Jaisalmer in Jeopardy Fundraiser, 5th October 2010

Jaisalmer in Jeopardy held its 2010 fundraiser at Bonhams New Bond Street on October 5th to coincide with the Islamic and Indian Art Sale. Introduced by MF Husain, India's greatest contemporary artist, he and Member of the Indian Parliament, Shashi Tharoor engaged in conversation on the exchange of influences and ideas between Indian and Wester art and culture with acclaimed filmmaker Waris Hussein. The conversation was followed by a reception and an opportunity to viethe Islamic and Indian Art Sale lots.

Images copyright of Sohail Anjum.

Jaisalmer in Jeopardy (JiJ) is a UK registered charity whose objects are ‘to preserve for the benefit ofthe public the architectural and historical heritage of Jaisalmer, India and to educate the public in the history and architecture of the city’. Jaisalmer’s prosperity was for centuries assured as India’s gateway to the silk and spice routes of Egypt, Arabia, Persia and theWest. With the demise of the trade routes, Jaisalmer’s fortunes also declined, its magnificent havelis crumbling and its walls, enclosing one of the last inhabited forts in the world, in danger of collapse.

Founded in 1156 by the Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer is one of India’s most precious jewels. Fortified in golden stone its 99 bastions rise like a mirage from the barren Thar desert of Rajasthan. Since its inauguration JiJ has raised £200,000 for conservation projects within the fort. After completion of the fourth and final stage of the restoration of Har Raj Ji Kah Mahal, JiJ is identifying a suitable project towards which all proceeds from this fundaiser will be directed. JiJ UK registered charity number 1055433.