Distance : 78km south of Jodhpur
Once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, from whom the place gets its name, ancient Pali housed a highly evolved civilization. The land was leased to the Paliwals by the then chief of Mandore (the former capital of Jodhpur district), which they cultivated diligently, abandoning their former priestly profession. Being a hardworking and intelligent tribe they soon became wealthy and were noticed by the chieftain of Marwar at the time, Raja Sheoji. Wanting to replenish his treasury for the battles which lay ahead Sheoji imposed a war levy on the inhabitants of Pali in 1243AD. This they refused to pay, demanding exemption under the plea that they were Brahmins. The furious king threw some of their leaders into prison in retaliation, and passed an edict mandating punishment on every Pali resident who did not cough up the war tax. Sheoji's persecution forced the Paliwals to flee, which they did lock stock and barrel to Jaisalmer, until Pali resembled a ghost town.
Palis Main Attractions
Today Pali's chief attraction are three exquisite temples, namely the Hatundi Rata Mahabir Temple, the Ranakpur Jain Temple and the Surya Narayan Temple (the first has been covered under Pali, while the other two have been covered separately under Ranakpur).
