Jaisalmer Fort - History

Jaisalmer under Bhati Rajputs

Bhati Rajput belonged to Sialkot area in Punjab who established themselves in a town called Annot, 120km away from Jaisalmer. One of the descendants named Devaraj defeated Nirpabharu who belonged to Lodra Rajput and made Lodruva his capital and called himself Maharawal.

Maharawal Jaisal was the descendant of Devaraj and he built the Jaisalmer Fort in 1156AD which is a massive fort. In that year, he dethroned his nephew Bhojdev with the help of Sultan of Gaur. King Jetsi also strengthened the fort in 1276 to protect the fort from Sultan of Delhi. But still the sultan was able to win over the fort by eight years of siege. Bhatis took over the fort again but were not able to repair it. Dodoo strengthened the fort in 1306.

Trade during ancient period

Jaisalmer was situated on Silk Road which was the trade route connecting east and west. Through this route trade with Persia, China, Egypt, Africa, and Arabia was possible. As Jaisalmer was the centre of the trade and also provided warehousing services so this fort was built.

Jaisalmer Fort under Alauddin Khilji and Mughals

Alauddin Khilji ruled Jaisalmer for nine years after capturing the fort in 13^th century. During the siege, women committed Jauhar. Mughal emperor Humayun also attacked the fort in 1541. Due to continuous attacks, the king of Jaisalmer signed a treaty with Akbar in 1570. He also offered his daughter in marriage to Akbar. Mughals controlled the fort till 1762.

Jaisalmer Fort under Rajputs and British

Maharawal Mulraj took over the fort from Mughals in 1762. He also signed a treaty with East India Company in 1818. Mulraj died in 1820 and was succeeded by his grandson Gaj Singh. During the British period, the trade route was changed. They started trading from port of Bombay that led to declination of trade from Silk Road and was closed after independence.