 |
| Desert City,Jaisalmer |
Tourist places in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD.[1] "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area.JAISALMER District, a part of the Great Indian Thar Desert, is sandy, dry and scorched. The terrain around, within a radius of about 60 kms is stony and rocky. The area is barren, undulating with its famous sand dunes and slopes towards the Indus valley and the Runn of Kutch. The soil here is grateful even to a little rain and turns lush green during mansoon. There is no perennial river in the district.Khezada, Bavla, Lora, Rohida, Van, Phog, Kumbhar, Jal, Neem, Babul and many other trees are to be found among sparse vegetation. Orchards are luxury and can be seen occasionally in a very rare sport. Grass-beds or lawns are never seen anywhere. Animals perforce have to move from one place to another in search of fodder and water. Sheep, cow, goat, camel,chinkara and wild boar and jackals from the fauna here. Poisonous snakes are common in the desert.District JAISALMER has a very dry climate with very hot summer; a cold winter and sparse rains. The climate is extremely hot during summer with maximum temperature reaching up to 49.2 degree celcious and extremely cold during winder with minimum temp. in the range of 1 degree celcious. The variation in temperature from morning to noon and the late midnight is a sudden phenomenon. The average rainfall is only 16.4 cms as against the state average of 57.51 cms.
History of Jaisalmer:-
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 Yadu Rajputs 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 Yadu Rajputs 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 12th 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.
People and Culture of Jaisalmer
The people of the desert are very jovial and friendly. The life of desert is very difficult. Despite the hardship, people are satisfied and happy. One would like to see the desert’s life style then go to a village, which is far away from city. More than 80% of the population of Jaisalmer lives in rural areas. Males go out to work and females stay at home. Jaisalmer district is bestowed with art, architecture, culture and traditions full of color and music and thereby attracting hordes of domestic and foreign tourists. The folk music of desert is an outstanding culmination of long traditions mixed with varied social customs and inherent concept of classical music revealing the life of desert. Being in the neighborhood the language, culture and traditions of the people of the district are influenced by the culture of sindh. People are hardy and have great power of tolerance.Tourism in Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer is famous for its forts and monuments .The forts and monuments indicates to the life prediction of Royal families (maharajas).After visiting these forts and monuments of the Jaisalmer one can easily predict the life style of the peoples living these forts.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 and Monuments in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Quila or the Golden fort Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fortifications in the world. It is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from whom it derives it name.The Jaisalmer fort, known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rises from the sand and merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience. The setting sun in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale appearance. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the “Golden Fort”. This fort, popularly known as the 'Sonar quila' by the locals, is located in the very heart the city, and is one of the most notable monuments in the locality.It is simply magical – as the bastions envelop a whole township that consists of the palace complex, the intricately carved havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route. It was from this trade route that the ancient caravans passed, distributing the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non resourceful kingdom. These merchants served and acquired a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century AD and proceeded further. However, the rich merchants inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated the walls and ceilings and intricately carved the outdoors and interiors. The colourful art forms had some how relegated the royal heritage to a position of secondary importance. The craftsmen were usually Muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills in art forms. The result was an architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer
Nathmalji Ki Haveli is located on the heart of the Jaisalmer city and very close to the railway station. Tourists can take a rickshaw or just walk the little distance to reach the magnificient haveli.Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomizing the side-by-side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolize the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli. It is a private property.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer
Salim Singh ki haveli was built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century.It was commissioned by the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh who hailed from an extremely powerful family in the city.This haveli is actually worth seeing from outside only. It was built in the first half of the 18th century and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister of Jaisalmer a princely state in 19th century AD. The mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. It is just below the hill near the fort. It is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the Maharaja's palace, but the Maharaja had the upper storey demolished.Patwon Ji Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer
Entry Fee (In Indian rupee): Indian :20 Student : 5 foreigner :70 student :30 A group of apartments, this is one of the largest and most elaborate of Havelis in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. A part of this beautiful building is owned by the Department of Archaeology and Museum. There are remnants of some paintings on the walls inside as well as some mirror work. This has been the star attraction of Jaisalmer.Tazia Tower or Mandir Palace(Badal Mahal) in Jaisalmer
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia (A float taken in procession Muharram) as symbol of their religion in the town for royal patrons.Half portion of this palace is converted into a heritage hotel named Mandir Palace and another portion of the palace as Badal Vilas, the residence of the ex-ruler’s family.
All these monuments have the unique stone carving on yellow stone. The whole city is constructed with yellow stone.
Desert Festival in Jaisalmer
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. To know more about desert festival click here>>>>>>
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.
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment