Inhabited UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inhabited UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India – In the heart of the Thar Desert, near the Pakistan border, lies Jaisalmer Fort, a living testament to history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

With its labyrinthine halls, quirky cafes, and bustling streets, the fort is a tourist attraction and a vibrant community that thousands call home.

Built-in 1156 by King Rawal Jaisal, the fort’s exterior walls span 1,500 feet, encapsulating centuries of history, from its glory days as a major city on the Silk Road to enduring conflicts and conquests. Today, it is a unique blend of the past and present, hosting a royal palace, public temples, shops, hotels, cafes, and homes within its walls.

Sanjay Vasu, a seasoned guide with 25 years of experience, leads tourists through the fort’s wonders. He points out the Hawa Pol gate, where locals gather during scorching summer months. However, for unsuspecting visitors, Vasu has a surprise: “Well, my friend, you are already within.”

The fort’s “living” status, however, poses challenges, as heritage specialist Kavita Jain notes. The population within the fort has surged, straining infrastructure. Outdated sewage lines and inadequate drainage threaten the foundation, with potential cascading effects if not addressed promptly.

Architect and conservationist Asheesh Srivastava, engaged in fort restoration since 2001, acknowledges the need for continued efforts. His work, initially with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and now with the Shri Girdhar Smarak Dharmarth Nyas Trust, faces the daunting task of preserving the fort’s essence.

Srivastava emphasizes the importance of locals rekindling their appreciation for heritage amid the challenges of routine familiarity. Yet, the fort’s residents, despite the government allotting land in the town, continue to expand within the fort itself. Families add new levels and structures, unaware that the original foundation may struggle to bear the weight.

“I have seen huge voids in the foundation during excavation because sand is washed away,” notes Srivastava, highlighting the need for urgent attention. Furthermore, the scarcity of artisans skilled in ancient construction techniques poses a threat. Younger generations are inclined toward modern construction methods, leaving behind the expertise required for preserving the fort’s authenticity.

Chaitanya Raj Singh, the current King of Jaisalmer, whose family owns a significant portion of the fort, recognizes the urgency of local involvement in restoration.

Singh envisions a collaborative effort with the state government to establish regulations for construction and fort expansion. He emphasizes the need for cooperation from residents and authorities to ensure the fort’s preservation for future generations.

Singh’s plea for local engagement aligns with Srivastava’s belief that a thorough restoration can yield long-term economic benefits. Premium pricing and rents could become a reality, mirroring successful transformations witnessed in Srivastava’s other projects, such as in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

The challenges are manifold, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention, cooperation from shop owners, and active participation from residents. Plans to regulate construction and expansion are underway, signaling a step toward a sustainable future for Jaisalmer Fort.

The fort, frozen in time, stands at a crossroads where its rich history collides with the pressing needs of the present. The delicate balance between preservation and progress will determine whether Jaisalmer Fort continues to enchant future generations or succumbs to the challenges of modernity.

As stakeholders rally for its restoration, the hope is that this living UNESCO World Heritage Site will stand resilient, embodying the spirit of a bygone era amidst the sands of time.