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JODHPUR
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs,
Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop eyrie,
Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written.
Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the
innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture
is less formidable, with delicate windows and
painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view
of the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.
 Jodhpur-the
blue city.
Located on the periphery of the Thar desert, Jodhpur
is second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur.
According to one fable when Lord Rama, hero of the
Hindu epic Ramayana wanted to cross the ocean to
rescue his wife Sita, who had been abducted by the
demon-king Ravana, he was turned back by the
Sea-God. Furious, Rama mounted his arrow to dry up
the ocean forcing the Lord of the Sea to retreat.
However the arrow once mounted had to be discharged,
and Rama fired it into another body of water located
in western Rajasthan, thus drying it up.
¤ The Challenging Climate of Jodhpur
Here the summer sizzles, the hot dry winds scorches
the flesh, the winters chill the bone marrow and
years pass by without rainfall. Like the mystery of
the Bermuda triangle where a number of ships and
planes have disappeared never to be found again; so
too at Marwar countless caravans of camels have
known to have vanished without a trace. This is the
general topography of Jodhpur, which was once the
capital city of the Marwar. Founded in 1459 by Rao
Jodha of the Rathore dynasty, the place is not
surprisingly named after him. Rao Jodha’s sixth son
Rao Bika it may be mentioned founded the city of
Bikaner some 30 years later, and extended the sphere
of influence of the Rathores all across the Marwar
region of western Rajasthan.
If the Jaisalmer fort is known as an architectural
masterpiece, the Jodhpur fort is no less and you can
see it looming in the horizon long before you enter
the city. The incline on which the Meherangarh Fort
was built was known as Bakharchiriya or bird’s nest,
and today the top of the castle presents a bird’s
eye view of the entire city and its suburbs.
The circumstances, which led to the foundation of
Jodhpur bears an uncanny resemblance to the founding
of the other desert city of Jaisalmer. Like Jaisal
who shifted his capital from Lodurva to Jaisalmer as
his earlier capital was too vulnerable to invasions;
so too did Rao Jodha move from Mandore to Jodhpur as
the earlier city was not secure enough. and
incredibly the advice once again came from a hermit
who advised Rao Jodha to shift his base. If Jaipur
is known as the ‘pink city’ then Jodhpur can be
called the ‘blue city’ because its traditional homes
are often painted in pale blue colour. According to
one story, a few hundred years ago the Brahmins of
Jodhpur had painted their houses in pale blue
because they discovered that the colour repels
mosquitoes. and till some time ago the colour blue
signified that it was the residence of a Jodhpuri
Brahmin.
Main Attractions in Jodhpur
Being one of the fascinating destination of
Rajasthan, Jodhpur is dotted with number of big and
small attractions.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid
Singh. The main motive of constructing this palace
was to provide occupation to his people during long
drawn famine in the early 20 th century. This was a
perfect example of early modern period architecture.
Umaid Bhawan palace forms the grandest private royal
houses of the world. Some portion of this grand
palace has been converted into a luxurious hotel and
a museum. » Mehrangarh Fort The Mehrangarh Fort is
an architectural marvel, which stands proudly on a
125 m long hill. It spreads over an area of around 5
km and is one of the largest forts in India. The
Fort was built in 1459 AD and stands as a reminder
of the royal splendor and bravery of those times.
This imposing structure, which overlooks the city of
Jodhpur, has a good collection of royal
accouterments on exhibition besides housing a number
of charming palaces.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada lies quite close to the Mehrangarh
Fort complex. It was built in 1899 AD in the memory
of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and houses the
cenotaphs of a number of Rajput royals. The main
cenotaph has rare portraits of many Rajput rulers on
display. If you travel to Jodhpur, this is a place
you must visit.
Architectural Splendor of
Jodhpur
Given the rough terrain it is not surprising
that the architecture of the city was influenced by
it. Desert architecture is noted for two distinct
traits, the need to guard against the heat and to
fortify itself against invasions. Fortifications
tend to merge with the colour of the land, providing
it with a natural camouflage.
The Meherangarh Fort
Fort at Jodhpur is such that the fort walls
and the sheer basalt escarpment are not
distinguishable, one from the other. Huge gates at
the entrance are fitted with iron nails to prevent
elephants from bringing them down. The palaces and
the mansions within the complex are more delicately
designed. The chief palaces you can see in the fort
are the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Jhanki
Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Sadar Vilas.
Nearby lies the Umaid Bhavan Palace (Built by the
former Jodhpur Maharaja Umaid Singh), one of the
largest residences in the world, and alongside it is
the Ajit Palace the house built by Umaid Singh for
his younger brother.
Excursions
Balsamand Lake and Garden (5 km) : A pretty lake
built in 1159 A.D. A splendid summer Palace stands
by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens. An
idyllic spot for excursions.
Mandore (8 Km): The former capital of Marwar, north
of Jodhpur. Worth seeing are the old cenotaphs and
caves in the crags, which once sheltered ascetics.
The exquisite landscaped gardens come alive with
peacocks and monkeys and the sprawling greenery of
sacred peepal, banyan, bottle-brush, pomegranate,
palm & plantains and bubbling fountains are a feast
for the eyes. Set against a rocky wall is a pillared
compound, housing the "Hall of Heroes" and "Shrine"
of the 330 million gods.
Sardar Samand Lake (55 Km) : Rajasthan's village
life comes into view on the way here. Chinkara and
black buck might frisk past to break the monotony of
the drive.
Guda Bishnoi (25 Km) : these are immaculately kept
villages of the Bishnoi community-staunch believers
in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Khejri
trees and deer thrive in these village.
Mahamandir Temple (9 km) :Just nine kilometeres from
Jodhpur lies Mahamandir temples which was
constructed in 1812 A.D. The temple is beautifully
carved out 84 pillars and has more architectural
splendor. It was constructed in the year 1812 and
carries delicate stone work.
Kailana Lake (11 Km) :This is an ideal picnic spot
and is located 11 kms from Jodhpur. Spanning over an
area of 84 sq kms, it is a charming picnic spot
which offer spectacular view of the sunset.
Jhalamand Garh (10 Km) :Just 10 kms from
Jodhpur is the Jhalamand Garh which was constructed
as the 18 th centuary fort and carries a profound
aura of regal family. You can have some scenic view
of the Jodhpur town from the fort. The fort have
around 18 rooms and since it has been converted into
a heritage hotel, it provides Rajasthani and
continental cuisine on request.
Luni Fort (35 Km) :Just 35 kms from Jodhpur, you
have the popular Luni fort which is been converted
into a heritage hotel. It has intricate Jharokas and
have traditional paintings.
Osiyan :The other worthwhile excursion around the
city is Osiyan. Situated about 60 km away from
Jodhpur, it houses some of the most exquisite Jain
and Hindu temples you will find in entire Rajasthan.
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