KULDHARA: A MYSTERY
Hundreds of miles crossed, the red and golden sands of the Thar desert of Jaisalmer lay beneath our feet, in front us extended the deserted village of Kuldhara, these ruins recite the story of accord and oneness of the Paliwal brahmins who once resided in this village and the 85 others surrounding it.
Kuldhara village lies 15 km west of Jaisalmer in western Rajasthan, the village was established by Paliwal brahmins in early 11th century, the Paliwal brahmins were a community famous for their business acumen and exceptional agricultural skills.
The ruins recite the story of how the whole clan abandoned the village and uprooted themselves within one night with no traceable marks. No one knows where the Paliwal went but they could not be found! But, the question remains, why did they abandon their homes and that too overnight?
According to folklore, back in the day when culture and religion were great deals, the tax minister of the village and its surrounding areas who was a Muslim named Salim Singh fell for a girl amongst the Paliwal brahmins (who apparently considered themselves to be the highest in rank amongst Hindu brahmins) and demanded to marry her or else he would levy heavy taxes on the villagers
Opposed to the idea of marrying their tribe girl a brahmin to a Muslim the people of Kuldhara and surrounding 83 villages migrated and left to never be found again
The ruins are all that are left now of a once prospering village!
The place is an amazing site for all those history, archeology and folklore lovers who seek adventure in each of their expeditions!
On reaching Kuldhara you will first encounter a sand stone gate built by the villagers just before it was abandoned. Once in Kuldhara, you will feel as if you have stepped into an entirely different world. Wide dusty roads and sand stone houses on either side of roads depict the architectural marvel of the Paliwal Brahmins. Few houses have been restored and these restored houses display courtyards, kitchen, along with other rooms
An amazing historical site, Kuldhara is a must visit if you are in Jaisalmer reciting a story as marvelous and chivalrous as all the other Rajwaras and holds the same grandiose as those of the palaces and forts of the Thar!
