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15 km to the west of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is Kuldhara, a village in ruins. This well planned layout was once a thriving village like any other in Rajasthan. The Paliwal Brahmins occupied the village along with 83 other villages surrounding Kuldhara. And one night, the whole community disappeared from the scene without declaring any particular reason. That too after having resided in that very land for more than seven long centuries. All that we know now is that they left one curse behind that would leave the villages abandoned forever and shrouded in legends.
One legend has it that the ruler desired to marry the daughter of Kuldhara's chieftain. This forceful act was against the honour and pride of the community here. Hence, all the chieftains of 84 villages got together and decided to abandon the place in one night. There's no story that says how they did it. But one night was all it took.
Photo Courtesy: Nevil Zaveri
Another narrative surrounding the ruthful ruler has it that there were intolerable taxes heaved upon people. Following which the intelligent chieftains vacated the villages having no other go.
That is not all. There's another story that gives a sense of political instability at the time. A Mughal king, in pursuit of capturing Jaisalmer, poisoned or made impure the wells and other water sources of the city. It is also said that animal carcasses was thrown into water bodies which led to the Brahmin migration from Kuldhara. In any case the villagers had no option but to shift elsewhere.
It is not known where they migrated to. However, Jodhpur seems to have enjoyed their presence and prosperity. The Paliwals from there on might have split into two and hence are known to be both Brahmins and Rajputs.
Photo Courtesy: timeflicks
This ghost town is now a tourist site also the subject of ghostly occurences if some are to be believed.. Make sure you visit the ruins when you are in Jaisalmer. The ghostly setting with the desert backdrop has attracted many movie directors. Recently, Saif Ali Khan's 'Agent Vinod' was shot right here.
Jaisalmer is well connected to Jodhpur. Tourists must keep out a few hours of their time to visit Kuldhara.
