Address Thaiyat, Rajasthan 345001 | ||
Hours Closed now Saturday9AM–6PMSunday9AM–6PMMonday9AM–6PMTuesday9AM–6PMWednesday9AM–6PMThursday9AM–6PMFriday9AM–6PM Similar Bada Bagh, Desert National Park, Patwon Ki Haveliyan, Jaisalmer Fort, Akal Wood Fossil Park | ||
Jaisalmer war museum rajasthan
The Jaisalmer War Museum was conceived by Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Desert Corps and constructed by the Desert Corps of the Indian Army.
Contents
It was dedicated to the Nation by Lieutenant General Ashok Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Indian Army, on 24 August 2015. The Jaisalmer War Museum is a first-of-its-kind initiative and showcases the glorious history of the Indian Army. The Museum also displays war exhibits which include vehicles and equipment captured during the course of operations in 1965 and 1971. The Jaisalmer War Museum, popularly known as JWM, has an Honour Wall engraved with the names of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra gallantry award winners, two large Information Display Halls - Indian Army Hall and Laungewala Hall, an Audio Visual Room, a well stocked souvenir shop and a cafeteria. A Hunter Aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which destroyed enemy tank columns during the famous Battle of Laungewala is also displayed to signify the synergy between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force which led to victory in various conflicts.
The Jaisalmer War Museum is located 10 km short of Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer - Jodhpur Highway. The inauguration of the Museum in the Golden Jubilee Commemoration Year of 1965 Indo Pak War is also a tribute to all soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. The entry to the Jaisalmer War Museum is open to and free for all visitors. The museum has already become a popular tourist attraction in the Jodhpur - Jaisalmer tourist circuit.
Concept
The Indian Armed Forces have proud heritage and a glorious history built on the foundation of extraordinary courage and valour of their war heroes. Over the years, India as a nation has earned laurels in various actions.
A need was felt to create a museum to highlight the traditional bravery and trace the various milestones in the evolution of the Indian Army since independence and also to commemorate war heroes especially from the state of Rajasthan, who have distinguished themselves on the battlefield by their awe inspiring sagas of grit and valour.
The Jaisalmer War Museum, popularly known as 'JWM' was conceptualised to unfold India's rich military history and showcase real war efforts as they happened in the past. It takes the visitors through an eventful journey right into the epicenter of combat, while giving them a real feel of the courage, determination, fortitude and resolve of India's brave soldiers. The Jaisalmer War Museum aims to promote greater awareness of the saga of sacrifice made by heroes of the Indian Army, in particular, and Indian Armed Forces in general by opening its gates free of cost to all visitors. The museum is open on all days including Sundays and public holidays from 9AM to 7PM.
Chronology
The annals of Indian military history are testimony to the glorious past and the victorious moments experienced by the Indian Army since independence. There was a need felt to record the military war effort and recollect the sacrifice of India's brave soldiers. The idea of establishing a War Museum at Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan was mooted by Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Konark Corps, with a view to showcase India's military history and war time experiences. Jaisalmer district was chosen for its rich martial traditions and for being witness to numerous battles including the famous Battle of Laungewala in 1971.
The task of setting up the Jaisalmer War Museum was taken up as a challenge by Jaisalmer Military Station, under the able guidance of Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews, AVSM, VSM who supervised every aspect personally and facilitated to transform the idea into reality.
The site of the Museum was a barren piece of flat ground, within the confines of Jaisalmer Military Station. Today, Jaisalmer War Museum stands proudly against the famed background of Jaisalmer Military Station with every bit of effort that has gone into its making, doing justice to the sacrifice of India's war heroes.
Laungewala Hall
The Laungewala Hall is one of the most important attractions of the Jaisalmer War Museum which showcases the famous Battle of Laungewala in the desert sector. The Hall showcases the progression of battle as it took place on the eventful night of 4 December 1971. The events that took place on that fateful night and the furious battle that followed are inscribed on the walls of the Hall. The Hall also displays Indian Army operations on Eastern and Western Sectors during Indo-Pak War 1971. The 106mm RCL Gun displayed in the Central Foyer reminds us of its vital role in stopping the initial armour assault during the Battle of Laungewala.
Indian Army Hall
The Indian Army hall showcases the glorious heritage of Indian Army since its inception and glorifies the famous wars fought in 1947-48, 1965 and 1999 (Kargil). The Hall displays memorable events highlighting bravery, courage and sacrifice of India's soldiers for whom it was always "Country before Self ". The Hall also displays arms and ammunition captured, as also equipment used during various wars by the Indian Army. Various facets of the role of Indian Army in national development, disaster relief and aid to civil authorities are well documented in the Indian Army Hall.
Reception
During the short time after inauguration, the Jaisalmer War Museum has already proven itself as a top tourist attraction due to its aesthetic layout, fountains, green lawns and amenities. The Museum has been well received by the local population and the media. The fame, informational and educational value of the Jaisalmer War Museum has also been welcomed by the Indian Association of Tour Operators who have readily added the Museum to their tour itineraries. The Jaisalmer War Museum is considered by the international online travel guide TripAdvisor to be one of the top war museums in Rajasthan.
Another charming facility provided by the Jaisalmer War Museum is a "Visitors Experience" board, near the reception, where visitors can "pen and pin up" their experience after visiting the Museum. There are already innumerable quotes from patriotic citizens and awe struck remarks from foreign tourists which are on display at the Jaisalmer War Museum.
The museum is open on all days including Sundays and public holidays from 9AM to 7PM. The entry for the museum is free. They screen a short documentary for which there is an entry fee of Rs25/. There is a well-run cafeteria on the premises. A large free parking area is also available within the premises.