Introduction: Located in the western part of the state, with an area of 38,401 sq. kms which is equivalent to the area of Kerala state in India, Jaisalmer is the largest district of the state and country. Situated in the great Thar desert, The district is bounded by Pakistan on its North and West, Barmer on South, Jodhpur on East and Bikaner district of Rajasthan on North-East. Geographically it lies on 26°.4’ to 28°.23' North latitudes and 69°.20' to 72°.42' east longitudes. When combined together the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer constitute the largest parliamentary constituency in the country.
History:The fort and city was founded by by Maharawal Jaisal in the year 1156 AD, with an intention of shifting his capital from Ludharva (18 Kms away from Jaisalmer) to some safe location. The control of Jaisalmer was under the authority of Bhati clan of Yadu rajputs known as Chandrawanshi, who are believed to blessed by Lord Krishna. The history reveals that the origin of the Yadu rajputs can be known from the little poems which say that Yadu rajputs ruled and constructed forts at kashi, mathura, gajni, bhatner and at various places.
The present district of Jaisalmer which was a part of Rajputana states, had been under the control of British like other princely states. On December 12, 1818 a treaty of alliance was signed between Maharawal Moolraj-II and the British government in which it was decided that the Maharaja will act as subordinate to the British empire.
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 1838-39 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.
Tourist Destinations: Renowned as Golden City the district occupies an important place in the tourist International Map. It is estimated that every year almost 1.75 lakh tourist visit the district. The major attractive places in the district are:
Jaisalmer Fort: Jain Temples & Royal Palace constructed inside the fort are the major attractions of the fort. Besides, this the other worth visiting places from tourist visiting point are Patwa Havelies, Salim Singh’s Haveli, Nathmal’s haveli, Madir Palace (Tazia Tower), Gadsisar Lake, Govt. museum & the folk museum.
Despite of this, the two communities ‘Manganiars’ and ‘Langas’ hold the credit of preserving their traditional art and music. The folk music and folk dances with the help of folk musical instruments fascinates tourists during their visit to the district.
Desert Festival: Every year the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture organized this festival. The major attraction and most exciting feature of this festival is organization of several competitions between the local and tourists which occupy an important place in this festival.
Connectivity: Being recognized as one of the major tourist destinations, Jaisalmer is connected with all the sources of transportation.
Air: Jaisalmer is not connected to airways. The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport which is about 285 kms away from the district. The Jodhpur airport is well connected to all major cities of India. Besides, the Indian Airlines, flights from private companies also operate from here.
Rail: Jaisalmer is well connected to major cities of India through broad gauge as well as meter gauge railway tracks. Direct trains from Jaisalmer are available to Jodhpur as well as Delhi. The major attraction which adds pleasure experience to rail tourism is the train Palace on Wheels which passes through the desert.
Road: District is well connected to all districts of the state. As the district lies closer to the border of Pakistan major emphasis is paid on the maintenance of the conditions of the roads. Various deluxe and common buses are operated both by Rajasthan Roadways and Private Companies from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Jalore, Ahemdabad etc.