MANVĀR, a word from a local dialect has no simple translation. It means varyingly, hospitality, 'to request', even a delicious feast. It is the essence of the spirit of welcome and warmth of a community known for their hospitality.
Moti Singh Rathore hails from an illustrious family of the region. Sentinels of a precious water source, the Sagat Sagar, Moti Singh and his family have served the people here. A seminal inspiration on Moti Singh Rathore has been his uncle, Fateh Singh Rathore more popularly known as “Mr. Ranthambore”. Influenced by the tenets of conservation, Moti Singh Rathore returned home to his village in the desert sand dunes between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to set up MANVĀR Resort and Desert Camp in the Thar.
In a land where almost everything and everyone is in a race to sell a slice of make-believe,
prepare yourself for the Thar way of life. Just the way it was centuries ago.
The gateway to an oasis at the end of the great Thar desert. Khiyansariya, a village in the Shergarh collective is an unusual, idyllic village in one of the most improbable places on earth. Nestled between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, two historic cities of Rajasthan, Khiyansariya is a region unembellished with the regal aura found elsewhere in Rajasthan. This simplicity provides the perfect stage to showcase the subtleties of an ancient civilisation rich in culture and tradition.
Shergarh as a collective has a rich and decorated history with every home and hut contributing a warrior for generations. Even today, Shergarh is home to the largest number of war widows, cementing its primacy in the martial structure of the country. An arid, almost desert land, with little agricultural alternatives and natural proclivity for a hardy life makes necessary alternative life choices. Surprisingly this takes on a diametric expression in the desert lands of Rajasthan. An exploration of the land, its people and their choices makes for a great voyage amidst the sea of sand setting out from MANVĀR, desert camps and resorts in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer.
Rajasthan is home to innumerable communities, each unique yet coexisting. Traditionally separated along the lines of trade, transforming into their identity. Each of them developed a signature music, dance and artforms to tide over the seasonal idle times of the desert. Soulful singing of the Langas and Manganiars, or the beautiful twirling and swaying of the Kalbelias not unlike the cobras that define them. Explore this rich tapestry of art and culture that the desert of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur offer from the inspired precincts of MANVĀR, a homage to the best of the region.
Much of Rajasthan is a desert but serendipity laid it down on the Indian Silk Road with caravans from far off places playing these deserts bringing their goodness of spices, herbs and more that has enriched the culinary treasure of Rajasthan. Added to it the heartfelt and open arm hospitality of the people here created paradise on earth for travellers from all over. This legacy is honoured and heightened today with connoisseurs flocking to indulge in the richness of this ancient cauldron.
As you bid adieu to the Aravallis and move to the expansive nothingness of the great Thar, everything becomes rare except for sand dunes of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur stretching upto the horizon. But human ingenuity is far greater. A great number of communities, each distinct, exist here in reverence to this unforgiving land. Bishnoi's who guard flora and fauna with their own lives, Rajput's the quintessential warriors, Marwaris the perfect merchants, Bhil tribals with their mastery over archery and art and many more create an anthropological oasis that has ben the muse and recluse of many a tired traveller.
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