Osian - The Ancient Town of Jodhpur,Rajasthan

Osian - the ancient town of Jodhpur

Osian(Osiyan) is an ancient town located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan State in western India. It is an oasis in the Thar Desert and has been known as the "Khajuraho of Rajasthan" for its temples. The town is a panchayat village and the headquarters for Osian Taluka. It lies 69 km (43 mi) by road north of the district headquarters at Jodhpur, on a diversion off the main Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway.

               Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira stands out in their grace and architecture.
               The town was a major trading center at least as early as the Gupta period. It maintained this status, while also being a major center of Brahmanism and Jainism for hundreds of year. This came to an abrupt end when the town was attacked by the armies of Muhammed of Ghor in 1195.
                  Evidence suggests that Osian is a very old settlement. Some of its early names include Uvasisala, Ukesa and Upkesapur-pattana. In its early history, the village was a center for "Brahmanism". It was a major stop for camel caravans during the Gupta period. The town was an important center for the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. Tradition states that, after being abandoned for a time, the village was re-established by Utpaladeva (c. 900-950). Utpaladeva converted to Jainism, and turned the village into a center for the religion. However, Jainism had a presence in the village long before that. The town was prosperous and successful at this time. At its peak, it had over one hundred Jain temples.
                 Muhammad of Ghor and his Turkish and Muslim armies attacked the town in 1195. The people of the city fled during these attacks. Most of the city, and most of its temples, were destroyed. After this attack, the residents did not return, and the city became deserted.
                  The Jain Harivamsa Purana refers to Vatsaraja's  rule in Saka  year 705 (A. D. 783). It is believed that he was highly influiential in Upakesapura (Osian), as inscriptions of Vikram Samvat dating back to 1013 (A. D. 956), and referring to this place, have been found. 

     

     

 

                 


    For Tourism point of view lots of people visits osian .... now a days osian is a very popular place for picnic for near by places and also for foreign tourist also Osian is very famous place lots of foreigners visit osian .
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