History of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is amongst the last of the former princely kingdoms of Rajputana before the border between India and Pakistan. The people of Jaisalmer believe Lord Krishna prophecied to Arjuna that one of his descendants would establish a kingdom on Trikuta Hill. The Lord’s prophecy was fulfilled in 1196 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput who traced his lineage to Krisnna’s Yadava clan, shifted his capital from Lodurva (16 km away) to Trikuta Hill. Jaisalmer earned great wealth and glory in its heyday, because it was strategically located on the most lucrative of trade routes between Central Asian kingdoms and the Far East. Merchants were valued citizens and their houses or havelis are legendary with ornate, intricately carved façades of sandstone. The Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer grew rich living off the rich caravans that crossed their territory till their days of glory slowly came to an end with the burgeoning of the shipping trade through the port at Mumbai.

Jaisalmer’s past glories can be seen in its impressive golden fort on Trikuta Hill that dominates the horizon. The fort houses a township with markets, palaces, temples and exquisite carved sandstone havelis. Today, these homes are national treasures and art museums that are still inhabited. This last outpost of the Indian Republic is valued for its heritage as much as for its brave citizens, its people and culture, colourful festivals and crafts have placed Jaisalmer on the world tourist map.