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Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace that you are likely to visit in India. It was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls. The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard.
Jaisalmer
is a bit of a paradox. So
far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one would
expect barren near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today
one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local
colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding
terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic.
The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived on
the forced levy on the caravans that crossed their territory
en-route Delhi. These caravans, laden with precious cargos of
spices and silk brought great wealth to this town. Because of
its remote location, Jaisalmer for years remained untouched by
outside influences and during the British Raj, the rulers of
Jaisalmer were the last to sign the instrument of agreement
with the British..
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