Life in the Golden City

The cultural landscape of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Jaisalmer Stone: The magnificent Jaisalmer Fort (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The colour of the camel merges into the colour of the stone, which merges into the colour of the desert landscape. This is Jaisalmer, located in the Thar Desert in the north-western state of Rajasthan in India. Named after its founder, Rawal Jaisal, the town was once contained within its fort, which was built in the 12th century CE. 

The fort remains a prominent feature. Much of its architecture, as well as that of the rest of the town, is of local yellow sandstone. The desert sun imbues the town with a soft golden hue, hence its appellation as the ‘golden city’. 

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Rann Utsav - Jaisalmer's annual festival 

Tourism is one of the main pillars of Jaisalmer's local economy. In contrast to the quiet life of the hot months, the tourist season brings the town throngs of visitors. Rann Utsav - the Desert Festival, held annually, is a major attraction. Camel safaris, folk music against the desert sunset, colourful local textiles and food – the life of the town takes on another tempo, packing in a feast of local culture.

The festival is famous for its cultural events: folk music and dance, snake-charmers, camel races, turban-tying contests and the Mr Desert competition.

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The vibrant Desert Festival takes place in the picturesque Sam Sand Dunes of the Thar Desert, about 42 km from Jaisalmer city.

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Local camel owners offer visitors camel rides in the extensive rolling sands of the Sam Sand Dunes.

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Getting ready for the camel race - one of the attractions of Desert Festival.

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Winner of the race - Ismail with his 15 year-old camel, Hritik. A fourth time race winner, Hritik is named after a popular Hindi film star.

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Stunt bike riding at the Desert Festival.

Jaisalmer Stone: Jaisalmer Desert Festival (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Mohan Singh, twelve-time winner of the longest moustache competition. In Rajasthan, the moustache is considered a symbol of manliness and family honour.

Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Glimpses of life inside the 'Golden City'

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Local yellow sandstone is the predominant material used in Jaisalmer’s architecture.

The first rays of the sun give the town’s narrow streets a golden gleam.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Life in a residential area of Jaisalmer: townfolk and their animals relaxing in the stone street.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

An elderly man enjoys the afternoon sun outside his house of yellow sandstone.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Women of the locality gathered for a community meeting.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

While other folks may have gilt-edged wedding cards, residents of Jaisalmer have the unique practise of painting wedding announcements on their golden stone walls.

An essential element is the Hindu Lord Ganesha, whose blessings are considered auspicious, along with details such as the names of the bride and groom and the date of the ceremony.

The announcement is not removed but replaced by the next marriage announcement which occurs in the family.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A local mosque with an elaborately carved entrance. Jaisalmer’s architectural heritage is a common thread shared by its various communities.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Intricate fretwork adorns the Laxmi Nath Temple inside the Fort.

Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Tilon ka Pol, the gateway of Gadisar Lake.

In the foreground are traditional Rajasthani clothes with embroidery and mirror work. These are for the benefit of visitors who want to be photographed in local attire.

Jaisalmer Stone: The magnificent Jaisalmer Fort (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Jaisalmer Fort - an integral part of the city

The Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sonar Quila, the Bengali term for golden fortress, after the eponymous film by legendary Bengali film maker Satyajit Ray. The town was once contained within the ramparts of the fort which rose from the sands. It now extends further, a sea of modern construction in yellow stone.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A living fort - the winding streets within contain habitations occupied for generations by local families.

It is a common scene to see people in traditional costume going about their daily business.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Roadside shops in the fort sell a variety of souvenirs for visitors: leather goods, wooden handicrafts, gems, decorative stone pieces and textiles.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Vendors with carts cater to the locals, selling anything from vegetables to plastic toys and earthenware pots.

Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A living heritage

Its many historical temples, mausoleums and traditional houses or havelis, make Jaisalmer a treasure of Rajasthani architecture. Much of this is a living heritage, with families continuing to live in the homes they have occupied for generations. The newer construction keeps its continuity with the old, using the local yellow stone and the traditional craft of carving. 

Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The people of Jaisalmer live comfortably with their architectural heritage. Old, ornate carvings are a part of their lives and dwellings.

Here, women sit outside their family home. The detailed carving on the first floor is an example of fine workmanship from earlier times.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Much of the new construction carries forward the architectural tradition.

Carved verandas and doorways are a common element in many modern buildings such as this hotel in the centre of town.

Jaisalmer Stone: Life in the golden city (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Credits: Story

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

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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