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Jaisalmer

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Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)
District Map of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer (जैसलमेर) is city and district in Rajasthan. Its ancient name was Jaisalmeru (जैसलमेरू).

Founder

Bhatti Chief Rao Jaisal in 1155 AD

Location

It is located within a rectangle lying between 26°.4’ –28°.23' North parallel and 69°.20'-72°.42' east meridians. It is the largest district of Rajasthan and one of the largest in the country. The breath (East-West) of the district is 270 Kms and the length (North-South) is 186 Kms. On the present map, district Jaisalmer is bounded on the north by Bikaner, on the west & south-west by Indian boarder, on the south by Barmer and Jodhpur, and on the east by Jodhpur and Bikaner Districts. The length of international boarder attached to District Jaisalmer is 471 Kms.

Tahsils in Jaisalmer District

Villages in Jaisalmer tahsil

Abhainagar, Adkiya, Akal, Alam Ka Gaon, Amar Sagar, Arjana, Asayach, Asoda, Asoo Ka Tala, Babuwali, Bachhiya Chhor, Bada, Bada Bag, Badhwa, Badoda-Gaon, Bahla, Balana, Bandha, Baramsar With Baisakhi, Baran, Basanpeer (Jooni), Basanpeer (Southern), Basna, Bersiyala, Bhadasar, Bhagoo Ka Gaon, Bhairwa, Bhiloi, Bhinda Khara, Bhinda Mangaliyowala, Bhiyan, Bhojasar, Bhojka, Bhoo, Bhoon, Bhuwana, Bichau, Bichhiya, Bida, Birma, Boha, Buili, Buranwali, Butoi Jeevanwali, Butoi Rahimwali, Chandhan, Chandoo, Chandrau, Changaniyon Ki Basti, Chaudhariya, Chauhani, Chhatrel, Chundhi, Dabla, Dabri, Damodara, Darbariyon Ka Gaon, Dav, Dedha, Deega, Delasar, Deuga, Dewa, Dhanana, Dhandhiya @ Sadiya, Dhaneli, Dhanwa, Dhauwa, Dhaysar, Dhoba, Dhuliya, Doojasar, Dorau, Drablapar, Edewali, Ekalpar, Gajau, Gamnewala, Ganeshiya, Ganeshiya Kot, Ganga, Geraja, Ghotadoo, Gogade, Gorera, Gunjangarh, Habur, Hada, Hadda, Hakra, Hameera, Hameeron Ki Basti, Hansuwa, Harda, Harnau, Hatar, Hema, Jaisalmer (M), Jaisoorana, Jajiya, Jamra, Jamrau, Janiya, Jaskaranpur, Jawandh Jooni, Jawandh Nai, Jayan, Jerat, Jetha, Jethwai, Jhabra, Jhalariya, Jhanda Khara, Jhanda Madhoojowala, Jhanda Meetha, Jiyai, Jiyau Khara, Jodha, Joga, Joga, Kabeer Basti, Kahla, Kakab, Kalau, Kalyan Ghat, Kandiyala, Kangoor, Kanod Beerma, Kanod Rawlotan, Kanoi, Karam Wala, Karda, Karmon Ki Dhani, Karta, Katha, Kathodi, Kerla, Keshoovon Ki Basti, Khabdela, Khabha, Khaderon Ki Dhani, Khardi, Khariya, Khariya Bhaikhan), Khariya Jethwi, Kheenwsar, Kheenyawas Rarki, Kheeya, Khoohri, Khuifatoojanwali @Khadoojanwali, Khuiyala, Kiradwali, Kishan Ghat, Kishangarh, Kodariya Ka Gaon, Kolootala, Koriya, Kuchhri, Kula Tala, Kuldhar, Kumhar Kotha, Kundhau, Kuntara, Lakha, Lakhmanon Ki Basti, Lalewali, Lambapar, Lanela, Langtala, Lidariwa, Liloi, Lohar, Longewala, Loonar, Loonon Ki Basti, Maghla, Mahwa, Malingda, Mandha, Mandhalwali, Mandhau, Maneri, Mangliyawas, Manpiya, Masooriya, Matwon Ki Basti, Meerwala, Meethatala, Megwalon Ki Dhani, Mehboob Ka Par, Mehna, Mehnau, Mehrana, Mithrau Khara, Mithrau Mochiyonwala, Mohangarh, Mokla, Moklat, Momdau, Moolsagar, Moondri, Motikilon Ki Dhani, Muhar, Mukne Ka Tala, Mungel, Murar, Myajlar, Naga, Nagon Ki Dhani, Nawatala, Neemba, Nehdai, Netsi, Nibiya, Nichoowali, Nijau, Parewar, Patanwali, Peerau, Phaleri, Piparla, Pithala, Pochheena, Pohar, Polji Ki Dehri, Rabhlau Fakironwala, Rabhlau Rajronwala, Raghwa, Rahoon Ka Par, Raimala, Ramgarh, Ramkunda, Ratrau, Ratta, Ratwa, Rehrund, Relna, Ridawa, Rojaniyon Ki Basti, Roopsi, Sadhawala, Sadhna, Sadrau (Pohar), Sagra, Sagron Ki Basti, Salkha, Sam, Sameja Par, Sanger, Sankhla, Sanwala, Sata, Selat, Serawa, Seuwa, Shahgarh, Shahra, Shekhar, Sipala, Siyalon Ki Basti, Siyambar, Soma, Somrau, Sonoo, Sorhakor, Soron Ki Dhani, Sultana, Surron Ki Dhani, Suwar, Tadana, Tanot, Tejpala, Tejsi, Tejwa, Thaiyat, Tharoi, Tibansar, Turkon Ki Basti, Ukralapar,

History

Jaisalmer Fort: Built in 1156 by the Bhati ruler Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort, situated on Meru Hill and named as Trikoot Garh has been the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets. The famous Indian film director Satyajit Ray wrote a detective novel and later turned it into a film − Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) which was based on this fort. About a quarter of city's population still live inside the fort. The main attractions inside the fort are: Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples and the Laxminath temple.

Jain heritage of Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer has been enriched by its Jain community, which has adorned the city with beautiful temples, notably the temples dedicated to the 16th Tirthankara, Shantinath, and 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath.

There are seven Jain temples in total which are situated within the Jaisalmer fort built during the 12th and 15th centuries. Among these temples, the biggest is the Paraswanath Temple; the others are Chandraprabhu temple, Rishabdev temple, Shitalnath Temple, Kunthunath Temple, and Shantinath Temple. Known for their exquisite work of art and architecture that was predominant in the medieval era the temples are built out of yellow sandstone and have intricate engravings on them.

Jaisalmer has some of the oldest libraries of India which contain rarest of the manuscripts and artifacts of Jain tradition. There are many pilgrimage centres around Jaisalmer such as Lodhruva (Lodarva), Amarsagar, Brahmsar and Pokharan.

Jain Inscriptions in Jaisalmer district

Source - Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan by Ramvallabh Somani, Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan, Jaipur, 1982, p.175-179

[p.175]: Jaisalmer is famous for its ancient Jain temples and other architectural reporatories. The literary sources reveal that a Jain temple of Parshwnath was erected there in Vikram era 1260 by Bohithara Ksemendhar's son Jagaddhar. Several festivities were arranged at Jaisalmer in Vikram era 1321, 1326, 1340, 1356, 1383 etc under the auspices of the monks of kharataragachchha. A Vidhi-Chaitya of Parshwnath was also constructed there by Upakesh Jindeva, as is evinces from the Khambhat inscription of Vikram era 1356. Thus it can be said that when Alauddin Khilji invaded, there were several Jain temples in Jaisalmer. All of them were demolished during the course of invasion. At present there are following Jain temples deserving special mention.

Chintamani Parshwnath

[p.175]: Chintamani Parshwnath situated in the Fort, the Chintamani Parshwanath Temple, also known as “Laxman Vihar”, is celebrated among the important Jain shrines of Rajasthan. The construction of the temple was

[p.176]: started in Vikram era 1450 by the Kharataragachchha-Shangh under the instructions of Jinraj Suri. An old icon of Parshwnath, salvaged from some other shrine, was set up in the temple. On its completion in Vikram era 1473, a grand festivity was arranged under the auspices of Jinvardhana Suri of Kharataragachchha, who is famous for undertaking Sangh Yatras towards Jaunpur (UP) under and other parts of Eastern India and remained a controversial figure.

There are two important inscriptions of Vikram era 1473 recording the activities concerning to construction work with genealogical details of Bhati rulers, from Jaitara Singh to Laxman and also of the Ranka family responsible for erecting the shrine. Jaitra Singh’s son Moolraj and Ratan Singh are said to have righteously protected the town against the invasion of Alauddin. Ratan Singh’s son Ghat Singh recaptured the same acting “like a lion teered up the elephants in shape of malechhas". Mulraj’s grandson was Kehar, whose son Laxman was then a reigning prince.

Manifold details of the Ranka family about undertaking pilgrimages and performance of other religious rites during the years Vikram era 1425, 1427, 1436, 1449, 1473 etc have been recorded. It is curious that after the completion of the temple in Vikram era 1473 we do not find any mention of this prosperous family except a fragmentary inscription of Vikram Era 1513, which tends us to believe that some misfortune fail upon it.

The temple looks quite simple from outside, but on beholding its inner part, a fascinating and charming scene appears. It is planned quite resembling to other coeval shwetambar temples having a Toran, Garbh-gariha, Ranga-mandapa, Navachauki, Mukha-chatushkika, Bhramati, Balanak, Devakulikas, etc. It is decorated with many nicely executed figures and other charming ornamentation. The pillars of Mandapas and other inner parts of temple have been exquisitely chiselled with rich carving, thick tracery and deep inlaids. By looking this prestigious work of art, together with other temples of Jaisalmer and Ranakpur, we may say that the Western Indian art tradition was still surviving.

[p.177]: Some more inscriptions recording installation of the Nandishvara- Pattas in Vikram era 1518 have been noticed from this Temple. These inscribed-pattas depict various scenes. Some icons were added to the temple by the family of Ganadhar-Chopara and Bida Sankhwal in Vikram era 1536.

Sambhavanath Temple

It is adjacent to the Chintamani temple and can be reached throw the Ranga- Mandap of the said Temple. It is also famous for its rich carving and other magnificent architectural details. The famous Jnana-Bhandar having a large number of palm leaves and illustrated MSS is in its underground cell. The structural unit of this temple is also similar to the Chintamani Temple. It was constructed by the Ganadhar Chopra family, famous for many meritorious deeds. Its Foundation was laid in Vikram era 1493 and on its completion in Vikram Era 1497, a large scale Pratishtha Mahotsava was arranged when more than 300 sculptures were consecrated by Jin Bhadrasuri.

The inscription of Vikram era 1497 of this Temple records that the historical data of the Bhati rulers of Jaisalmer, manyfold details of Ganadhar-Chopra family and of the monks of kharataragachchha. In verse-4 of the inscription the Fort of Jaisalmer is praised for its invincibility. A genealogical record of the rulers of Jaisalmer from Jaitra Singh to Bairi Singh have been given with the name of Rawal Duda, which was omitted in the Chintamani inscription of Vikram era 1473. The name of Jinvardhan Suri, who consecrated the Chintamani Temple is omitted in the inscription for obvious reasons as the Jain Sangh had removed him from Acharyaship and installed Jinbhadra Suri, in his place on whose behest this temple was elected. Ganadhar-Chopara family undertook sangh-yatra to Shatrunjaya and Revantaka in the Year Vikram era 1487. A large Tapa-pattika was setup by Shravika Geli, who was the sister of Shivraj Chopra and mother of Sankhwal Kheta

[p.178]: (Two conspicuous families of Jaisalmer), giving dates of various Kalyans of the tirthankaras. Such inscription of dates is rare on stone and no such inscription is available in Rajasthan except in Abu.

Shantinath

[p.178]: Shantinath: the twin temples of Shantinath and Kuntanath have been described as marvelous pieces of art. Beautifully engraved with sculptural exuberance these Temples prove to be jewels among the Jain temples of Jaisalmer. The lower part of the temple has been dedicated to Kunthanath and its pattern is based on Asthapada. It was erected jointly by the Chopara and Shankhwal families. The temple has a large inscription dated Vikram era 1583, which was and graved at the time of the completion of the upper part of the shrine known as Shantinath. The inscription furnishes manyfold details about Khetasi, together with 13 pilgrimages to Shatrunjaya Undertaker between the years Vikram era 1514 and 1524.

The three storeyed temple of Chandraprabha, a replica of Ranakpur, has no inscription but it is believed that it was completed in Vikram Mehra 1509. The temple of Rishabh Deva, quite adjacent to Chandraprabha Temple also has no epigraph. Architecturally also it is not a good work. Except a Suparshanath temple situated inside the city, which is of the tapa-gachchha. All other Temple belong to the kharataragachchha.

Architectural activities continued in Jaisalmer incessantly, but we find a sharp contrast between the latter and medieval Temple architectures. The temples of Amar Sagar constructed by Himat Ram Bafna and others are not embellished with the exquisitely chiselled pillared Ranga-mandapa, mukh-chatuskika etc. The entire plan has been changed. More stress seems to have been laid on stone carving and lattice works.

Lodrava

[p.178]: Lodrava remained an ancient capital of the Bhati rulers. On its destruction by the forces of Muhammad Ghori in Vikram Era 1234

[p.179]: (1178 AD), the Bhatis constructed a new fort at Jaisalmer, where they shifted their capital. Some sculptures Salvaged from the ancient ruins of Lodrava were later on placed in the temples of Jaisalmer. Thiru Shah Bhansali renovated a Parshwnath temple in Vikram era 1675 at Lodrava. The four corner temples as mentioned below have also be constructed in it by various members the above family.

  • South Eastern corner - Adinath
  • Southern corner - Ajitnath
  • North Western corner - Sambhavnath
  • North Eastern corner - Chintamani Parshwnath

The torans were added to these temples in Vikram era 1693. These temples, Torans and other architectural remains were consecrated by Jinraj Suri. The Dadawadi inscription of Vikram era 1678 also corroborates the same.

The Shatadal Yantra inscription is peculiar, as its text having 100 lines has been engraved in such a style which makes the entire epigraph look like a Yantra. Such a style of writing, although popular in manuscripts, is quite rare in stone epigraphs.

जैसलमर

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर[1] ने लेख किया है ...जैसलमर (AS, p.370) राजस्थान की प्राचीन रियासत तथा उसका मुख्य नगर है. किवदंती के अनुसार जैसलराव ने जैसलमेर की नींव 1155 ई. (1212 विक्रम संवत) में डाली थी. कहा जाता है कि जैसलराव के पूर्व-पुरुषों ने ही गजनी बसाई थी और उन्होंने ही राजा शालिवाहन के समय में सियालकोट बसाया था. किसी समय जैसलमेर बड़ा नगर था जो अब इसके अनेक रिक्त भवनों को देखने से सूचित होता है. प्राचीन काल में यहां पीला मुलायम संगमरमर तथा अन्य कई प्रकार के पत्थर तथा मिट्टियां पाई जाती थी जिनका अच्छा व्यापार था. यह सारा नगर ही पीले सुंदर पत्थर का बना हुआ है जो नगर की विशेषता है. यहां के मंदिर प्राचीन भवन और प्रासाद भी इसी पीले पत्थर के बने हुए हैं और उन पर जाली का बारीक काम किया हुआ है. जैसलमेर के प्राचीन ऐतिहासिक स्मारकों में सर्वप्रमुख यहां का किला है. यह 1155 ई. में निर्मित हुआ था. यह स्थापत्य का सुंदर नमूना है. इसमें बारह सौ घर हैं. 15 वीं शती में निर्मित जैन मंदिरों के तोरणों, स्तंभों, प्रवेश द्वारों आदि पर जो बारीक नक्काशी व शिल्प प्रदर्शित है उसे देखकर दांतो तले उंगली दबानी पड़ती है. कहा जाता है कि जावा,बाली आदि प्राचीन हिंदू व बौद्ध उपनिवेशों के स्मारकों में जो भारतीय वास्तु व मूर्ति-कला प्रदर्शित है उससे जैसलमेर के जैन मंदिरों की कला का अनोखा सामय है. किले में लक्ष्मीनाथ जी का मंदिर अपने भविष्य के लिए प्रख्यात है. नगर से चार मील दूर अमरसागर के मंदिर में मकराना के संगमरमर की बनी हुई मनोहर जालिया निर्मित हैं. जैसलमेर की पुरानी राजधानी लोद्रवापुर थी. यहां पुराने खण्डहरों [p.371]: के बीच केवल एक प्राचीन जैन मंदिर ही है जो काल-कवलित होने से बचा है. एक प्राय: एक सहस्त्र वर्ष प्राचीन है. जैसलमेर के शासक महारावल कहलाते थे.

Jaisal founded Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer was founded by Bhatti Chief Jaisal . Earlier the capital of Bhatts was at Lodorva ruled by nephew of Jaisal named Bhojdeo. Bhojdeo had not long occupied the gadi of Lodorva, when his uncle Jaisal conspired against him ; but being always surrounded by a guard of five hundred Solanki Rajputs, hiss person was unassailable. At this time, the prince of Puttun was often engaged with the king s troops from Tatha. Jesul, in pursuance of his plan, determined to coalesce with the king, and cause an attack on Puttun (Anhulwarra), by which alone he could hope for the departure of the Solanki body-guard. Jaisal, with his chief kin, escorted by two hundred horse, marched to the Punjnud, where he saw the king of Ghor, who had just overcome the king of Tatha, and placed his own garrison there, and he accompanied him to Arore, the ancient capital of Sind. There he unfolded his views, and having sworn allegiance to the king, he obtained a force to dispossess his nephew of his territory. Lodorva was encompassed, and Bhojdeo slain in its defence. In two days the inhabitants were to carry off their effects, and on the third the troops of Ghor were permitted the license of plunder. Lodorva was sacked, and Kureem Khan departed for Bekher with the spoils. [2]

Jaisal thus obtained the gadi of Lodorva ; but it being open to invasion, he sought a spot better adapted for defence, and he found one only five coss (ten miles) from Lodorva. Upon the summit of a rocky ridge, he discovered a Brahmin, whose solitary hermitage adjoined the fountain of Brimsir. [3]

On Rubwar, 'the day of the sun,' (a favourite day for commencing any grand undertaking with all these tribes), the 12th of Sravan, the enlightened half of the moon, S. 1212 (A.D. 1156), the foundation of Jessulmer was laid, and soon the inhabitants, with all that was valuable, abandoned Lodorva, and began to erect new habitations. [4]

Jaisal had two sons, Kailan and Salivahan II. He chose his chief ministers and advisers from the children of Sodil, of the Pahoo tribe, who became too powerful. Their old enemies, the Channa Rajpoots, again invaded the lands of Khadal ; but they suffered for their audacity. Jaisal survived this event five years, when he died, and was succeeded by his youngest son, Salivanan II.[5]

Migration of Yadus

James Tod[6] writes that the tide of Yadu migration during the lapse of thirty centuries, traces them, from Indraprastha, Surapura, Mathura, Prayaga, Dwarica, Jadu Ka Dang (the mountains of Jud), Behera, Ghazni in Zabulistan ; and again refluent into India, at Salivahanpura or Salpura in the Punjab. Tannot, Derawal, Lodorva in the desert, and finally Jaisalmer, founded in S. 1212, or A.D. 1156.

Jat Gotras Namesake

Jat Officers Meet

Jaisalmer Jat Officers Meet, 15.09.2023

On 15.09.2023 there was a get together to welcome Shailesh Machra IFS 2022 in Jaisalmer Military Station. Following were present: from left to right in picture:

External links

References

  1. ↑ Aitihasik Sthanavali by Vijayendra Kumar Mathur, p.
  2. ↑ James Tod: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume II, Annals of Jaisalmer, p.219
  3. ↑ James Tod: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume II, Annals of Jaisalmer, p.219
  4. ↑ James Tod: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume II, Annals of Jaisalmer, p.220
  5. ↑ James Tod: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume II, Annals of Jaisalmer, p.220
  6. ↑ James Tod: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Volume II, Annals of Jaisalmer, p.194-195
  7. ↑ "Jawahar Niwas: Grace of Jaisalmer". The Economic Times. May 31, 2002.
  8. ↑ "About Jaisalmer". Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan

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