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The Desert Culture Centre and Museum (DCCM) display the customs and the rich cultural heritage of Jaisalmer, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. It would be an incomplete visit to Jaisalmer, if you do not visit the DCCM. Its main aim is to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, and conduct research on the local history
It has on display the glorious past of Jaisalmer, which includes rare old coins, textiles, fossils and the traditional Rajasthani instruments. It also has on display the conventional Rajasthani artifacts, ranging from old kitchen tools, normally used objects, to the colorful attire of the nobles who ruled the area. The museum also displays a wide range of ancient and medieval fossils of the creatures that once inhabited the region.
One thing that interests most of the foreign tourists is an ancient utensil known as "Karal". It was used by the rich and famous for mixing their daily dose of opium. The added attraction of the place is that the Tourism Department organizes special showcase programs for the tourists. If you wish to catch up on one of those programs, you have to be there in time to avoid the heavy rush owing to its immense popularity.
History of Desert Culture Centre and Museum
The city of Jaisalmer, also known as The Golden City because of the honey color imparted to its stone ramparts was founded by Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaiswal in 1156 AD. It fell on the major trade routes to the western countries. According to an interesting legend, Lord Krishna, himself a Yadav, told Arjun, that one of the Yadavs would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. The growth of Mumbai, as a trading nerve centre in the western India, was the start of the decline of Jaisalmer on the trade map. The hostile relations with the neighboring Pakistan after independence also had an adverse effect on its strategic importance as a major trading center. The severe drought like conditions and water shortages in this desert region drove the final nail in the coffin. The Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 revealed its location strategic importance.
Special attractions in and around Desert Culture Centre and Museum
Jaisalmer is a great place to simply roam around. The old city was once surrounded by a great wall, most of which has however crumbled down with the passage of time. But some of it still remains in the form of city gates, inside which you can witness the massive fort towering over the city. The area around the fort, within the precincts of the wall, known as old Jaisalmer, is still inhabited by nearly one fourth of the whole population of Jaisalmer. The area in itself conjures up the images of medieval royalty of the common folk living in tiny by lanes with a majestic fort as a backdrop. The setting sun in the west imparts a beautiful golden brown color to the whole of Jaisalmer city, and is a sight to watch.
Best Time to Visit Desert Culture Centre and Museum
October to February (Especially during the Desert Festival held in January/February every year).
Timings
10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Location
State: Rajasthan
District: Jaisalmer
Distance of Desert Culture Centre and Museum from nearest cities: Jaisalmer located around 17 Kilometers from Akal Wood Fossil Park is the nearest city.
How to reach Desert Culture Centre and Museum
Air: The nearest airport is the Jodhpur Airport, which is located, around 285 Kilometers from Desert Culture Centre and Museum
Rail: Jaisalmer located around 17 Kilometers from Desert Culture Centre and Museum is the nearest railhead.
Road: The area is well connected by road from Jaisalmer.
Tourism Department
Tourist Reception Center
Jaisalmer
Telephone: 91-2992-252406
Climatic Conditions
The climate of this area is quite hot and dry. Weather is cool and pleasant in the evenings. In summers temperature can reach up to 41.6°C.
Clothing
Light cotton clothes in summers are recommended. It is advisable to keep your head covered with a turban to avoid the sun stroke.
Tourist attractions near Desert Culture Centre and Museum
- Jaisalmer Fort: The golden colored fort was built in 1156 by a Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal on the Trikuta Hill. From its 80 feet high perch you can get a bird's eye view of the bleak desertscape surrounding it
- Patwon Ki Haveli: This is the most magnificent of all the havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys tall, and one of its apartments is painted with beautiful murals. The inner walls are adorned by the remnants of mirror work and paintings of that period.
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli: It is located just below the Trikuta Hill, and was built by Salim Singh, when he was the prime minister of the princely state of Jaisalmer, approximately 300 years ago.
- Nathmal Ki Haveli: It was built in late 19th century, and was also a prime minister's house. It is quite similarly balanced in design to the Salim Singh ki Haveli. The interior walls are adorned by splendid miniature paintings.
- Gadi Sagar: It is locate towards south of the city walls. It once used to meet all the water requirement of the whole city. Quite many exotic water birds flock here during the winters. There are many beautiful temples and shrines around it.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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