Jaisalmer history

Foundation of the Legendary Fortress

The history of Jaisalmer dates back to 1156. The city was founded by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom it was named. According to historical chronicles, the ruler sought a safer location for his capital, as the previous centre, Lodurva, was too vulnerable to enemy raids.

The choice fell on the triangular Trikuta Hill, rising amidst the endless Thar Desert. This location provided an ideal strategic vantage point and natural protection, allowing for the foundation of one of Rajasthan's most impressive living fortresses.

Key Factors of Prosperity

The transformation of a remote desert outpost into a wealthy and influential city was driven by a unique combination of geographical and economic reasons:

• Crossroads of Trade Routes: Jaisalmer was strategically situated on caravan routes connecting India with Central Asia, Persia, and the Middle East.
• Transit Economy: The city became a crucial transit point on the southern branch of the Silk Road. Local rulers provided security to merchants in exchange for taxes on caravans transporting silk, spices, dried fruits, and precious stones.
• Geographic Isolation: The harsh desert conditions served as a natural barrier, protecting the city from the frequent invasions that devastated other regions of India.

Cultural and Economic Landscape

Colossal revenues from trade allowed for the formation of the city's unique architectural appearance. Wealthy merchants (Marwaris), eager to demonstrate their status, began constructing luxurious mansions — havelis, adorned with intricate stone carving.

It was during this early period that the tradition of using local yellow sandstone took root. This material not only helped keep homes cool but also gave the walls a characteristic golden hue, thanks to which Jaisalmer is known worldwide today as the "Golden City".

Major Milestones in Jaisalmer's History

• 1156 — Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput ruler of the Bhati clan, founds the city and lays the foundation of the fortress on Trikuta Hill.
• 1294 — The fortress undergoes a years-long siege by the forces of Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji, ending in the mass self-immolation of the inhabitants (Jauhar).
• Late 14th Century — The city experiences a second major devastation following an attack by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
• 1570 — The rulers of Jaisalmer establish diplomatic relations with the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar.
• Mid-17th Century — Under the rule of Rawal Sabal Singh, the principality expands its borders and experiences a period of relative peace.
• 1762 — Maharawal Mulraj II ascends the throne; his long reign was accompanied by both internal reforms and external threats.
• 1805 — Wealthy merchant Guman Chand Patwa begins the construction of the Patwon ki Haveli complex, marking the start of the era of building luxurious merchant mansions.
• 1818 — Jaisalmer signs a treaty with the British East India Company, becoming a protectorate while retaining internal autonomy.
• Late 19th Century — The opening of the Suez Canal and the development of the port in Bombay (Mumbai) lead to the decline of ancient caravan routes and a reduction in the city's commercial importance.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, ancient trade routes to Pakistan are permanently closed, turning the city into a border outpost.
• 1949 — The Principality of Jaisalmer officially joins the Indian Union and becomes part of the state of Rajasthan.
• 1965 and 1971 — The region becomes an important strategic point and a site of military action during the Indo-Pakistani conflicts.
• 2013 — Jaisalmer Fort is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the "Hill Forts of Rajasthan" group.

Milestones of Development and Transformation

The history of Jaisalmer is a journey from a strategic military outpost to a thriving trade hub and, subsequently, a popular tourist destination. Below are the key stages that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city.

• Foundation of the Citadel on Trikuta Hill (12th Century)
  Moving the capital from Lodurva to the high triangular hill was the major urban planning decision in the principality's history. This allowed for the creation of a unique "living fort" structure, where the ruler's palace, temples, and homes of ordinary citizens were protected by powerful walls.
• Integration into Global Trade Routes (16th–17th Centuries)
  The city occupied a key position on the southern branch of the Great Silk Road. Taxes from caravans travelling from India to Persia and Central Asia became the backbone of the economy. This ensured the influx of capital necessary for the development of urban infrastructure and art.
• Merchant Architectural Boom (18th–19th Centuries)
  Wealthy traders and bankers began the mass construction of luxurious mansions (havelis). This led to a cultural transformation of the city: utilitarian military architecture was complemented by exquisite stone carving, turning the streets into an open-air museum.
• Economic Decline due to Maritime Trade (Late 19th Century)
  The development of the port in Bombay (Mumbai) and the construction of railways by the British bypassing the desert stripped Jaisalmer of its status as a major transit hub. This economic blow paradoxically "preserved" the city, saving it from redevelopment and maintaining its medieval appearance.
• Border Closure and Isolation (1947)
  After the partition of British India and the formation of Pakistan, old caravan routes were completely blocked. The city lost its trading function and for several decades turned into a remote border outpost dependent on state subsidies and military presence.
• Arrival of Water in the Desert (Second half of the 20th Century)
  The construction of the Indira Gandhi Canal became a critical infrastructure project that provided water to the region. This boosted the development of agriculture around the city and improved the quality of life for the population, reducing dependence on the harsh climate.
• Tourism Renaissance (Late 20th – 21st Century)
  With growing interest in Rajasthan's heritage, Jaisalmer found new economic life. The inclusion of the fort in the UNESCO list and the development of festival culture (such as the Desert Festival) turned tourism into the main source of income, stimulating the restoration of monuments and the development of the service sector.

Golden Symphony in Stone: Architectural Appearance

The architecture of Jaisalmer is a unique example of human adaptation to the harsh conditions of the Thar Desert. The city represents a cohesive ensemble where both royal palaces and humble dwellings are built from the same material — local yellow sandstone. This stone possesses a remarkable property: by day it appears pale yellow, while at sunset it acquires a rich honey or golden hue, which gave the city its second name.

The urban structure is clearly divided into two parts: the Upper City (inside the fortress walls) and the Lower City (at the foot of the hill). Streets were intentionally designed to be narrow and winding: this not only confused enemies during attacks but also created natural shade, protecting residents from the scorching sun and dust storms.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

In Jaisalmer's architecture, the rugged military traditions of the Rajputs, the elegance of Jain architecture, and the decorative style influenced by the Mughals are intertwined. Several key stages of development can be highlighted:

• Early Rajput Style (12th–15th Centuries)
  The era of foundation and fortification. The main emphasis was on defensibility. The fort walls were erected using dry masonry (without cement), where huge stone blocks were held together by iron clamps. The style is distinguished by massiveness, concise forms, and powerful bastions.
• Jain Sacred Style (12th–16th Centuries)
  Parallel to military construction, religious architecture developed. Inside the fort, a complex of seven Jain temples was erected. This period is characterized by incredible detail: columns, ceilings, and arches are covered with the finest carving, resembling the work of a jeweller rather than a mason. This style largely resonates with the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu.
• Synthesis with Mughal Architecture (16th–17th Centuries)
  After establishing diplomatic ties with the Mughal Empire, Islamic motifs penetrated local architecture. Characteristic arches, domes, and more complex ornaments appeared. However, the masters of Jaisalmer did not blindly copy the style but adapted it, creating a unique regional hybrid.
• Golden Age of Havelis (18th–19th Centuries)
  The period of merchant prosperity was marked by the construction of luxurious mansions (havelis). This is the pinnacle of the city's civil architecture. The style is characterized by turning stone into "lace": building facades are completely covered with geometric and floral patterns.

Iconic Elements and Buildings

The architectural language of Jaisalmer is recognisable thanks to specific details found everywhere — from the Maharaja's palace to the homes of wealthy citizens:

• Jharokha: Projecting enclosed balconies with stone canopies. They not only decorate the facade but also enhance air circulation, cooling the rooms.
• Jali: Intricate stone lattice screens on windows. They diffuse sunlight, protect against heat, and allow women to observe the street while remaining invisible from the outside.

Key objects that shaped the city's appearance include:

• Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila): One of the few "living" fortresses in the world, where a quarter of the city's population still lives within the medieval walls.
• Patwon ki Haveli: The grandest complex of five mansions, demonstrating the pinnacle of local stone carvers' skill.
• Salim Singh ki Haveli: A building with a unique peacock-shaped roof, built by the principality's influential Prime Minister.

Rulers and Founders

• Rawal Jaisal (12th Century)
  Founder of the city and fort
  A Rajput ruler of the Bhati clan who moved the capital from Lodurva to Trikuta Hill in 1156. It was his strategic decision to establish a fortress in an inaccessible part of the Thar Desert that defined the principality's fate for centuries to come. His name is immortalised in the city's name ("Hill of Jaisal").
• Maharawal Gadsi Singh (14th Century)
  Reformer Ruler
  Went down in history as the creator of Gadisar Lake (1367) — an artificial reservoir that remained the sole source of drinking water for the entire city for centuries. He also built numerous temples and shrines around the lake, turning it into a cultural centre.
• Maharawal Jawahir Singh (19th–20th Centuries)
  Ruler of the Modernisation Era
  Governed the principality during the British protectorate period. Known for his contribution to the development of urban architecture, particularly the construction of the Jawahir Niwas Palace and the expansion of the palace complex within the fort. He attempted to modernise the army and the administration of the principality.

Architects of Commercial Grandeur

• Guman Chand Patwa (19th Century)
  Wealthiest Merchant and Patron
  An influential banker and trader in brocade and opium, whose fortune, according to legends, rivalled the Maharaja's treasury. He initiated the construction of the famous "Patwon ki Haveli" complex for his five sons. This project set a new standard of luxury in Jaisalmer's civil architecture.
• Salim Singh (18th–19th Centuries)
  Prime Minister (Diwan)
  A powerful and controversial statesman who effectively ruled the principality under a young heir. He built the unique "Salim Singh ki Haveli" mansion (known as Moti Mahal) with a peacock-shaped roof. His ambitions and architectural taste left a vivid mark on the city's appearance.
• Lalu and Hathi (19th Century)
  Architects
  Two architect brothers (Muslim stone carvers) who were commissioned to build "Nathmal ki Haveli". The uniqueness of their work lay in the fact that they built the left and right wings of the building independently of each other, without shared blueprints. As a result, the building turned out harmonious but not symmetrical, becoming a masterpiece of engineering thought.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Satyajit Ray (1921–1992)
  Film Director and Writer
  Although not born in Jaisalmer, this great Indian director played a key role in the city's modern history. His detective novel and the eponymous film "The Golden Fortress" (Sonar Kella, 1974) made Jaisalmer famous worldwide, transforming it from a forgotten border town into a centre of international tourism.
• Mame Khan (Contemporary)
  Folk Musician
  A vibrant representative of the Manganiyar caste — hereditary musicians of the desert. He brought the traditional music of Rajasthan to the global stage and Bollywood, becoming the modern voice of the "Golden City" and a guardian of the region's oral traditions.