Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
The Golden City
Jaisalmer was established in the 12th century by the Rajput king Rawal Jaisal, a fortress town rising from the sands of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Local craftsmen used the abundant yellow sandstone to fashion the solid ramparts of the fort, as also to carve out ornate doorways, cupolas and verandas. Successive generations have continued the tradition.
Like much of the architecture of the region, Jaisalmer is built in an amalgamation of local and Mughal styles. The traditional havelis, large houses with their multiple courtyards and shaded balconies; the ornate chhatris, literally umbrella-shaped structures or cupolas; the delicate carved screens which effectively provided shade and increased surface area for cooling; the orientation and planning of the streets and drainage system –all served both aesthetic and functional purpose.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Some of the most elaborate stone buildings of the town are the many Jain temples inside the fort, which were built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A close up of Tilon Ki Pol, the ornate gateway of Gadisar Lake, shows the intricate stone carving.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Cenotaph of Maharawal Shalivaham Singh, who ruled Jaisalmer from 1890 to 1914 CE.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Fine geometric and floral carvings executed in local sandstone.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Detail of carved sandstone jaali or fretwork.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Some of the cenotaphs are in the form of a chattri or cupola, its size depending on the stature and rank of the person commemorated.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Detail of carving on the inside of a cupola.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Detail of carved figures inside a cenotaph, Bada Bagh.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Pillar with carved figure of the Hindu deity Shiva with his consort Parvati.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Stone carving of the elephant headed god Ganesha.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Cenotaph dedicated to multiple rulers – carved inscriptions give details of their reigns.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Bada Bagh, literally meaning 'large garden', also houses a set of chattris overlooking a mango grove.
Many of these are dedicated to the royal women who ended their lives rather than being captured by the enemy when their husbands were killed in battle.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A typical window in a carved stone façade.
Architecture that lasts
Much of the town’s historical architecture is a ‘living’ heritage. Families continue to live in the homes they have occupied for several generations. A significant part of the town’s population still lives within the walls of the fort.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Wires criss-cross in front of a carved stone haveli. Many such traditional houses with their delicate carvings are still lived in.
Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about Jaisalmer's stonecraft tradition here:
- Life in the Golden City
- Jaisalmer Stone: From Natural Rock to Handcrafted Homes and Products
Text: Rashmi Sacher
Photography: Subinoy Das
Artisans: Kamal Kishore Vaishno and his team of crafts people, Ladoo Ram, workers at Ricco industries
Ground Facilitator: Rashmi Sacher
Curation: Aradhana Nagpal
