Jaisalmer

The Jaisalmer War Museum, popularly known as JWM is a memorable establishment dedicated to the war heroes of our nation. The Museum was ideated under Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews and developed by the Indian Army's Dessert Corps. It is a memorial to exhibit the immense strength and richness of Indian soldiers, their glorious contributions and brave sacrifices in times of war. Jaisalmer specifically was chosen for the development of the museum as it is among the few places that suffered a long stretch of wars and battles including the Battle of Longewala in 1971. The museum holds a number of collections from the wars and was corroborated and opened for people in the year 2015, the golden jubilee of India-Pakistan War. The museum includes equipment, armor, vehicles and more. The Jaisalmer Museum has also dedicated a prestigious wall for all Param Vir and Maha Vir Chakra holders. It is also segregated into an Audio Visual room, Indian Army Hall and the Laungewale Hall. A souvenir shop and cafe are yet another part of the Museum. Major exhibits at the museum include a Hunter Aircraft that contributed tremendously to destroying the enemy tank in the battle of Longewala. There are also displays of Indian Armies strategies during the India Pakistan War in 1971 in the museum. History of Jaisalmer War MuseumIt was Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews who conceived the idea of creating a Museum as a tribute for the war heroes of the Longewala Battle in 1971. The notion was furnished into what we know now as the Jaisalmer War Museum by the Indian military's Desert Corps. The museum was constructed particularly in Jaisalmer's desert land because of the fact that it is one of the most war-affected regions of India. Apart from the Battle of Longewala, the army civilization and culture in this area is quite extravagant and hence, Jaisalmer certainly deserved an honor like this. Although the museum was created and furnished under Lieutenant General Bobby Matheus, it was Lieutenant General Ashok Singh who finally opened the gates of the museum for the general population of the country and beyond. The museum holds a number of equipment, weapons, vehicles among other displays that truly exhibit the glory of India's greatest war heroes.Exhibit at the MuseumThere are a number of exhibits and displays at the Jaisalmer War Museum that clearly allow the visitors to encapsulate the distinctions of our war heroes. One of the major attractions of the place is the display of the Hunger aircraft that was successfully able to take down enemy tanks in the war against Pakistan. The two display rooms Laungewale Hall and Military hall showcase images of various skills and tactics used by the great militants to win over a number of battles. The Audiovisual room also dictates a number of stories about India's war heroes and their esteem contributions. Fighter jets, guns, various weapons and equipment used by the military are also a part of the display at the museum.

Nestled in the quaint village of Tanot in Jaisalmer, Tanot Mata temple is a blend of legends, miracles, and religion.  This temple is bound with the faith and utmost devotion of local people.  According to the oldest Charan literature, this revered temple is an incarnation of Goddess Hinglaj Mata.  This heritage site is a major attraction for tourists who visit the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.  This miraculous temple is located close to Longewala, the battle site of the intense Indo-Pak War of 1965 and 1971. The Jawans present near the temple have a lot of incredible stories to share with the visitors. This is perhaps the best way to learn about one of the many legends of the temple.  The BSF has also established a museum near the temple that tells the glory of this temple associated with the Indian Army.  Another reason to visit this old temple is the incredulous road which connects it with Jaisalmer.  According to the visitors, the route is brimming with the vistas brimming with beautiful landscapes. You will witness beautiful landscapes that are dotted with yellow sand dunes, camels, goats, camps, and local people in colorful Rajasthani clothes, dhabas serving delectable food, and spectacular wind mills.  Once you reach the temple, you will be mesmerized with the divinity and purity of the temple. There is a unique aura surrounding its premises, which often turns the non-believer of the divine power into a devotee.  There have been a lot of anecdotes where people visited this place as tourists but the uniqueness of this temple left them mesmerized. There have been many instances of divine intervention in and around this temple as well. No wonder many people re-visit this temple quite often.  History of Tanot Mata Temple -  This highly revered temple was established in 847 AD. The idol of the deity was installed in the same time period as well. The construction of this temple started after Bhati Rajput King Tanu Rao made Tanot as the capital of his kingdom.  Later, it was maintained by RAC before BSF took over the temple’s responsibility, in 1965. There are a lot of unique stories related to this temple. However, the most talked-about legend of the temple is the occurring of a miraculous event during the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965.  According to this anecdote, Pakistan dropped more than 3,000 bombs on the temple to destroy it, along with the Indian Army. While the Pakistani Army was at it, none of the 3,000 bombs could touch the temple or the Indian soldiers! The same happened in the War of 1971 when only one coy of BSF repulsed the sudden attack from Pakistan Army. 

Salim Singh ki haveli is one of the most beautiful edifices situated in the heart of the Jaisalmer city. It happens to be one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It was renovated in the 19th century and was commissioned by Salim Singh who was the prime minister of that time. The haveli is also popularly known as Jahaz Mahal as the front facet of the monument has close resemblance with a ship stern.The Salim Singh haveli is known for its architectural marvel and elegance. The haveli is almost 300 years old, however, the architecture is still enough to mesmerize the tourists. You will find the roof beautifully arched in the shape of a peacock. The haveli has 38 balconies designed with pale blue cupolas and each of the balconies have got their distinct shape. When you enter the Haveli, you will be welcomed by two elephants which are carved out of stones and the walls covered with countless imperial paintings. There is one more Mahal inside the Haveli, which is known as Moti Maghal. You will surely be amazed by the glamour of the Mahal. It was once upon a time a place for aristocratic and royal courtiers. It is one of the must-visit places in Jaisalmer. You must plan a day to tour in and around the place in your travel itinerary. Let us get to know more about the haveli and its legacy.

Known as the golden city of India, Jaisalmer is a beautiful city in Rajasthan. Among all the things that make this city popular, “Patwon Ki Haveli,” also known as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants tops the list.Patwon Ki Haveli is a cluster of five large havelis in Jaisalmer. Built in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, it took the workers almost 55 years to complete the first haveli. With an interesting history, Patwon Ki Haveli is actually the first and the largest haveli to be constructed in Jaisalmer. History says that Patwa was an extremely wealthy man and a well-known trader of his time. Due to his riches, he could afford to build a luxurious palace and thus ordered the construction of separate stories – one for each of his five sons. The entire family dealt in gold and silver threads that were used in embroidering clothes and so, there was no dearth of money in the family. Once home to the Patwa family, today the cluster of havelis is occupied by the Rajasthan government’s art and craft department. Its beautiful architecture, creative mirror work, intricate carvings, lovely paintings, and its rich goldish yellow color is what makes this cluster of havelis a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

One of the grandest of all memorials, the Vyas Chhatri presents exquisitely crafted cenotaphs presenting it as a wonderful tourist attraction. This commemorative plaque is built in the memory of Sage Vyas who had written the epic Mahabharata and is a formal cremation ground for the Brahmins located in Jaisalmer.  The cenotaph dedicated to the Sage is situated north of the entire structure. These cenotaphs were made as a symbol of respect to the clans of the royal family after their death.  The cenotaphs are built of yellow sandstone with intricately designed chhatris placed on top of these pillars.  The grandeur and opulence of the chhatris and the pillars testify the evergreen Rajasthani architecture. The best architectural minds will be forced to think about how these structures were built?  The fine detailing, statistics and the material used must have been top-notch. The Chhatri is also popularly known as the sun-set point giving a one-shot view of the beautiful city of Jaisalmer. Vyas Chhatri is one of the most popular tourist attractions and landmarks in the city and is placed in another structure called Bada Bagh.  Talking about the structure, the intricate carvings of dome-shaped pavilions are mesmerizing in their appearance. A visit here will give you an enduring peace and calmness especially during sunsets. Vyas Chhatri is a photographer’s delight and the perfect place to pose for your best shots especially in the evening.  If you are visiting Jaisalmer, then you should surely visit the Vyas Chhatri which is a place enveloped in calm and tranquillity.  Beauty of Cenotaphs-  The Vyas Chhatri is a strong reminder of the bravest souls who walked on this soil and is a proud reminder of India's culture and rich craftsmanship.  The yellow sandstone Cenotaphs or chhatris are dome-shaped and will sway you the first time you see it. The memorial structure was built for the fond remembrance of Rajput rulers and their families from the local garden sandstone. The place's traditional Bhatti Rajput rulers built these cenotaphs to honour the contributions of their ancestors. The delicate carvings on these cenotaphs are the best example of the true potential of Rajasthan architecture. The umbrella-shaped dome is an excellent example of giving a rightful memorial to the Rajput war heroes, and esteemed members of the rich and wealthy Hindu Brahmin families.

An enigmatic architectural design including a series of grand balconies towering up to 5 stories of seamless contour, Tazi Tower in Jaisalmer is one of the greatest tourist attractions of the city. Found at the Badal Palace Complex, the tower is praised for its design and a strong ancient history it carries with it. Various balconies of the Tazia Tower also have a striking resemblance to the shrine which is a prime element in a number of Islamic festivals and the Muslims craftsmen designed it in such a way to pay tribute to their religion.The tower comprises 5 floors, each holding a significant insight into the royal families it has been home to. Additionally, each of the floors also holds a uniquely crafted balcony, magnificent designs, and carvings on the walls and ceilings reflecting the creative advancement of crafters during the era. The tower is said to have been constructed in 1886 AD as a present to the Hindu ruler of the time, Maharawal Berisal Singh by local Muslim architects and craftsmen. The multistoried design embedded with a multitude of crafts and features makes tourists who visit the place get aw struck. Furthermore, it also has become one of the favorite places for national and international tourists to visit. All in all, from someone who is on a family vacation trying to learn a bit about India's ancient culture to an architecture enthusiast, the Tazia tower comes across as a breath of fresh air and a place one must not skip to visit especially if they are visiting Jaisalmer. History of Tazia TowerThe mesmerizing tower of Tazia was constructed in 1886 AD. It was built as a gift to the royal Hindu ruler of the time, Maharawal Berisal Singh. Built by local Muslim architects and craftsmen, the glorious tower was designed with the essence of the Islamic Religion. The tower is segregated into 5 stories each displaying a distinct blend of Muslim craftsmanship and design. Each floor also has giant balconies that were made to depict the Islamic tomb that is a sign of their religious festivities. The tower itself is also an edition of various Muslim Imams mausoleum. The same is displayed through the cravings on the walls of the monument using thermocol, colored papers, and wood and hence, the tower looks greatly different from all the other Rajputana forts and towers in the city. The tower also comprises of a number of ancient designs and structural pattern that was celebrated during the era. More than a tower, Tazia is respected as a depiction of the Islamic culture and tradition. Moreover, after becoming a heritage site the tower has been carefully maintained allowing tourists to explore its intricate beauty. Established in the heart of the city, the place is a major attraction for tourists.

The Indian state of Rajasthan is widely known for its rich forts and palaces. Among its uncountable number of forts, one Khaba Fort is very popular for being one of a kind. Located near the town of Jaisalmer, Khaba Fort is situated in the Khaba village amid the giant Thar Desert.  This ruined fort once housed a kingdom in it and was the epicenter of the Kuldhara village. Many tourists visit the place to unearth its history and several mysteries that haunt the village to date. The abandoned houses near the fort are a popular spot for adventure seekers and myth-busters.  The broken entrance for the Khaba fort starts near the spooky Kuldhara village. One can see the entire village and the nearby areas from the top of the fort. You’ll always see some peacocks mingling around the fort with their wings wide open. Though the Khaba Fort is majorly ruined, one can still find some beautiful walls and a few windows. Among the other remaining structures, one would also find a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Khaba fort has a museum in it that is loaded with ancient vestiges and a few age-old rocks. Inside the fort, there is a staircase that leads to an underground hallway that has around 70 to 80 stranded houses.  Before any visitor leaves the fort, the locals and a few former residents cast an incantation to restrict any visitor to settle in the village. Call it blind faith, superstition or something else, the locals have been practicing this to prevent any other epidemic.  Khaba Village - The village of Khaba was home to the Paliwal Brahmins from the late 13th century. Around 80-90 families were residing in various huts and small houses scattered around the village. The mysterious story of Khaba starts in 1825 when in one night, all the villagers deserted the village and went to some other place. To date, nobody knows where the villagers went and this remains an unsolved story. Some possible tales that explain the sudden disappearance are  - An earthquake shook the village - Dwindling water supply in the village - Forceful marriage of the King (Kshatriya) with a Brahmin girl Museum at Khaba Fort-  Situated amidst the Thar Desert, the Khaba fort’s museum consists of many sand formations that have flourished in the area for years. The visitors can witness some of the geological artifacts that are native to the Thar desert. One can also see some different fossils which were found in the region.  Other than this, the visitors can also see varied rock formations with each of the formation having in-detailed information about it inscribed on a board. The spooky village is quite famous and attracts a lot of visitors from many states. 

Ghost stories have a very different kind of charm to lure readers with old forts, ruins of castles, deserted alleys, sinister houses and abandoned spirits.  Lying 21 Km from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Kuldhara village has a similar story to tell.  At present Kuldhara Village is a heritage site and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).  As you enter the premises of this ancient village you can feel as if time has stood still in Kuldhara since the last 200 years.  Straight dusty roads with intermittent rows of mud houses, cul-de-sac lanes and sandstone walls and a temple once visited by the Paliwals stand as a living testimony of some sad past.  To the east of the village lies the parched river bed of Kakni which is a warning to the impossibility of sustenance of life in this place.  An erstwhile flourishing village of North-Western India whose history dates back to the 13th century was abandoned overnight in 1825 for some reason unknown. As you walk along the ruins of Kuldhara village you can witness the ravages of time on its soil.   However, the place does not have any supernatural fact behind its myth but a veil of sadness rends the air narrating the unfortunate past of its natives who were forced to leave their ancestral place under the cover of darkness. History Of Kuldhara Village -Kuldhara village was founded in 1156 by Jaisel Bhati atop the Trikuta Hill in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The purpose of building a settlement in such a place was due to the reason that the original capital Lodarva was under the threat of attacks by the enemies. The place around the Trikuta Hill had a smooth trade route with Persia and Arabia in the Middle East by land and also through the ports of Gujarat. As a result, they used to earn handsome revenues due to levied taxes from the caravans who used to travel from these places to Rajasthan.  Subsequently, the invaders travelled from Afghanistan and used this route to plunder the wealth from Gujarat and the Somnath Temple in particular, that was known for its assets.  For protecting themselves from the attacks of the invaders, the villagers abandoned Kuldhara and its adjacent villages as men, women and children were being held captive by the intruders and enslaved thereafter.