Global Treasures: Jaisalmer

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1240

UPC: 879061008399

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The magical and fairytale city of Jaisalmer, in the North Indian province of Rajasthan, is like something from the One Thousand and One Nights. The construction of the mighty fortress and subsequent creation of the city under Rajputen monarch Jaisal took place in 1155.

Today, the strongly fortified Jaisalmer Fort is entered by a total of three mighty gates that date back to the 16th century. The impressive Jain sanctuaries within the palace were partly built in the 15th century before the golden age of the Jaisalmers. Four Jain sanctuaries lead almost directly into each other, so at first sight they look like a single large temple complex.

Beyond the city walls are many interesting sights. On one side is the splendid Thar Desert, and on the other are the traces of the region's former monarchy. Tombs and many magnificent cenotaphs that are decorated mainly with heroic motifs adorn the barren landscape.

Festively adorned camels are a reminder of the colorful era of the caravan trains that once traversed the Thar Desert and helped to create the city's wealth.

Today, Jaisalmer continues to be a magical and mystical city, and in the centre of the Thar Desert the glittering dream of the One Thousand and One Nights is still very much alive!