TOUR REPORT

Submitted by : Ananya , Anurag, Elsa, Leo, Melvin,Nimmy, Shamsudeen

 CHAPTER
OVERVIEW

This section covers the eleventh & twelfth day of the trip which was the two days this great team had in
Golden city Jaisalmer. Programme for that day majorly constituted visiting a number of places within
Jaisalmer. Places visited were Gadi Sagar Lake, Jaisalmer fort, Patwa Haveli and a number of streets within
the city. After these visits we headed to Ahmedabad at night by the means of bus. Below is a detailed
outline of some of the places visited and their importance to students.

JAISALMER

The Golden City of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is simply unmatched. The splendid Jaisalmer Fort stands proudly
on its land and narrates the stories of the valor and chivalry of the Rajput rulers. Jaisalmer still retains its
medieval charm, which is evident in its colorful narrow streets, splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan,
opulent havelis and bazaars.

GADI SAGAR LAKE

• The Gadi Sagar in Jaisalmer is one of the most beautiful manmade marvel. Lovely golden stone
buildings round the lake.The artificial reservoir of Gadi Sagar was built to serve as a source of
water. It was built in 1156 A.D by Mahraja Jaisal that would help the major water problems that
his people were facing. However, later in 1367, it was reconstructed by Maharaja Garsi Singh. The

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reservoir is also known as 'Lake Garsisar'. The part 'Garsi' is taken from the name of the Maharaja
and 'sar' means lake. The reservoir also has a beautiful sandstone gateway. This gateway has
beautiful arched windows.

• The lake has a number of beautifully carved Chattris, temples, shrines, and ghats surrounding the
lake. This lake becomes further attractive during the winter as the lake attracts a large number of
migratory birds.

• The locals often feed the catfish bread as they often feed all animals something as a tribute to
them - a nice touch. Never have seen so many catfish in 1 place.The area around the Gadi Sagar
Lake also becomes alive during the Gangaur Festival. The area around the lake is decorated very
well. There is also provision for boating in the lake. The tranquil beauty of the surrounding is a
great experience for tourists. The Jaisalmer fort in the backdrop, offers an amazing view.

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 SIGNIFICANCE OF GADI SAGAR LAKE TO THE STUDENTS

Their exquisite work of art and architecture that was predominant. Lake surrounded by the small
temples and shrines.

The lake has a number of beautifully carved Chattris, temples, shrines, and ghats surrounding the lake.

JAISALMER FORT


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Rising like a sunbeam from the golden sands of the desert, Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort
of Rajasthan. A sight to behold, this living fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani Architecture,
especially of the stone carver's art.
 Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is believed to
be one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one
fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.
 It is Massive Yellow sandstone are tawny lion color during the dark fading to honey gold as the
sunsets.

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 Legend has it that the fort was built by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput, in 1156 CE.The story says that
it superseded an earlier construction at Lodhruva, with which Jaisal was dissatisfied. Thus, a new
capital was established when Jaisal founded the city of Jaisalmer.
 Light yellow sandstone for walls 50mm thick panels of limestone used on upper levels for elements
on projecting wall facades.
 Four massive gateways through which visitors to the fort must pass, situated along with the main
approach to the citadel.
 Jain Temples: Inside Jaisalmer Fort, there are 7 Jain temples built by yellow sandstone during 12-
16th century. Askaran Chopra of merta built a huge temple dedicated to Sambhavanatha. The
temple has more than 600 idols with many old scriptures.
 Numerous Merchant Havelis. These are large houses often built by wealthy merchants in Rajasthani
towns and cities in North India, with ornate sandstone carvings. Some havelis are many hundreds
of years old. In Jaisalmer there are many elaborate havelis carved from yellow sandstone. Some
of these have many floors and countless rooms, with decorated windows, archways, doors and
balconies. Some havelis are today museums but most in Jaisalmer are still lived in by the families
that built them Some of the doors and ceilings are notable examples of old carved wood from
many hundreds of years ago.

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 Architecturally Jaisalmer fort consist of three layer of wall. The outer wall is composed of sold stone
blocks .The Inner wall ,Rajput warriors used to throw boiling water oil & Massive blocks of Rocks
on the enemies

Plan of Jaisalmer fort

  The fort is 1,500 ft (460 m) long and 750 ft (230 m) wide and is built on a hill that raises above a
height of 250 ft (76 m) above the surrounding countryside.
 The base of the fort has a 15 ft (4.6 m) tall wall forming the fort's outermost ring, within its triple
ringed defence architecture.
 Fort’s upper bastions or towers form a defensive inner-wall perimeter that is about 2.5 mi (4.0 km)
long. The fort now incorporates 99 bastions, of which 92 were built or substantially rebuilt between
the period of 1633-47
 The fort has an ingenious drainage system called the ghut nali which allows for the easy drainage
of rainwater away from the fort in all four directions of the fort. Over the years, haphazard
construction activities and building of new roads has greatly reduced its effectiveness.

SIGNIFICANCE OF JAISALMER FORT TO THE STUDENTS

 Jain community has enhanced the place jaisalmer greatly it has festooned the city with marvelous
temple one can find a typical of the artefacts and manuscripts of Jain tradition in the oldest libraries
of India which are possessed by jaislamer.
 They reflect the unique architectural style that were adopted by the imperial Rajput rulers of
the bygone era.The forts, palaces and religious shrines of Jaisalmer are exquisitely
ornamented with fine and delicate works.The excellent lattice work on the pillars, walls and
ceilings of the numerous forts, palaces and religious shrines of the city is a delight for the
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tourists who are thrilled with the flawless and fine work of the artisans of the traditional times

PATWA HAVELI

 Patwaon Ki Haveli is another dimension to the Jaisalmer havelis. It is a five storey edifice which
was constructed in 1800 AD and 1860 AD. This is the largest of its kind and is one of the grandest
mansion in Jaisalmer.
 Patwon ki Haveli Architecture located in the center of the city, it is truly an outstanding piece of
architecture. Built-in red sandstone in the period between 1800 and 1860 AD, it is well known for
its beautiful latticework on its porticos made of stone and wood.
 There is a stunning apartment in it, which is flawlessly painted with beautiful murals. Patwon Ki
Haveli is renowned for its ornate wall paintings, intricate yellow sandstone-carved jharokhas or
balconies, gateways, and doorways.
 Although the building itself is made from yellow sandstone, the main gateway is brown. It is a
beautiful Haveli known for its elaborate latticed havelis with facade five-storey building.
 Patwon ki Haveli Location. The Patwon ki haveli is located in the heart of the Jaisalmer city near
Patwa Complex. It is just 2.5 kms and takes about 5 mins from the Jaisalmer railway station. One
can hire a ricksaw, car or tempo from railway station to reach the artistic destination.

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 TOUR REPORT
SIGNIFICANCE OF PATWA HAVELI TO THE STUDENTS

 Sociocultural aspects: The chowk or courtyard served as the centre for various ceremonies and
rituals. The sacred tulsi plant was placed here and worshipped daily to bring prosperity to the house.
 Security and privacy: The chowk, at times, separated areas for men and women, and provided them
with privacy.
 Climate: Using open space in the building design to respond to the local climate, air movement
caused by temperature differences assists in the natural ventilation of the building.
 Different activities at different times: In the daytime, the court was used mostly by women to carry
out their work and interact with other women in a private open space. Mansions of the merchant
class often had more than one courtyard.
 Articulation of space: In Mor chowk, City Palace, Udaipur, there is the concept of the courtyard as a 5
dancing hall. Similarly, in havelis, a courtyard has several functions, commonly used for weddings
and festive occasions
 CHAPTER
OVERVIEW

This section covers the thirteenth & fourteenth day of the trip which was the last destination and last two
days of the trip this great team had Ahmedabad. Programme for that day majorly constituted visiting a
number of places within Ahmedabad. Places visited were Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj Step well, IIM, Gufa,
Teen Darwaza, CEPT, streets within the city and a site visit. Below is a detailed outline of some of the
places visited and their importance to students.

AHMEDABAD

Ahmedabad is the largest city and former capital of the Indian state of Gujarat. Ahmadabad is located on
the banks of the Sabarmati River, 30 km (19 mi) from the state capital Gandhinagar, which is its twin
city. Ahmedabad has emerged as an important economic and industrial hub in India. It is the second-
largest producer of cotton in India, and its stock exchange is the country's second oldest. . This
architecture along with the Jain, Swaminarayan and Hindu temples of the city is a veritable safari of
monumental architecture which attracts lovers of beauty from across the world to the city.
SABARMATI ASHRAM

 Once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba, Sabarmati Ashram is
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undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction situated in the 5km north of Ahmedabad's centre,
Gujarat.
 Located on the tranquil and serene stretch of Sabarmati River, it is also referred to as the
'Gandhi Ashram', 'Mahatma Gandhi Ashram' and most importantly, 'Satyagraha Ashram' as
Gandhi began the famous 'Dandi March' from here.
 It is believed that Mahatma Gandhi chose this site for it is located between a prison and a
cemetery and a Satyagrahi is likely to end up in one of these. In gratitude of the substantial
impact Dandi march had on the Indian independence movement, the Indian government has
recognised the Ashram as a national monument.
 The Mahatma Gandhi Ashram has a number of other establishments within its bounds. The
most famous among them is the museum 'Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya' which has some of
Gandhi's personal letters and photographs on display.

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  The Sabarmati ashram receives about 700,000 visitors a year. It is open every day from 08:00
to 19:00.
 Collecting, processing, preserving and displaying archival materials such as writings,
photographs, paintings, voice-records, films and personal effects.
 The charkha used by Gandhi to spin khadi and the writing table he used for writing letters are
also some of items kept. Microfilming, lamination and preservation of negatives.
 Arranging exhibitions on different aspects of Gandhi’s life, literature and activities. Publication
of the "Mahadevbhani Diary," which chronicles the entire history of the Indian independence
movement.
 The Ashram Trust funds activities that include education for the visitor and the community and
routine maintenance of the museum and its surrounding grounds and buildings. Helping and
undertaking study and research in Gandhian thought and activities. Publishing the results of
study and research.
 Observance of occasions connected with Gandhi's life. Maintaining contact with youths and
students, and providing facilities for them to study Gandhian thought.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF SABARMATI ASHRAM TO THE STUDENTS

 The main concept is that each building group in causal meandering pattern, creating a pathway
along which the visitors progresses towards the centrality of the water court.
 The site on the Sabarmati river bank. it is the part of the larger ashram complex and is
integrated into its garden. :- Correa took the words of mahatma Gandhi, “I don’t want my
house to be walled on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all the
lands to be blown about my houses as freely as possible but I refused to be blown off my feet
by any of them.”
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  The materials used in the construction are similar to the other buildings in the ashram:
tiled roof, brick walls, stone floors and wooden doors. The only additions are the RCC
channels which act as beams and as rainfall conduits and which permit additional
construction to be added in future. No glass windows are used anywhere in the building;
light and ventilation being provided by operable wooden louvers.
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 Five Interior Rooms Contain The Collection Of The Museum. The Rooms Are Enclosed By
Brick Walls And Wooden Louvered Screens. All Five Rooms Are Part Of 6mt Square Module.
Correa’s Subtle Changes of the Enclosure Allow for Variety in the Module’s Lighting,
Temperature’ And Visual Permeability. A Square, Uncovered Shallow Pool Is Located
Between The Five Rooms. Water body Closed space arrangement.