Bada Bagh: The Golden Garden of Jaisalmer

Atop a small hill on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert, with its striking golden cenotaphs (chhatris) reflecting the grandeur of Rajput architecture. Built in the 16th century by Maharawal Jait Singh (1497-1530), Bada Bagh (also Bara Bagh) was originally intended as a green oasis in the arid Thar Desert. 

The site includes a water reservoir, Jait Sar, and Jait Bandh dam, which once contributed to the greening of the landscape. Although no lush gardens remain today, the site retains its ethereal beauty, with the cenotaphs standing as silent witnesses to Jaisalmer's regal past.

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A visit to Bada Bagh is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan's rich heritage, artistic craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of its rulers. 

The site is also a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the golden cenotaphs glow against the vast desert sky.

Honouring ancestors

Maharawal Jait Singh built Bada Bagh to honour his ancestors through cenotaphs atop the hill. Over the centuries, successive rulers added intricately carved cenotaphs made of golden sandstone, honouring their ancestors. From a distance, Bada Bagh appears to be a golden fort set amid the golden sand of the desert.

A cenotaph is an empty tomb or monument to honour a person whose remains lie elsewhere. 

Each cenotaph at Bada Bagh features inscribed tablets giving details about the kings, queens, princes, and other royal members, symbolizing their regal status.

Maharawal Jait Singh, who started the tradition of cenotaphs, was a descendant of Rawal Jaisal Singh, the founder of Jaisalmer in the 12th century. He belonged to the Bhatti dynasty. 

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Following independence in 1947, Maharawal Girdhar Singh ruled Jaisalmer for a brief year and passed away while his father Maharawal Jawahar Singh's cenotaph was under construction. So the final cenotaph for Maharawal Jawahir Singh remains incomplete even today.

The name 'Bada Bagh' translates to 'Big Garden' as the site is renowned for its expansive layout and beauty. 

The royal cenotaphs were crafted from yellow sandstone with intricate carvings and designs that reflect Rajput aesthetics.

Scenic and historically significant, Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Bada Bagh showcases Rajasthan's rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Visiting Bada Bagh allows immersion in Rajasthani cuisine and culture, exploring traditional architecture, artwork, and craftsmanship. Photographers find Bada Bagh a paradise with its stunning desert views and intricate stonework, perfect for capturing Rajasthan's charm and beauty.

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