According to legend, the villagers of Kuldhara simply left their homes for the night for mysterious reasons. But before they left, they supposedly cursed the village, making it a desolate place forever alone in the desert.
Kuldhara, an abandoned village in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, is home to a mysterious and eerie world. This northern historic village has been abandoned for over two centuries and is said to be cursed by a powerful spell that has kept it uninhabited for generations. Many believe that the ghosts of the villagers who once lived here still haunt its abandoned streets, making it one of the most haunted places in India.
The stories of Kuldhara’s abandonment are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Some say the villagers fled in the night, leaving behind their homes and belongings, while others believe a wealthy landowner placed a powerful curse on the village. Whatever the truth, one thing is certain – Kuldhara is a place full of secrets and stories that are yet to be revealed.
Historical significance of Kuldhara
The village was once a wealthy community of Paliwal Brahmins, who were known for their business acumen and agricultural skills. There are written records of the village dating back to the 13th century.
Paliwal Brahmins are a class in Hinduism that focuses on priests, teachers, doctors and even kings. The people in the village were mainly bankers, farmers and traders in agriculture.
They were the first to introduce the concept of groundwater conservation in the region known as “khareen,” which allowed them to thrive in the barren desert environment. Water from the local Kakni River and wells provided the village with fresh water.
Kuldhara also played an significant role in the history of the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The village was strategically located on the trade route between India and Central Asia, making it an significant centre of trade and industry.
The streets were neat, all leading to the temple of the mother goddess in the center. The buildings are well preserved in the parched desert climate, and in some places it looks as if the inhabitants have just left.
Theories behind the abandonment of the village
Theories about the abandonment of Kuldhara vary. We know that in the 19th century, some say 1825, people abandoned the city, although the reason remains a mystery.
Some believed in the 20th century that the villagers left because of the tyranny of Salim Singh of the Jaisalmer state known as the Diwan, known for corruption and unethical practices. He was an official or minister who demanded high taxes from the village. Some legends claim that the taxes were so high that the villagers had to move because they no longer had money to live there.
Some say he wanted to marry the daughter of a local chieftain. When he tried to force her into marriage, she refused and this was something he simply could not accept. He sent an ultimatum to the village demanding that the villagers accept his marriage proposal or he would destroy them. Whether he meant additional taxes or sending soldiers depends on who is telling the legend.
Instead of heeding any of his words, the village chose to leave and protect their daughter's honor rather than hand her over to the vile man. Like many of the 85 villages in the area
After the village was abandoned, strange legends began to be told about the once prosperous village. It is said that when the villagers abandoned their homes, they cursed the land to remain abandoned.
People who tried to settle in this area left after experiencing paranormal phenomena.
The draft drove them away
We do know, however, that it did not happen overnight, as the latest legend suggests. In the 18th century, we estimate that there were around 800 people living there. In 1890, there were only 37, and today only ghosts remain.
While others believe that severe drought and famine forced them to abandon the village. There is evidence that by 1815 many wells had dried up and in 1850 the only working wells were the vast step well in the village and two other deeper ones.
This solution could also work well with taxes, since they had no money to pay them, as agricultural profits declined along with water demand.
Some even speculate that the villagers were forced to leave due to an epidemic or an invasion by a hostile tribe. New evidence from 2017 shows that it may have been an earthquake that forced most of the villagers to leave.
Legend of Gold
Legends abound. Did the villagers themselves curse their village, or was it the work of a group of wandering Sufi mystics?
Another legend has it that the village is the site of buried treasure. According to the story, the villagers could not take all of their gold and silver with them when they left. Because of this, they decided to bury it under the village.
Attempts to revive Kuldhara
Over the years, there have been many attempts to revive Kuldhara. In 2007, the Rajasthan government announced a plan to turn Kuldhara into a tourist destination by restoring some of the abandoned houses and buildings. They are also promoting the abandoned ghost village as haunted to attract tourists.
One might wonder if the village is actually haunted, as most of the stories come from tourists rather than local residents.
The deserted streets of Kuldhara are haunted by the ghosts of the villagers who once lived there. Visitors have reported hearing strange sounds, footsteps, and whispers in the abandoned houses. Some have even claimed to see ghosts of the villagers, dressed in conventional garb, wandering the streets at night.
The abandoned city of Kuldhara in the desert
Kuldhara is a place full of mystery and intrigue. Its haunted reputation and tragic history have made it one of the most fascinating places to visit in India. The deserted streets and abandoned houses of Kuldhara are a reminder of the tragic events that took place here, and it is significant to respect the history and culture of the village when exploring it.
While Kuldhara’s stories of abandonment and haunting may never be fully understood, they continue to intrigue and captivate visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, a visit to Kuldhara is an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and head to Rajasthan to discover Kuldhara’s spooky secrets.
Bibliography:
Kuldhara Village, Jaisalmer: How to Reach, Best Time and Tips
Abandoned for centuries, a 'haunted' village in Rajasthan has a story to tell
Kuldhara Village Jaisalmer (History, Distance, Photos & Location)
kuldhara village near jaisalmer | Times of India Travel
Kuldhara Village | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan | Attractions – Lonely Planet
Haunted Village in India: Why Kuldhara Was Abandoned? – Historical Mysteries
Image Source: Pixabay.com
