Jaisalmer
| Jaisalmer | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Golden City, Yellow City |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Country | India |
| District | Jaisalmer |
| Official Language | Hindi, Rajasthani |
| Founded | 1156 AD |
| Founded By | Rawal Jaisal |
| Area | 38,401 km² (district) |
Jaisalmer is a city located in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India. Popularly known as the Golden City due to the distinctive yellow sandstone used in its buildings, forts and havelis, Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajput clan. The city is home to the famous Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world.
History
Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler, who chose the Trikuta Hill in the middle of the Thar Desert as the site for his new capital. The city grew in importance as a major trading post on the ancient camel trade routes connecting India with Central Asia, Persia and Arabia.
The city faced several sieges and battles over the centuries, including attacks by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Despite these challenges, the Bhati rulers maintained their kingdom through a combination of military resistance and diplomatic alliances. The city came under British suzerainty in the 19th century and was integrated into Rajasthan after Indian independence in 1947.
Geography
Jaisalmer is located in the far western part of Rajasthan, bordering Pakistan to the west. The city sits on the Trikuta Hill surrounded by the vast sandy expanse of the Thar Desert. The Sam Sand Dunes, one of the most famous dune landscapes in India, are located approximately 42 kilometres from the city.
Architecture
Jaisalmer is renowned for its distinctive golden yellow sandstone architecture. The city's buildings, havelis and fort are all constructed from the same local yellow sandstone, giving the entire city a warm golden hue that glows magnificently at sunset — earning it the name Golden City.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the fort rises 99 metres above the desert and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Uniquely, the fort is a living fort — approximately 3,000 people still reside within its walls, along with numerous shops, hotels, temples and havelis.
Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer, comprising five interconnected mansions built by a wealthy merchant family in the early 19th century. The haveli is renowned for its intricate latticed stonework and ornate carvings.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
Built in the early 19th century by the prime minister Salim Singh, this haveli is known for its distinctive peacock-shaped roof and elaborate blue stonework on its upper floors.
Tourism
Jaisalmer is one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist destinations:
- Jaisalmer Fort — A living UNESCO World Heritage Site fort in the heart of the city
- Sam Sand Dunes — Famous dune landscape offering camel safaris and cultural performances
- Patwon ki Haveli — The largest haveli in Jaisalmer with stunning stonework
- Gadisar Lake — A historic reservoir built in 1367 AD surrounded by temples and ghats
- Desert National Park — A protected wildlife reserve conserving the ecosystem of the Thar Desert
- Desert Festival — An annual cultural festival celebrating Rajasthani folk music, dance and camel racing
Culture
Jaisalmer has a rich cultural tradition rooted in the heritage of the Bhati Rajput clan and the desert communities of the Thar Desert. The city is known for its vibrant folk music tradition, particularly the Manganiyar and Langa communities who are celebrated musicians of the desert.
Jaisalmer cuisine reflects the arid desert environment, featuring dishes such as Dal Baati Churma, Ker Sangri, Bajre ki Roti and Gatte ki Sabzi.
Transport
- Jaisalmer Airport — Connecting Jaisalmer to major domestic destinations
- Railways — Jaisalmer Railway Station is connected to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi
- Roads — Well connected by national highways to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner