Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of virgin India lies a unique 16th Century fort. Rao Karamsi-the eighth prince of Rao Jodha, the founding Maharaja of Jodhpur successfully launched the royal dynasty at Khimsar. Currently, the 18th, 19th and 20th generations of the royal lineage still reside in this historic fort.
This fort architecture offers great heterogeneity. Originally, the fort walls, turrets and stables were built solely for war, and were constructed around the beginning of the 16th Century. Subsequently, by mid 18th century, the royal family moved in, and a new 'zenana' or ladies' residence was erected with finely carved windows in stone that provided 'purdah' or veil for ladies in waiting. Thakur Onkar Singh, the present chief and the 17th direct descendant of Rao Karamsi built himself a regal additional wing in the 1940's. Today, this fort ranks amongst the premier classified Heritage Hotels of India.
