Tanot Mata Temple and Jaisalmer Fort

• 24 May 2025

Why in News? 

The 1,200-year-old Tanot Mata Temple, situated near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, reopened after a temporary closure prompted by cross-border tensions. 

• The Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum, located inside the Jaisalmer Fort, also reopened.

Key Points 

Tanot Mata Temple 

• About: 
  • It is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. 
  • It is dedicated to Tanot Rai, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Hinglaj Mata. 
  • According to local folklore, the temple was originally established by a group of tribal communities who worshipped Tanot Rai as their guardian deity. 
  • Over the years, it evolved into a major spiritual centre, attracting pilgrims from across the region. 
• Background & Wartime Significance: 
  • The temple gained national prominence during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. 
  • Despite intense shelling by Pakistani forces, none of the bombs dropped near the temple exploded. 
  • Several unexploded bombs from the 1965 war are now displayed in the Tanot Mata Museum, located within the temple complex. 
  • Following the 1971 war, the Indian government entrusted the temple’s management to the Border Security Force (BSF). 
• Vijay Sthamba and Annual Commemoration: 
  • The Indian Army constructed a Vijay Sthamba (Victory Pillar) within the temple premises to honour India's triumph in the 1971 war. 
  • Every year on 16th December, the temple hosts a commemorative event to celebrate India's victory over Pakistan. 

Jaisalmer Fort 

• The Jaisalmer Fort is India’s only ‘living’ fort, with residents living within its walls, making its maintenance crucial for their safety. 
  • It was built in 1156 AD by Raja Rawal Singh, the fort was strategically constructed to protect the kingdom from invasions. It was an important trade centre along the Silk Route, connecting India with Central Asia. 
    • Constructed from yellow sandstone that changes colour with sunlight, the fort appears golden, earning it the name "Sonar Quila" or "Golden Fort." 
  • The Raj Mahal (Royal Palace) is the largest palace within the fort, featuring ornate balconies and intricate carvings. It is a splendid example of medieval Rajasthani architecture, featuring a remarkable blend of Islamic and Rajput style influences. 
  • The Jaisalmer Fort Palace museum was established in 1982 by the state archaeology department with the aim of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.  
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the fort's maintenance. 
• The hill forts of Rajasthan, including Chittor, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amer, and Jaisalmer Forts, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. 
  • Jaisalmer Fort along with the Forts of Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore are protected as Monuments of National Importance of India under the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act of 1951. 

Border Security Force (BSF) 

• The BSF was raised in 1965, after the India-Pakistan war. 
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 
  • Other Central Armed Police Forces are: Assam Rifles (AR), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Security Guards (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). 
• The 2.65-lakh force is deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. 
  • It is deployed on the Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and Line of Control (LoC) along with the Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations. 
• BSF has been defending Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea and the Sundarbans delta in the Bay of Bengal with its state of the art fleet of Water Crafts. 
• It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained manpower every year.