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History of Jaisalmer
The history of spectacular Jaisalmer can be traced back to 1156 A.D., when Rawal Jaisal established his kingdom in the middle of the massive and arid Thar Desert.
A descendant of the Yadu Vamsi clan, Rawal Jaisal was a Bhatti Rajput. The Bhatti Rajputs were more than courageous; bards still sing praises of their inimitable courage and valor.
According to historical records, one Gaj Singh of the Bhatti Rajput clan established his supremacy in Ghazni, Afghanisthan, though he lost it to Khorasan forces in the later years. One of his grandsons recaptured Ghazni, embraced Islam and came to be known as the Chagatta clan. Babar, a descendant of the Chagattas established the Mughal dynasty in India.
According to a popular legend, Lord Krishna had prophesized that a descendant of the Yadav clan would establish his bastion atop the Trikuta hill and true to his prediction Rawal Jaisal built the massive Jaisalmer Fort on top of the Trikuta hillock.
Jaisalmer became an important city on the Rajasthan map during the medieval era as it lay on a crucial and flourishing foreign trade route that connected India to Egypt, Persia, Arabia, Africa and the West. The kingdom of Jaisalmer supposedly amassed riches by imposing heavy tariffs on passing camel caravans carrying silks, spices and other precious items for trade from one continent to the other.
Courage, valor and regal determination turned Jaisalmer into one of the most powerful Rajasthan states that survived inspite of being a waterless land. In fact entire Jaisalmer had just one water source in the olden days and that was the manmade Gadi Sagar Tank.
The history of Jaisalmer is marked by royal intrigues, wars and desert romances. Jaisalmer lost its importance as an important caravanserai after the development of Mumbai ports. Jaisalmer was a lost chapter till two crucial Indo-Pak wars that reinforced Jaisalmer's importance as a border state.
Come and explore this enchanting land with Rajasthan Holiday and discover for yourself the secret of Jaisalmer's undying spirit.
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