india tourism: Jaisalmer

History

The fort & town of JAISALMER was founded by Maharawal Jaisal in the year 1156 AD after having shifted his capital from Ludharva (18 Kms away from Jaisalmer) to a safer place. The ruling family of the erstwhile Jaisalmer State belongs to Bhati Clan of Yadav Kshatriya of Chandrawasnshi (Lunar) race who claim descent from Lord Krishna,the defied hero who ruled at Dwarka. The historical origin of Bahttis can be inferred from the couplet which says that the Yadav Kshatriya ruled and constructed Forts at Kashi,Mathura, Pragvad, Gajni,Bhatner,Digam,Dirwal,Lodurva and ninth in Jaisalmer. (Gajni is in Afganisthan and Dirawal is now in Pakistan).

The present district is largely composed of the former JAISALMER state, which was among the Rajputana States to go under British protection. The treaty between Maharawal Moolraj-II and the British government of 12^th December 1818 guaranteed to the ruler and his posterity the principality of Jaisalmer. Under this treaty the ruler of the State was required to act in subordinate cooperation with the British Government. At the time of Afgan War in 1938-39 the then ruler of the state Maharawal Gaj singh made excellent fool-proof arrangements for transportation of British troops for which British Government felt grateful to the ruler for timely help and cooperation. In 1844, after the British annexed Sind, the Forts of Shahgarh and Ghotaru, which are formerly belonged to JAISALMER, were restored to the State. In 1949 when Jaisalmer was merged into the state of Rajasthan, there was no important change in the area of the state.On October 6,1949,the region was given the status of an independent district in Jodhpur division.Tourism

This district has got a very important place on theinternational tourist map. Popularly known as the “Golden City”, it has the following attraction of the tourist importance.

Fort & inside fort-Jain Temples & Royal Palace.
Patwa Havelies.
Salim Singh’s Haveli.
Nathmal’s haveli.
Madir Palace (Tazia Tower).
Gadsisar Lake.
Govt. museum & the folk museum.

All these monuments have the unique stone carving on yellow stone. The whole city is constructed with yellow stone.

Excursions

Badabag (Royal Cenotaph, Garden).
Amar Sagar.
Ludarwa.
Mool Sagar.
Kuldhara ( Remains of Deserted town hundreds of year ago).
Sam Sand Dunes ( The Sunset & Camel Safari are special attraction).
Khuri Sand Dunes.
Akal Wood fossils Park ( Having 180 million years old wood fossils.
Sudhasari ( Desert National Park having the great Indian Bustard and other wild life).

Art & Music The two communities viz. ‘Manganiars’ and ‘Langas’ have not only preserved the traditional art & music but they have carried it beyond the domestic shores. The folk Music with traditional instruments and the folk dances are very popular and fascinating. The cultural programmes performed by these artistes have special attraction for the tourists.

Desert Festival Desert Festival is organized every year by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture. It has become very popular worldwide. Apart from sight-seeing and cultural programs, several competitions are arranged in this festival. These competitions have become extremely popular.

A Tourist Reception Center, an office of Rajasthan Tourism functions to provide information and assistance to the tourists.