Popularly called as the “Golden City”, Jaisalmer is one of the most famous destinations in the state of Rajasthan. Situated in the westernmost region of Rajasthan, the town is known for its location right in the middle of Thar Desert. Tourists love going out for a Desert Safari amidst the vast sand dunes of the desert. Jaisalmer stands mighty and proud and welcome tourist from all over the world to get accustomed to her magical world of color, history and fable.Area: 38,201 sq. km
Founded on: 1156 AD
Founded by: Maharawal Jaisal Singh
Location: Jaisalmer is located in Indian state of Rajasthan. From Jaipur, it is in the West direction.
How to Reach: By Air: Jodhpur Airport (300 km);
By Rail: Jaisalmer Railway Station; By Road: Jaipur (569 km), (Jodhpur 271 km), Bikaner (331 km), Delhi (793 km), Agra (802 km)
Best time to Visit: October to February
Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Urdu and Rajasthani
Famous Cuisines: Lahsun-e-Subz, Kadi Pakora, Bhanon Aloo, Murgh-e-Subz, Dal Bahti Churma, Ker Sangri, Bhaang
History
Rawal Jaisal Singh, belonging to the Bhatti clan, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 and made Jaisalmer Fort his capital. In 1293, Jaisalmer saw her first siege by the hands of Alauddin Khilji, after Bhatti clan confiscated a caravan loaded with riches. The enemy forces entered the ramparts after a 7 -year long battle, and destroyed the fort. There was another attack at Jaisalmer by Sultan Ferozshah. This attack was also prompted by the actions of rulers of Jaisalmer who raided Feroz Shah’s camp nearby Ajmer. The state was then ruled over for a long time by Duda’s descendants who also fought a battle with Humayun during his reign. Rawal Sahal Singh turned the destiny of Jaisalmer after he regarded Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as superior. Then, a nobleman named Sabala Simha with support from Shah Jahan ruled over Jaisalmer afterwards. That was the time when Jaisalmer princes reached the peak of their powers but by 1762, when Rawal Mulraj came to the throne, the state was depleted of its riches and had lost its provinces.
Jaisalmer continued to be governed by princes of Bhatti clan till 1818, when Mulraj formed a political alliance with the British to save the dying state. Currently, even today, the descendants of Bhatti are still involved with a lot of development in and around the district. Brijraj Singh is the present descendant. The city lies under the Government of India.
Culture
Jaisalmer has become one of the most visited destinations of India, especially for tourists who are coming all the way from foreign lands. The exotic land of Jaisalmer introduces one with the varied cultures of Rajasthan. Situated amidst the vast expanse of Desert, it was once considered as a city with no future. But today, the fortunes of the city have been changed drastically. The very authenticity and custom old traditions of Jaisalmer proved to be very attractive and lure tourists. The colors, the ornaments, the norms of society, the handicrafts, the peasant life, and princes’ lives, everything in and around the city became its defining attribute. Also, what attract the tourists is the very warm, friendly and genuinely caring attitude and behaviour of the local people. With so much positivity all around, tourists have nothing here except for a great time. In Jaisalmer, one can hear the tunes of the historical Rajasthani folk music which are basically ballads, called as “Rasos”, praising the kings for their gallant deeds.
Shopping
You must shop for typical Jaisalmer goods like traditional rugs, antiques, hand-woven shawls and blankets, special embroidery pieces, Rajasthani mirror work as well as old stonework in the form of souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Tie and dye fabric called Bandhni is a must-buy from here. Beautifully carved wooden box is another thing that you can buy from markets in Jaisalmer. If you love jewellery, you can get your hands on some amazing silver jewellery. Sadar Bazaar, Gandhi Darshan, Sonaron ka Bass, Seema Gram, Manak Chokw and Pansari Bazaar are some of the best places where you can indulge in shopping.
