Jaisalmer, Desert fortress city in Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer is a fortified city on a sandstone ridge in northwestern Rajasthan, with buildings made from yellow stone rising from the Thar Desert. The fortress sits atop the ridge and contains residential quarters, palaces, and religious sites all connected by winding lanes.
Rawal Jaisal founded this trading post in 1156 to control desert routes and establish a strategic power center. The fortress changed rulers several times and lost its importance in commerce after British administration arrived in the early 1800s.
The name means "Jaisal's Mountain" and honors the founder, while residents still live in houses built from the same honey-colored sandstone used centuries ago. Locals celebrate desert life through folk music and crafts that visitors can watch in the narrow market lanes.
Most visitors reach the area by road, as the nearest major cities are several hours away and the desert environment brings dry, hot weather. The best time to visit is during cooler months, and lightweight, breathable clothing along with sun protection is advisable.
Inside the fortress walls stands the Gyana Bhandar library with a collection of ancient texts on palm leaves and paper, still visited by researchers today. The Jain temples from the 12th and 15th centuries display finely chiseled patterns and figures that remain clearly visible despite their age.
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