Jaisalmer War Museum

Jaisalmer War Museum was established in the military station in order to honour the soldiers of the 'Battle of Longewala' that was fought in the year 1971. It embraces the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Army. It was inaugurated and opened for public viewing on 24 August 2015. It took place on the day of Golden Jubilee commemoration of the India-Pakistan war in 1965. The museum popularly known as JWM, houses two information display halls, an audio-visual room and a souvenir shop. It also has an Honour wall that has engraved the names of gallantry award winners of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. Along with tanks, guns and military vehicles, the display has a repertoire of trophies and vintage equipment.

The place also includes murals of soldiers who lost their lives during the war and the weapons used for the same. The audio-visual room screens the movie about the battle in which Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a recipient of Maha Vir Chakra gives a detailed account of the soldiers who fought the war. Located 2 hours away from Jaisalmer, on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, the memorial is a salute to Indian Army.

History of Jaisalmer War Museum
It was Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews who conceived the idea of creating a Museum as a tribute for the war heroes of the Longewala Battle in 1971. The notion was furnished into what we know now as the Jaisalmer War Museum by the Indian military's Desert Corps. The museum was constructed particularly in Jaisalmer's desert land because of the fact that it is one of the most war-affected regions of India. Apart from the Battle of Longewala, the army civilization and culture in this area is quite extravagant and hence, Jaisalmer certainly deserved an honor like this.

Although the museum was created and furnished under Lieutenant General Bobby Matheus, it was Lieutenant General Ashok Singh who finally opened the gates of the museum for the general population of the country and beyond. The museum holds a number of equipment, weapons, vehicles among other displays that truly exhibit the glory of India's greatest war heroes.

Best Time To Visit:-
Jaisalmer War Museum is a remarkable attraction in Jaisalmer that evokes a spark of patriotism in every individual. This place welcomes the visitors across the year including the national holidays and festivals. No entry fee is charged from the visitors and the same applies to the car parking area as well. The museum premises have a cafeteria that serves delicious food and snacks.

How To Reach Jaisalmer War Museum
Jaisalmer War Museum is located near Jaisalmer Jodhpur Highway in Thaiyat, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. From the city centre, it is located about 13.5 kilometres to the north-east and there are two routes that lead to the museum (via NH 11 and via Ramgarh Bypass – NH 11). For outstation tourists, the Jaisalmer Bus Station is 11 kilometres away, the Jaisalmer is 10.5 kilometres away and the Jaisalmer Airport is about 20 kilometres away from the War Museum. They can commute by auto rickshaws, local buses, private cabs or government-operated cabs to reach the museum.

The Museums of Rajasthan fascinate people cutting across all cross sections of society. These marvellous museums depicting 1000 years old history are worth a visit once in a lifetime. From coins to arms to tanks to garments, the galleries of Rajasthan houses everything. Museums are the store-houses of information and depict the art and culture of a Nation.. The glimpses of the past golden era of the Rajas and the Maharajas can be seen through the museums of Rajasthan which are filled with all the articles and evidences of the historical figures and happenings in the state. The museums of Rajasthan are the store of the very interesting articles of the Kings and the Queens and it holds their objects that were related to their lifestyle, clothing, and their stories that made a mark in the history. The museums in Rajasthan also hold many articles related to the wars and the warriorship of the Rajput Kings who fought for their motherland and made the land pious colored in the hues of bravery and patriotism. These museums are managed by the ‘Department of Archeology and Museum, Government of Rajasthan’ and also some of them are jointly preserved by the ‘Archeological Survey of India’ too and the tourists who visit to this state never miss to visit them to reminisce the golden eras.