The Glory of the Golden Fort
Area : 5.1 Sq.kms..
Altitude : 225 meters
Season : October-February
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani
Founded by prince Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer grew to be a major
staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert
from India to the West. The town is mostly to the north of the fort,
enclosed by a wall built in 1750. There are four major gateways to
the city-malka pol (north) , Amar Sagar pol (west), Baron…………-ki-pol
and Gadisagar Pol (south-east).
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the
city of Jaisalmer . Jaisalmer is a place that should exist only in
the imagination. Nothing else in India is remotely similar to this
enchanting city, which has been dubbed the ‘Golden City’ because of
the honey coloured imparted to its stone imparted ramparts by the
setting sun. The prophecy of Lord Krishna, the head of the Yadav
clan, was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendant and a
Bhatti Rajput, built Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. Bhatti
Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced
levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that
crossed the territory enroute Delhi or Sind.In the past, getting to
Jaisalmer was not easy and hence remained untouched by invaders. But
the desert fortress that seems to be straight out of the ‘Tales of
the Arabian Night’s still enchants. The vision of Jaisalmer’s
massive fort thrusting heavenwards out of the barren desertscape is
unforgettable. 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.
Places of Attraction
Gadsisar Lake: A scenic rain water lake with numerous
beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake
is an idyllic spot for outings. This tank, south of the city walls,
was once the water supply of the city walls, was once the water
supply of the city and there are many small temples and shrines
around it.Lack of rain has always been a problem which will be
alleviated by the laying of a waterpipe to Gadi Sagar. It attracts
the migratory birds.
The Fort: The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak
desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the
entire township within its ramparts. On the roughly
triangular-shaped Trikuta Hill, the fort stands 76 mts.above the
town. It was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, and
reinforced by subsequent rulers. About 25% of the old city‘s seven
storey palace fronts onto this. It has an enchanting cob-web of
narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully
sculptured Jain temples of the 12th -15th century AD and five
interconnected palaces.
The fort is approached through four gateways-Ashaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol,
Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. The Suraj Pol, once an outer gate, is
flanked by heavy bastions and has bands of decoration seen in local
textiles.
Manak Chowk and Havelis: A main marketplace outside the fort
leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.
Tazia Tower: A pagoda like structure looming up from the
‘Badal Mahal’ with beautiful ‘Taazias’-ornately decorated bamboo,
paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out in procession
during Moharram by the Muslims.
Havelis: The impressive mansions built by the wealthy
merchants of Jaisalmer are known as havelis, and several of these
finely sculpted sandstone buildings are still in good condition.
Many have beautifully carved facades, jali screens and oriel windows
overchanging the streets below.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: Nearer Gandhi chowk was built for the
prime minister. The late 19th century haveli with intricate
architecture is a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right
wings of the mansion which were carved by two brothers are not
identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior
walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.Yellow sandstone
elephants guard the building, and even the front door is a work of
art.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli: The most elaborate and magnificent of all
the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and
extensive corridors and chambers. It was originally built between
1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers who made their fortunes in
trading jewellery and fine brocades.
One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted
with beautiful murals.
Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli: This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer
‘s Prime Minister to a Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a
beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form
of peacocks. It is near the fort entrance is especially attractive
with peacock brackets and because of its distinctive and decorative
upper portion is often referred to as the Ship’s Palace.
This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate
carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.
The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.
Jain Temple: The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain
temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras –Rishabdev, Sambhavnath
and Parswanath.
Laxminath Temple: This Hindu temple, in the centre of the
fort, is simpler than the Jain temples, although there are some
interesting paintings in the drum of the dome. Devotees offer grain,
which is distributed before the temple.
Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of
India are found in this library established as a part of Jain
Temples.
Sunset Point: It is just north of the fort, is popular at
sundown for views over Jaisalmer. There is a viewpoint also, from
the royal chhatris (memorials) further north.
Museums
Government Museum: It is close to the RTDC Hotel Moomal and
had a limited but well-captioned collection of fossils.
Folklore Museum:- It is located on the road leading down to
the lake. The hill near this museum is a tremendous place to soak up
the sunset.
Desert Cultural Centre and Museum:- Next to the Tourists
Reception Centre. It has textiles, old coins, fossils and
traditional Rajasthani instruments among other things. Its aim is to
preserve Rajasthani’s cultural heritage and conduct research on
local history.
Shopping: The local tradition of carving is best seen in
little wooden boxes that are intricately pierced in exciting
patterns and motifs. Woollen and cotton rugs and blankets,
embroidered fabrics, silver jewellery and trinkets, are available in
shops that open off the cobbled streets.
The Shopping spots are within the fort and include Sadar Bazaar,
Sonaron ka Bas, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema
Gram , Rajasthani Govt.Shop and Khadi Gramodyog Emporium.
Places to eat
Monica Restaurant, Town Area, nor far from the fort gate, provides
an extensive menu of Indian, Chinese and Continental food.8th July,
inside the fort, have pleasant rooftop seating-popular for
breakfast, pizzas. German Bakery is a small, simple place near
Satyam Tours at Gandhi Chowk. Items on offer include croissants,
peanut cookies and various cakes. Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets, at Sadar
Bazaar in Bhatia Market, has been churning out traditional sweet
treats for the past 10 generations. The Duke, beside Hanuman Chowk,
does a great mixed fruit lassi.
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