Jaisalmer district General information
History
The fort & town of JAISALMER was founded by Maharawal Jaisal in the year 1156 AD after having shifted his capital from Ludharva (18 Kms away from Jaisalmer) to a safer place. The ruling family of the erstwhile Jaisalmer State belongs to Bhati Clan of Yadu Rajputs of Chandrawasnshi (Lunar) race who claim descent from Lord Krishna,the defied hero who ruled at Dwarka. The historical origin of Bahttis can be inferred from the couplet which says that the Yadu Rajputs ruled and constructed Forst at Kashi,Madhura, Pragvad, Gajni,Bhatner,Digam,Dirwal,Lodurva and ninth in Jaisalmer. (Gajni is in Afganisthan and Dirawal is now in Pakistan).
The present district is largely composed of the former JAISALMER state, which was among the Rajputana States to go under British protection. The treaty between Maharawal Moolraj-II and the British government of 12th December 1818 guaranteed to the ruler and his posterity the principality of Jaisalmer. Under this treaty the ruler of the State was required to act in subordinate cooperation with the British Government. At the time of Afgan War in 1938-39 the then ruler of the state Maharawal Gaj singh made excellent fool-proof arrangements for transportation of british troops for which British Government felt grateful to the ruler for timely help and cooperation. In 1844, after the British annexed Sind, The Forts of Shahgarh and Ghotaru, which are formerly belonged to JAISALMER, were restored to the State. In 1949 when Jaisalmer was merged into the state of Rajasthan, there was no important change in the area of the state.On October 6,1949,the region was given the status of an independent district in Jodhpur division.
Jaisalmer District is a district of Rajasthan state in western India. The city of Jaisalmer is the administrative headquarters of the district.
Jaisalmer District lies in the Thar Desert, which straddles the border of India and Pakistan. It is bounded on the northeast by Bikaner District, on the east by Jodhpur District, on the south by Barmer District, and on the west and north by Pakistan.
Location
District JAISALMER 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.
Geographical Limits
JAISALMER District, a part of the Great Thar Desert, is sandy, dry and scorched. The terrain around, within a radius of about 60 kms is stony and rocky. The area is barren, undulating with its famous sand dunes and slopes towards the Indus valley and the Runn of Kutch. The soil here is grateful even to a little rain and turns lush green during mansoon. There is no perennial river in the district. The underground water level is very low. Geographically this district is spread over in 38,401 sq. kms which is one of the largest district and almost equal to the state of Kerala. Joined together, the district of barmer and Jaisalmer is the Largest Parliamentary constituency in India.
Flora & Fauna
Khezada, Bavla, Lora, Rohida, Van, Phog, Kumbhar, Jal, Neem, Babul and many other trees are to be found among sparse vegetation. Orchards are luxury and can be seen occasionally in a very rare sport. Grass-beds or lawns are never seen anywhere. Animals perforce have to move from one place to another in search of fodder and water. Sheep, cow, goat, camel, boar and jackals from the fauna here. Poisonous snakes are common in the desert. The birds of various kinds commonly found in the area are peacock, parrot, pigeon, crow and specially the white Palam birds make the surroundings lively and interesting. The number of great Indian bustards, which were once in abundance in Thar Desert, began to decline fast. In addition to these cocks and hens are domestic birds.
Climate
District JAISALMER has a very dry climate with very hot summer; a cold winter and sparse rains. The climate is extremely hot during summer with maximum temperature reaching up to 49.2 degree celcious and extremely cold during winder with minimum temp. in the range of 1 degree celcious. The variation in temperature from morning to noon and the late midnight is a sudden phenomenon. The average rainfall is only 16.4 cms as against the state average of 57.51 cms.
INDUSTRIES
At present following are the main industries in this District:
* Tourism.
* Stone Cutting & Carving etc.
* Khadi industry.
* Mineral based industry.
The tourism and stone-related industries is elaborated under the section of tourism and mineral respectively.
Woolen khadi items of this district are very popular all over the country. Since animal husbandry is the main occupation of the people of this district. Khadi industry has developed as the most important cottage industry. About 2 lac square meter of khadi items are produced in this district every year.
As mentioned in the earlier chapter named Mineral deposits there is a vast scope of mineral based industries in this district. It hoped that major Cement plants and other mineral based industries will develop in this district very rapidly.
In Jaisalmer town, the RICCO industrial area Gandhi Colony is already developed. Baramsar and Hamira area have recently set apart.
A demarcated industrial area exists in pokaran also known as Ashapura induatrial area. There are three saline areas viz. Pokaran Rin, Gudi Rin & Kanod Rin. Thus salt industry is also expected to be developed in the near future.
In IGNP area there is a scope for oil mills, Dal mills and other agro-based industries.
Places of interest
Fort & inside fort-Jain Temples & Royal Palace.
Patwa Havelies.
Salim Singh’s Haveli.
Nathmal’s haveli.
Madir Palace (Tazia Tower).
Gadsisar Lake.
Govt. museum & the folk museum.