Tuesday, 21 May 2013


About Bada Bagh :

A descendant of Maharawal Jaisal Singh, the founder of the state and Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Jai Singh II (1688–1743), commissioned a dam to create a water tank during his reign in the 16th century. This made the desert green in this area.
After his death on September 21, 1743, his son Lunkaran built a beautiful garden next to the lake and a chhatri (Hindi for cenotaph) for his father on a hill next to the lake. Later on, many more cenotaphs were constructed here for Lunkaran and other Bhattis. The last chhatri, meant for maharaja Jawahar Singh, dates from the 20th century and remains unfinished after Indian independence.
The gardens are largely neglected, but the hill with the cenotaphs is still quite an interesting sight.
  History of Bada Bagh
 Main Attractions of the Bagh
Bada Bagh which literally means ‘Big Garden’ is located on the Ramgarh road. It was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and completed by his son Lunakaran after his death. The site itself consists of a tank, a dam and a garden. Nearby you will find the Govardhan Stambh (pillar) on which are engraved the names of the dam and the water tank which are called the Jait Bandh and the Jaitsar respectively, dedicated to the man who constructed them. The Jait Bandh is a colossal structure, about 1,200 feet in length and 350 feet in width and built out of solid blocks of stone, as are the stepwells.
The Magnificent Drainage System 
The interesting feature of the dam is the five tier drainage system which is known locally as Bhanvaria, spanned by a bridge.The split-level drains ensure that when the tank fills up there is a natural outflow of water which minimises the risk of flooding. The drains on the other side are called Ramnal. The piece de resistance of Bada Bagh is the Shrine of Bhaironji believed to be a folk manifestation of Lord Shiva The popular image depicting him with his legendary dog is worshipped all over Rajasthan and is particularly visited by childless or infertile women who make offerings to him of their kanchlis (corsets).
Cenotaph Attractions 
On the nearby hill lie the imperial chhatris or cenotaphs of the rulers – a tribute to the valourous Bhatti dynasty. The oldest among them are the cenotaphs of Maharawal Jait Singh and his predecessor Devidas who reigned from 1470-1506. The newest cenotaph is that of Jawahar Singh who was Maharawal at the time of Indian independence. Jawahar Singh’s chhatri was left incomplete as his son died within a year of his accession to the throne which was considered a bad omen by the family. From then on the practice of building a valedictory memorial to the ruling clan has been discontinued. 
Maharawal Bairisal's Chhatri
One of the more notable monuments till recently at Bada Bagh was Maharawal Bairisal’s chhatri (reigned 1863-1901) until it collapsed. Each chhatri contains inscribed tablets and a statue of the Maharawal on a horse along with his queen standing nearby. The size of the chhatris is indicative of the individual’s status, with the king’s memorial obviously larger than any of his brothers. If a maharaja and his maharani are depicted together on a tablet it indicates that she committed sati on the death of her husband, while smaller tablets depicting women are usually of their concubines called paswans. The memorials represent an amalgam of the Paliwal, Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture and Badi Bagh is the typical oasis in the desert. 
Grove of Mango Trees 
Bada Bagh also contains a rare sight for sun-burnt Jaisalmer – a grove of mango trees with Kanwar Pada being the most notable of the gardens.
getting to Bada Bagh  Getting to Bada Bagh

  Tips for Bada Bagh stay

Practical info about Bada Bagh Practical info about Bada Bagh

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About Amar Sagar :

Amar Sagar is a small but pretty lake adjacent to a 17th century pleasure palace called the Amar Singh Palace. It was built by Maharawal Akhai Singh (reigned 1722-61) in honour of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. Next to the palace are pavilions with a large jetty leading down to Amar Sagar Lake.
In close proximity to the lake are figureheads of various animals carved in stone. Located nearby are many wells and cenotaphs of the royal family as well as a large garden with a water tank in the middle known inevitably as the Amar Singh Tank. Being an ardent devotee of Shiva Amar Singh had a Shiv temple built in the complex – a tribute to the deity known as the Destroyer among the holy trinity of gods in the Hindu pantheon.
Jain Temple Attractions 
As Jaisalmer was located on the trade route with west Asia, there was a pre-ponderance of wealthy Jain businessmen in the city who constructed many fine Jain temples. Amar Sagar has as many as three, the most famous of which is the Adeshwar Nath Jain temple built by Patwa Bafna Himmat Ram in 1928. Located towards the rear end of the tank, the temple is carved in what must have been a fairly avant garde design at that time, with one projection made in ivory coloured marble.
There are two other Jain temples at Amar Sagar with ornately sculpted galleries and latticed walls surrounded by old step-wells. The lake usually dries up in the summer heat, but commeth the monsoon and it fairly brimmeth over.
  History of Amar Sagar
Amar Sagar is a small and beautiful lake cum Oasis and is adjacent to a 17th Century palace called the Amar Singh Palace. Maharawal Akhai Singh built this palace in honor of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. Next to the palace are pavilions with a large stairs leading down to the Amar Sagar Lake. This haveli has been constructed in the pattern of apartments. The Amar Sagar is a five story high haveli and is famous for its murals. Wherever you go in this haveli, you will notice beautiful murals painted with delicate efforts. 
You can find many of wells and ponds in the surrounding which have a royal air about them. There is an old Shiva temple in the complex itself. Amar Singh built this because he was supposed to be an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, a Hindu God related to destruction.
getting to Amar Sagar  Getting to Amar Sagar
Practical info about Amar Sagar Practical info about Amar Sagar



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About Jaisalmer Fort :

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it derives it name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the greatThar 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 breathtaking monuments in the locality.
  History of Jaisalmer Fort
During medieval times, the city played a major role in trade with Persia, Arabia, Egypt and Africa. The fort contains 3 layers of walls. The outer or the lower layer is made out of solid stone blocks and it reinforces the loose rubble of Trikuta Hill. The second, or middle, wall snakes around the fort. From the innermost, or third, wall, the Rajput warriors once hurled boiling oil and water as well as massive blocks of rock at their enemies, who would become entrapped between the second and third walls. This defenses of the fort include 99 bastions, of which 92 were built between the period of 1633-47.
Ala-ud-din Khilji attacked and captured the fort in the 13th century and managed to hold it for 9 years. During the siege of the fort theRajput women committed Jauhar. The second battle at the fort happened in 1541, when Mughal emperor Humayun attacked the fort city.
With the advent of British rule, the emergence of maritime trade and the growth of the port of Bombay led to the gradual economic decline of Jaisalmer. After independence and the Partition of India, the ancient trade route was totally closed, thus sealing the fate of the city. Nonetheless, the continued strategic importance of Jaisalmer was demonstrated during the 1965 and 1971 wars between India andPakistan.[2] Although at one point the entire population of Jaisalmer lived within the fort, it today has a resident population of about 4,000 people who are largely from the Brahmin and Daroga communities. They are mostly descendants of the workforce of the Bhati rulers of Jaisalmer which was permitted to reside within the fort's premises.[1] With an increase in population, people gradually relocated to the foot of the Trikuta Hill and the town of Jaisalmer spread out from the fort.
getting to Jaisalmer Fort  Getting to Jaisalmer Fort

  Tips for Jaisalmer Fort stay

Practical info about Jaisalmer Fort Practical info about Jaisalmer Fort

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About Salim Singh ki Haveli :

Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. 
The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. People claim that Salim Singh made two additional floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough evidence to corroborate the story. 
Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.

  History of Salim Singh ki Haveli
 Salim Singh-ki-Haveli was constructed almost 300 years back. The name of this haveli or palace was named after its owner who was called Salim Singh Mohta. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is an impressive structure that is adorned with an exquisite pavilion.
This pavilion is situated on top of the building of Salim Singh. The building has a roof that is built in an arched style and has peacock carvings on the walls. The balconies, walls are all covered with imperial paintings. There is a remarkable painting of a man wearing a black turban. This painting has been made in a Mughal style. The Moti Mahal within the Haveli of Salim Singh has been constructed by skilled and adept workmen. This was the mansion where dances used to be held in order to entertain the courtiers and the royal gentry. It is located right below a hill. The structure has two extra storeys made out of pure wood. The structure has been built amidst calm and serene surroundings.

  Tips for Salim Singh ki Haveli stay

Practical info about Salim Singh ki Haveli Practical info about Salim Singh ki Haveli
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About Patwon ki Haveli :

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 mainJaisalmer 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 Haveliis completely covered with captivating frescoes
  History of Patwon ki Haveli
The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is the biggest and the most ostentatious. It is believed that Patwa was a rich man and was a renowned trader of his time. He could afford and thus ordered the construction of separate stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century.
  Tips for Patwon ki Haveli stay

Practical info about Patwon ki Haveli Practical info about Patwon ki Haveli

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