Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Unseen Rajasthan Exclusive-The Great Jaislmer.

History

The Royal Jaislmer Fort(Night View)

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth.

Nathmal Ki Haveli(Mansions)

Nathmal Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer is a famous landmark of this place. The architecture of this mansion is a unique blend of Rajput as well as Islamic style of construction. It is quite different from the other palaces and havelis around Rajasthan. Nathmal Singh Ki Haveli was supposed to be the official residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. There is an interesting story attached to how the place was built. Read about it in the following lines.

Two brothers named Hathi and Lulu were sanctioned with the responsibility of the construction of this magnificent haveli. They started building the haveli simultaneously with each brother concentrating on one side of the haveli. The result of building it simultaneously showed up in the haveli with different left and right sides! However, it didn't look too obvious and it comes into notice only when observed a bit closely.

The haveli was decorated grandly. The entrance of the haveli has two gigantic elephants carved out of yellow sandstone that look almost real. The pillars are enormous with delicate carvings on them. The walls have vivid description of flora and fauna and have been designed with lovely paintings and carvings. The haveli is a must see for those interested in basking in the old world charm of Rajasthan.

Patwo Ki Haveli(Mansion)

The five-storied Patwon ki Haveli is the largest of its kind in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. Patwon ki haveli is one of the most elaborate and fascinating mansions in Jaisalmer that entices you with its hypnotic charm.

Located on a narrow lane in the main Jaisalmer city, Patwon ki haveli was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons. Guman Chand was a famous trader of his times and dealt in gold, brocade and silver.
There are five massive suites in the Patwon ki haveli that are decorated with brilliant representations of artistic acumen. The entire haveli is and interesting grid of pillared halls, large corridors, lavishly chiseled ceilings and ostentatiously decorated walls. The stunning murals that adorn the haveli walls are colorful depictions of the everyday court scenes, village scenes and other artistic concepts.

The walls of one particular room at the Patwon ki Haveli is completely covered with captivating frescoes.

A part of Patwon ki haveli is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India, a part of it is owned by a family and the rest of it is owned by families who run craft shops within the premises.

It is believed that it took about a 50 years to complete the construction of the entire haveli.
There are five massive suites in the Patwon ki haveli that are decorated with brilliant representations of artistic acumen. The entire haveli is and interesting grid of pillared halls, large corridors, lavishly chiseled ceilings and ostentatiously decorated walls. The stunning murals that adorn the haveli walls are colorful depictions of the everyday court scenes, village scenes and other artistic concepts.

The walls of one particular room at the Patwon ki Haveli is completely covered with captivating frescoes.

A part of Patwon ki haveli is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India, a part of it is owned by a family and the rest of it is owned by families who run craft shops within the premises.

Architecture Inside The Patwo Ki Haveli(Mansion)

Salim Singh Haveli(Mansion)

Salim Singh Ki haveli that stands in mute testimony to the splendorous Jaisalmer past towards the eastern end of Jaisalmer city. This stately Jaisalmer haveli with its stunning blue cupola roof is resplendent with exquisite stone carvings, screen windows and exotic murals.

The intricately chiseled brackets on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli speak volumes about the love for detail and beauty among the artisans of those days. The sheer lavishness of extensive corridors, massive rooms and hallways weaves a bewitching spell on you.

Vibrant, graceful and stylish murals on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli add an extra opulent charm to this lovely medieval mansion that was named after Salim Singhji, who was the prime minister in the Jaisalmer royal court.

Salim Singh ki Haveli served as residence to the members of the Mohta family for decades. Most of the ministers in the Jaisalmer royal court were descendants of the Mohta family. The haveli draws its name from Salim Singh, who was an important minister in the Jaisalmer royal court and a shrewd statesman who was later murdered for conspiring against the royal throne.

It is believed that there were two more stores over the existing five storied structure, that were torn down by the orders of the royal court of Jaisalmer as a prime ministers home could not be of the same height as that of the royal palace.

Gadsisar Lake

Gadsisar is a scenic rainwater lake situated in Jaislmer,Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 and later rebuilt by Maharwal Garsisingh in 1367. A beautiful arched gateway decorates the lake. The lake is surrounded by ghats, temples, cenotaphs and gardens.

Umbrella Between Lake

Gadsisar Lake is an ideal picnic spot and is famous for boating. It is also home to a numerous species of birds.

Jain Temples

Within the fort walls, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The cluster of temples is connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Shoes and all leather items must be removed before entering the temple.

The first temple you come around is the one dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth tirthankar (Jain Teacher), whose symbol is the moon. It was built in 1509 and features fine sandstone sculpture in sandstone in Mandapa (Fore chamber of the inner sanctum of the temple).

To the right of the Chandraprabhu Temple is Rikhabdev temple. There are some fine sculptures around the walls protected by glass cabinets, and the pillars are beautifully sculpted with apsaras (Celestial Maiden) and gods. This temple has a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Lord Buddha Statue

Other temples which may be currently closed to the non - Jains, include the temple dedicated to Parasnath, a few steps behind Chandraprabhu. Entry is via an enormous and beautifully carved torana (Gateway) that culminates the image of the Jain tirthankara its apex. There is a voluptuous carving of an apsara balancing a set of balls on her raised forearm.

A door to the south side of the temple leads to the small Shitalnath Temple, dedicated to the 10th tinrthankar. The image of Shitalnath enshrined here is composed of eight precious metals. A door in the north wall leads to the beautiful Sambhavnath Temple.

Entrance To Temple

Steps lead from the courtyard before the Sambhavnath temple to the Shantinath Temple, which was built in1536. The enclosed gallery around the temple is flanked by hundreds of images of saints, some of marble and some of Jaisalmer sandstone. Steps lead below the temple to Kunthunath Temple, which was also built in 1536.

BaraBagh Tombs(Dedicated To Ladies Who Burnt Themselves)


On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, presently a district headquarters and formerly a princely state of Rajasthan, is a sandy rocky area where these tombs are constructed.This place is called -'Bara Bagh' or-'Big Garden'.There is clear road to this spot. There is nothing of the garden sort. It is named so to indicate the abundance of what is there. And there is the abundance of-tombs!

In the medieval period,when Muslim rule was forcefully spreading all over India, Indian natives had great struggle to save their culture, chastity, heritage and properties.The fear was more with indian ladies, who regarded their chastity more than their life.While men were out to fight against the invaders, women in the houses were praying for their win.In Rajasthan, there was a custom in which ladies of warriers were falling into burning fires as soon as they hear that their men were defeated in the battle field. So, they kept the burning fire ready.This custom was called -JOUHAR.This place is dedicated to those Brave Ladies only.

Camels For Safari

Safari on Camels is a Fantastic experience.Camels can take to you to those place where cars cant go.You will really enjoy the safari on Sand Dunes.

People Traveling On Sand Dunes

In Rajasthan people in Villages prefer travelling on Camels only as it is one of the most suitable animal of desert.It is also known as Ship Of Desert.They can live many days without water and thats why in desert they are used more.

Royal Men In Festival

They are the Royal Men Of Rajasthan who has came from different villages to attend the festival .This festival is organized every year in the month of December.This is also known as Desert Festival.Both Local and Foreigners join the Festival and enjoy the Marvellous life of Royal Rajasthan.

Man With His long Moustaches

These kind of stuff can easily be found in Jaislmer as this place is still one of the most traditional and cultural city of India.This man is showing his big moustaches and also claims that he can lift 200 Kgs of weight with them.This was also challenged and This man won.Great.

Kid Selling Indian Sweets

This kid is selling the most famous sweets of Rajasthan which is known as Laddu and Petha.

With these sweets and sweet memories i am completing my journey to Jaisalmer.

Source: travel-rajasthan.net

80 comments:

Euroangel said...

very lovely photos here..thanks for sharing india to the world..more travel here;Euro Travel
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brattcat said...

Your photography is so beautiful, so interesting. I wish I had time to read all of your text, you've put so much work into this, but there is so much material here and there is so little time. Please know I really love looking at your images and reading your comments at my site. Thank you for your visits.

Olivier said...

une superbe promenade, les photos sont magnifiques (surtout la photo du Gadsisar Lake). Encore
a superb promenade, photographs are splendid (especially the photograph of Gadsisar Lake). Still

Ayie said...

so interesting, nice captures most esp the one with the lake.

EcoRover said...

Wow, we flash-in-the-pan cultures need to take some notes from those that have figured out how to make it in the long run...

Prospero said...

I really enjoyed the color on Gadsisar Lake and most especially on the night view of The Royal Jaislmer Fort.

I'm wondering how many people will now try to grow a mustache.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Danielle said...

This is amazing! I wish I had more time to read it all. Wonderful pictures though!

Cezar and Léia said...

wow so many information and beautiful pictures! Thanks for this adorable post! Now, I need to come back to read and learn more about this Great Jaislmer,your wonderful post! :-)
Léia

James said...

Incredible post. India has an amazing history and you present it so well and with great pictures.

Urmi said...

Thank you very much for the wonderful post of Jaisalmer. I really appreciate for the pain you have taken to describe it beautifully in a magnificent way with colourful pictures. You are not only a good writer but also a very good photographer. Each and every line you have written is so interesting that I felt myself at Jaisalmer. As I was reading your wonderful description I was remembering my Jaisalmer trip. Fantastic post and this is one of the best post I liked among all. Once again thanks for this adorable post.

Maria Verivaki said...

the architecture of these temples is simply amazing - life is so much simpler in terms of design, so it is incredible to think that in those untechonologified times, architectural design was so intricate, despite not having the conveniences to make their construction easier

Shaun said...

Keep at it Unseen. Every post is like an adventure. I get a cup of coffee, and escape for 10 minutes every time I see you have posted...

Anonymous said...

You have worked hard upon this post, great stuff.

robert said...

First of all let me thank you for your comment left.
Second allow me to say that your site is of very great joy, both to see and read what you write!
Yesterday it was that I found a word in sanskrit (dharmata)will try to think about it more and write about it.
For now I would like to say that you truly know this word (if I understand it right). Please have a nice week.

Marie Reed said...

AMAZING§ I love traveling to India through your blog! I hope to go there someday!

Lowell said...

This is all overwhelming for someone who knows not your history. The fort is splendid but that mansion is incredible! Super photos and historical commentary. And I like that you ended so "sweetly."

Carver said...

Fascinating post and great shots. I really love the night shots and all the others are great too. Thanks for your visit to my blog.

Regina said...

Breathtaking.
Thanks Barat for sharing these fantastic shots.
Great post as always.

Unknown said...

Great post. Very interesting hearing about India on your blog. And fantastic photos too:-)

Anonymous said...

Incredible architecture, stories. I'll have to find a way to sprinkle this into my casual conversation to impress my friends.

Now I must know, do you have a team of writers and photographers?

Pietro Brosio said...

What wonderful places and architectures! Very attractive the night view of The Royal Jaislmer Fort.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Just gorgeous and stunning places and photos! Just amazing! I would love to visit your country some day...

Thanks for your visiting and comment. You are always welcome!

Rob said...

Stunning architecture, I have enjoyed reading this history you provide. Thank you.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks for the education... I love the architecture there... WOW!!! And that night photo is fabulous.

Thanks for sharing.
Betsy

evelyn said...

I so enjoy your blog. The history and photos are wonderful Thank you.

Kilauea Poetry said...

The Royal Jaislmer Fort(Night View) and the camels are a couple of my faves- love the lighting-

Wenche said...

India is starting to become more and more fascinating. Your photos are as always wonderful. It looks so fun travelling on the sand dunes on camels. Thanks for the nice comment on my blog.

The Sagittarian said...

This is such a beautiful blog! You live in a wonderful part of the world.

Lisa Wilson said...

Such beautiful photos!! We definitely don't have anything like that around here.

ARUNA said...

Hi Bharat, good to know more about India. Lovely pics. I enjoyed seeing them!! Thanks a lot for sharing such nice information, i'm kinda feeling nostalgic now!!

Dot O said...

Wonderful photos and so informative. I am glad you are sharing your part of the world with us. Your photographs are amazing and the history you give about each photo is great.

SandyCarlson said...

A thousand times wow. What a post. Beautiful stuff.

Lee Spangler said...

Thanks for visiting my site. I spent a month in Rajasthan not long ago.I enjoyed seeing pictures of many of the places I visited. I went to The Pushkar Camerl Fair, R, Tiger Refuge and spent a couple of weeks in Jaipur. I loved Udiapur, but missed Jalismer. Let's stay in touch.

Rick (Ratty) said...

I like the architecture of the buildings. It is so different from where I live.

magiceye said...

that was indeed a feast! thank you for the wonderful tour of jaisalmer!

foongpc said...

Very interesting place. I like the umbrella structure at the lake.

Wow! The man really have very long moustache! Haha!

Rinkly Rimes said...

I am very impressed with the interior f the building and with the wonderful golden light in all your external photographs. Indian men seem to be very sensitive.

Kcalpesh said...

Superb photo. Once again I'd love to mention your blog is very informative and it has always been a pleasure coming here and reading the posts.... most of all the pictures :-)

Trotter said...

Hi Bharat! Your blog is fantastic. I had planned a trip to Jaiselmer last Febuary but couldn't make it; one day... Meanwhile I'm enjoying your superb pictures and post!!

The Republic of Uzupis. Never heard? Blogtrotter has it for you… ;) Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Kavita Saharia said...

Visiting GLORIOUS RAJASTHAN is in my wish-list.....the pics are so beautiful...you have an amazing sense of photography ...i will repeat that your blog is the best pic blog i have come across.....SPLENDID.

Kitty said...

gorgeous architecture, I have to say. I'd love to see these up close in person. They look incredibly intricate.

Great job, Unseen!

Unknown said...

Amazing place to visit:)
I love the photos,all of them & Thanks for the visit.

Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft said...

Wow what a beautiful place!!

floreta said...

woww love these buildings. india art history interests me a lot.

Hilda said...

My best friend went to Rajasthan several years ago and recommends it the most among the different places she went to in India. Your photos just reinforce what she says. Fabulous!

BeadedTail said...

Beautiful photos and very interesting post! Thanks for sharing such great information!

PeterParis said...

I'm not surprised by what you show, but definitely impressed!!!

Lady Di Tn said...

Unseen
I would have made this into several post because of the time factor. It was incredibly good and I enjoy what you have shared with us. Peace be with you.

Unknown said...

Jaisalmer is my favourite city in Rajasthan! I love it so very much! Your photos are absolutely great!

Unknown said...

Wow, great scenes and temples. I can't choose a favorite. I thought the first photo was the best but I think they are all in its best. Thanks for sharing Rajasthan to us and for your visits.

Cheryl said...

How lovely and fascinating it is over there. I hope I get to see iy all in person once day.

MyMaracas said...

Coming to your blog is like flying away on a magic carpet. I never knew these beautiful places existed. Your photos and your stories have an other-worldly quality, unique and fascinating.

tapirgal said...

These places are amazing. It's fun to travel there so easily on your web site!

Misfit in Paradise said...

So much beauty!

ShySongbird said...

What lovely photos of an incredible place, such impressive architecture and I loved the lake photos too.

Mari said...

Thanks for stopping at my blog. You have beautiful pictures here as well as the stories behind them. Wonderful blog!

2sweetnsaxy said...

These are such amazing shots. What a beautiful city full of amazing structures. I enjoy visiting your blog and learning about some place so far away. :-)

:.tossan® said...

Spectacular images in the two albums! Congratulations for the work

Grace Albaugh said...

Thank you for visiting my art blog. I'm so pleased to have you join me. Your pictures are fabulous. They look very similar to the photos my husband took two years ago when he was in India. I would love to go myself some day.

Connie T. said...

You take really nice pictures.

lissa said...

how gorgeous especially the arched gateway by the water, reminds me of the movie, "The Fall" with Lee Pace, it has beautiful landscapes similar to what you are showing here

Linnea said...

Oh...just amazing. I've always wanted to visit your country. I'll check out all your wonderful posts. I love that camel safari through the sand dunes! Thanks for visiting my blog...that's how I found yours!

Barbara Martin said...

Excellent history post and with accompanying photographs, Rajasthan.

Thank you for dropping by my blog and commenting.

I will be returning for more exquisite photographs combined with the history: a perfect match.

Clueless in Boston said...

Beautiful pictures. You have to much to absorb in one visit. I particularly liked your desert photos, they are so different from my world. Great site and thanks for all your visits to my site. Cheers

Kelly said...

...interesting post with so much inforamtion! Beautiful photos as well...

Shadow said...

beautiful places, real beautiful!

joo said...

Hi, I'm masmarized! Your post is just amazing - thanks for showing us all this tresaures and lookin forward to seeing more!

Tammie Lee said...

Your country has a vast and amazing history. The architecture is stunningly beautiful! You capture and share this wealth beautifully!

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

Simply stunning photography and a wonderful virtual tour.

Unknown Flower

Fadil Wimala said...

incredible india :D

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful palace. The internal decoration is exquisite. The whole area is so full of history and individually designed buildings. It must've been so wonderful to see it all.

Unseen India Tours said...

Dear All,Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog !! Its my constant endeavor to make you see the Real Indian culture and traditions...Thanks for your ever timely support...Rgds Bharat

Lynda Lehmann said...

What spectacular scenes of architectural beauty! Sublime!

Tiago Ralha said...

It is wonderful to observe and learn all the Indian culture.
The photos are simply fantastic.

Jen Laceda | Milk Guides said...

You are such a great ambassador to your country. Great history in all the sights you pointed out. I love that Mansion--the architecture is very organic, florid, light, exquisite!

Jane said...

Beautiful photos, nice website:)

indicaspecies said...

A lovely collection of photos!

Manmohan Sharma said...

Really nice touring photos.I like ur trips.

Anonymous said...

I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?