Jaisalmer, a dream in the dessert sands.

Jaisalmer, at the western end of the Indian side of the great Thar dessert, at one time amassed great wealth as it lay on the caravan route of the Indian branch of the "Silk Route."

Besides, after the Muslim invasion of North India and the increase of a muslim population accross north India, Jaisalmer was the stopping station on the route to Mecca.


Jaisalmer has been nicknamed the Golden City, with the towering fort, rising from a sandy hill called Trikuta, with the ramparts turning a golden hue at sunset.

The Bhatti Rajput clan, named after a great warrior Bhatti who ruled over Punjab, moved south to the southern reaches of Rajasthan. This clan has a checkered history with one of the early founders of the dynasty, Deoraj, escaping from a massacre of his family, at his wedding, by a neighbouring clan!

Still later, in the 12th century, Rawal Jaisal was guided by a holy man, by the name of Eosul, to build the present fort, assuring him (Jaisal) that, as a descendant of Krishna, the latter had prophesised that this region would become a kingdom of the Yaduvanshi clan to which Jaisal belonged!

Jaisalmer withstood invasion and seige of the fort from successive attempts by Muslim invaders; Allahuddin Khilji, in 1294, and others over the next few centuries. When the defenders felt they were on the verge of losing, the Rajput ladies committed "Jauhar," an act of mass self immolation, rather than fall into the hands of the enemies! see this link for the history of Jaisalmer; and this link for some info on the royal line of Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer lost most of its wealth and prominence after the port of Bombay was developed in the 18th century, replacing the ports of Gujrat which were closer to Jaisalmer.

Besided the great fort, Jaisalmer is famous for its havelis (residences of the wealthy) with intricately carved balconies, windows and wall facades.

After travelling through the arid dessert, to come upon a dessert city with a massive fort and a town with gems, the havelis, carved with such intricate patterns defies the imagination!
Jaisalmer getting there....