About The Thar Heritage Museum(Trust)
Thar heritage museum focuses on the preservation and presentation of the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of Jaisalmer. The museum exhibits, and interprets objects, artifacts, and documents that illustrate the history, traditions, customs, and achievements of Jaisalmer.
Heritage museums can be dedicated to a wide range of subjects, including art, science, technology, industry, agriculture, music, sports, and more. They may be located in historic buildings, monuments, or sites that are themselves part of the cultural heritage of the community.
Visitors to heritage museums can learn about the past and present of a particular region or community, and gain an appreciation for the cultural diversity of the world. These museums can also play an important role in educating people about the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Laxmi Narayan Khatri
LaxmiNarayan Khatri M.Com. M.A, a collector and preserver of historical and ancient folk art of the Thar Desert, has introduced himself as a passionate individual. He has been following his deepest passion since his teenage years and has written the book "Jaisalmer Folklore, History & Architecture," which has been reprinted three times.
Gyan Chaupar
(Snakes and Ladders game)
The popular children's game Snakes and Ladders has its Origins in the Indian game of Gyan Chaupar (game of knowledge).The board depicts the Hindu universe and the various stages of life, while theSnakes and Ladders represent bad and good actions (Karma) which can either lead down towards the hellish regions (narak) or up towards liberations in Vishnu's heaven( vaikuntha). The game was played for both entertainment and education, and may even have been used for divining the Karma of the players. It was prevalent in Jain and Hindu (Vaishnava) community of Gujarat and Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th centuries, and probably even earlier. Sadly today it has all but been forgotten. The board displayed here was probably a local production has as it shows influence of Marwari language. The name of the artist is given as Mahatma Pandit Hari Chandra, and the year of production as samvat 1904 (1847 CE). Jacob Schmidt Madsen. Section of Indology. University of Copenhagen Denmark
Oil Bottle (150 years old)
The oil bottle you describe, aged 150 years, holds a captivating history within the Thar Desert. Crafted with camel intestine, it served as a vessel to store precious butter oil for massages, while also being presented as a significant dowry gift.
The use of camel intestine in creating this oil bottle is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the people in the Thar Desert. By repurposing natural materials readily available in their surroundings, they transformed camel intestine into a practical and durable container for preserving butter oil. This traditional method of craftsmanship reflects the deep connection between the desert environment and the local communities that inhabit it.
For generations, the practice of gifting this oil bottle as part of a dowry symbolizes the respect, care, and well-being that the bride would receive in her marital home. It represents the importance placed on nurturing and maintaining the health and beauty of individuals within the Thar Desert culture.
The oil bottle's age signifies its enduring significance and the rich heritage it carries. It stands as a tangible link to the customs and traditions that have shaped the lives of the desert communities for centuries. Preserved and passed down through generations, it not only represents a practical item but also embodies the wisdom, values, and cultural identity of the Thar Desert.
This remarkable oil bottle serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted traditions of the Thar Desert. Its unique composition, fashioned from camel intestine, highlights the resourcefulness of the people who have adapted to their environment over time. As a treasured artifact, it encapsulates the interconnectedness of culture, nature, and the celebration of love and union within the Thar Desert's vibrant communities.
Khotaria(200 years old)
The Khotaria, an age-old refrigeration method dating back 200 years, played a vital role in preserving perishable items such as cooked food, curd, butter, milk, and more in the Thar Desert's mud houses. This ingenious technique harnessed the cooling properties of the desert environment to create a natural and effective storage solution.
The Khotaria, traditionally constructed from locally sourced materials like cow dung and mud, was designed to keep the interior cool even amidst the scorching desert temperatures. Its unique construction involved an inner chamber, often placed underground, which was layered with insulating materials such as straw, sand, and sometimes even water. This combination created an environment that maintained a lower temperature, allowing the stored items to remain fresh for extended periods.
The science behind the Khotaria lies in evaporative cooling. As the moisture from the materials evaporated, it drew heat from the surrounding air, thus lowering the temperature inside the chamber. This ingenious cooling system effectively mimicked the functionality of a modern-day refrigerator, albeit through natural means.
The Khotaria's ability to provide a cool environment made it a valuable asset in the Thar Desert's mud houses, where refrigeration options were limited. It helped preserve food, curd, butter, milk, and other perishable items, ensuring that they remained consumable for longer durations. This innovation played a crucial role in sustaining communities by minimizing food wastage and extending the usability of essential provisions.
Even today, the Khotaria stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people in the Thar Desert. While modern refrigeration methods have become more prevalent, the Khotaria's historical significance and cultural value remain cherished reminders of the harmonious relationship between human life and the environment.
The Khotaria is a fascinating example of how ancient techniques can offer sustainable solutions for everyday challenges, showcasing the wisdom and adaptability of the people who have called the Thar Desert home for generations.
Time and Ticket
Time 9 AM to 7 PM Foreigner Rs 100 Indian Rs 70 Student Rs 50