot Mata
Cultural references
- Sonar Kella (1974) (Golden Fortress)Satyajit Ray's Bengali film, based on his eponymous novel featuring his creation, the detective Feluda, was based in Jaisalmer and surrounding areas.[18]
Further reading
- Bhati, Hari Singh. 2002. ANNALS OF JAISALMER: A Pre-Mediaeval History. Kavi Prakashan, Bikaner.
- Gahlot, Sukhvirsingh. 1992.RAJASTHAN: Historical & Cultural. J. S. Gahlot Research Institute, Jodhpur.
- Somani, Ram Vallabh. 1993. History of Rajasthan. Jain Pustak Mandir, Jaipur.
- Tod, James & Crooke, William. 1829.Annals & Antiquities of Rajasthan or the Central and Western Rajput States of India. 3 Vols. Reprint: Low Price Publications, Delhi. 1990. ISBN 81-85395-68-3 (set of 3 vols.)
How to reach
By Air:
Jaisalmer is located 300 km (190 mi) from Jodhpur airport.
Civil airport has been constructed in Jaisalmer and soonly inaugurated.
Jaisalmer is located 300 km (190 mi) from Jodhpur airport.
Civil airport has been constructed in Jaisalmer and soonly inaugurated.
By Rail:
Jaisalmer has daily connectivity with Bikaner, Lalgarh, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Alwar, Rewari, Gurgaon, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Muradabad, Kathgodam, Kashipur & Ramnagar. The weekly train connectivity with Abu road, Lucknow, Gaya, Varanasi, Mughalsarai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Vadodra, Surat & Mumbai. Occasionally special AC super fast trains or express trains available on Diwali, Deshhara, Winter leaves, Christmas, New year & Desert festival (during peak seasons) from Jaipur & Delhi. Jaisalmer is also one of the major station in the journey by India's most luxurious train "Palace on wheels"
Jaisalmer has daily connectivity with Bikaner, Lalgarh, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Alwar, Rewari, Gurgaon, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Muradabad, Kathgodam, Kashipur & Ramnagar. The weekly train connectivity with Abu road, Lucknow, Gaya, Varanasi, Mughalsarai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Vadodra, Surat & Mumbai. Occasionally special AC super fast trains or express trains available on Diwali, Deshhara, Winter leaves, Christmas, New year & Desert festival (during peak seasons) from Jaipur & Delhi. Jaisalmer is also one of the major station in the journey by India's most luxurious train "Palace on wheels"
By Road:
Jaisalmer town lies on Highway No. 15.It has luxury Mercedes volvo bus connectivity with Delhi as well as Ahmedabad. Many buses of RSRTC and also many private Bus Operators ply from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Barmer,Udaipur, Bikaner,Mt Abu, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Pune and other cities of India.
Jaisalmer town lies on Highway No. 15.It has luxury Mercedes volvo bus connectivity with Delhi as well as Ahmedabad. Many buses of RSRTC and also many private Bus Operators ply from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Barmer,Udaipur, Bikaner,Mt Abu, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Pune and other cities of India.
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