[11/4/2003 journal]
Deep in the heart of Thar Desert, Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. Its remote location kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the British Raj. At 9 we started on our city tour. It’s quite hot – easily near 100F, but very dry, so much more comfortable than earlier. Drove out to Gadisar Lake. Entered old city and walked out to Jaisal Castle Hotel where we’d stayed in 1988. Much changed, it’s still charmingly recognizable, with several new additions. The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur. Interesting Jain temples lack the grandeur of Abu Dilwari or Ranakpur but are intriguing for their intimacy and delicate sandstone carvings. The finest sandstone work however is on the havelis of the master merchants -- Patwon ki Haveli, (the grandest haveli of Jaisalmer), Salim Singh ki haveli and Nathmal-ki-haveli give you some more idea of the haveli architecture of the town
City Walls Jaisalmer IndiaAfter lunch we returned to
Dadomers, and started looking at their displays
of textiles.
Maharaja palace in Desara Chowk Jaisalmer India
Balcony window, carved sandstone JAISALMER
Windows, carved sandstone JAISALMER
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