History of Jaisalmer

Established in 1156 AD by a Bhatti Rajput ruler Jaisala, the history of Jaisalmer is replete with many legends. According to one, Lord Krishna had predicted that a descendant of the Yadav clan would establish a formidable kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill in Jaisalmer. True to his words, Rawal Jaisal established his kingdom on this very hill.

Jaislamer also had its share of battles and intrigue. It is said that after Alu - ud -din Khilji laid siege to the Jaisalmer Fort for nine consecutive wars, the royal ladies committed Jauhar, while the men donned saffron robes and rode out to meet certain death. Later various marriages cemented the alliance between the rulers of Jaisalmer and the Mughals.

Jaisalmer rulers allowed fine arts to flourish under their rule, as a result of which, we can see splendid havelis and beautifully carved temples, in honor of both Hindu as well as Jain.deities. It also became an important centre of trade and commerce until the Mumbai port came into existence. The city came under the Indian government in 1947.