The Indian village of Kuldhara is shrouded in mystery. Once a prosperous and thriving community, the village was suddenly abandoned in the 19th century and has remained uninhabited ever since. According to legend, the village was cursed by its inhabitants before they fled, due to the actions of a powerful and cruel Rajput ruler. So what really happened to the people of Kuldhara, and is there any truth behind its fabled curse?
Abandoned remains of a house at Kuldhara in India. ( RealityImages / Adobe Stock)
Kuldahara: A Prosperous Oasis Lost to History
Kuldhara, a forgotten village nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, India, was once a thriving community of Paliwal Brahmins renowned for their agricultural prowess and water management skills. Transforming the barren land into a lush oasis, they turned it into one of the most prosperous regions in the area.
The Brahmins thrived there for many years, until the village’s fortunes took a dark turn in the 18th century with the arrival of the tyrannical Rajput ruler, Salim Singh. Dubbed the monster of Jaisalmer, Singh’s extortions and cruel demands, particularly his obsession with the daughter of Kuldhara’s chief, allegedly led to the mass abandonment of the village and several others nearby.
It’s important to note that this latter part of their history is entirely based on legend. Though the villagers left behind no concrete evidence of their reasons for leaving, the rumors of a curse placed upon the hamlet by the departing villagers still persist…
