Jaisalmer was founded by the Bhatti Rajput
chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156. According to the local legends,
seeking a more secure capital, the usurper was advised by a saint
to build a castle on the Trikuta hill. It was in fulfillment of
Lord Krishna's prophecy that a distant scion of his Yadav clan
would build a kingdom here. There was water on the hill, a
miracle performed by Krishna to quench the thirst of Arjuna. The
hilltop offered the safest fort location, dominating and
surveying the desert for miles. Jaisalmer lay on the camel trade
route between India and Central Asia.
Jaisalmer stands tall in the desolate beauty of the desert,
proudly welcoming visitors to an enchanting world of fable,
color, and history. The view of Jaisalmer Fort, first seen from a
distance of 15 km is stunning. In the early morning the ramparts,
bastions and the long stretching walls dazzle gloriously. The
yellow sandstone fortifications look magnificent. It is one of
the most exotic cities of the Orient, standing in the heart of
the desert for centuries. Today, Jaisalmer is the personification
of the old order influence the new. An inherent feel for color
and design percolated ever stratum of society, and jewelry,
crafts and architecture became objects of delight equally between
prince and peasant. The glory of Jaisalmer faded when sea trade
replaced the old land routes. But there isstill an 'Arabian
Nights' quality about the town.