Tales of Grandeur and Great Heroes
Area : 75.50 Sq.kms
Altitude : 230 meters
Season : October-March
Languages : English, Hindi, Marwari
Tales of Grandeur and Great Heroes
Set at the edge of Thar Desert, the second-largest city in
Rajasthan, Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was
founded in 1459 AD, by Rao Jodha-Chief of the Rathore clan of
Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Lord Rama-the epic hero of
the Ramayana. A massive fort, Mehrangarh, topping a sheer rocky
ridge in the middle of the town, dominates the city. The red stone
of Jodhpur, the countless festivities and the exquisite handicrafts
flooding the bazaars are a treat to the visitors.
Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the rathores, founded
Jodhpur in 1459. The Rathore Kingdom was once known as Marwar, the
land of death.
Places of Attraction
Mehrangarh Fort: The 5 kms.long majestic fort on a 125 mts.
High hill houses magnificent palaces like the Moti Mahal, Phool
Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and the Daulat Khana. This is the most
formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. The summit has three
areas: the palace (northwest), a wide terrace to the east of the
palace, and the strongly fortified area to the south. The second
gate is still scarred by cannonball hits, indicating that this was a
fort that earned its keep. The gates, of which there are seven,
include the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 following
his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner, and the Fatehpool,
or Victory Gate, erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to Commemorate his
defeat of the Mughals. The final gate is the Lohapol, or Iron Gate.
Inside the fort, there is a series of courtyards and palaces. The
palace apartments have evocative names like the Sukh Mahal, or
pleasure Palace, and the Phool Mahal, or Flower Palace.They houses a
fabulous collection of Palanquins, howdahs, paintings, musical
instruments and costumes dazzle the visitors. At the southern end of
the fort, old cannons look out from the ramparts over the sheer drop
to the old town beneath. The Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to
Durga, stands at this end of the fort. Mehrangarh Fort Palace Museum
has a magnificent collection of the Maharaja’s memorabilia-superbly
maintained and presented.
Jaswant Thada: This white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant
Singh 11 can be found a short distance from the fort, just off the
fort road. On the way to the Meherangarh is the cremation ground to
the former rulers. A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in white
marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph
also houses portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. There is some
beautiful marble jail (lattice) work as well as some fine views from
the terrace in front of the cenotaph.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The only palace to be built in the 20th
century, it was meant to be a famine relief project which gave
employment to citizens for 16 long years. Made of marble and pink
sandstone, this immense palace is also known as the Chittaur Palace
because of the local Chittaur sandstone used. Begun in 1929, it was
designed by the president of the British Royal Institute of
Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh, and took 15 years to complete.
The palace is today run as a hotel while a part of it is still
retained by the erstwhile royal family. The museum is worth a visit.
Girdikot and Sardar Market: The heart of Jodhpur, colourful
markets throbbing with activity, tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes
and a wide range of handicrafts make this a specially charming area.
The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. The vibrant
Sardar Market is close to the tower, and the narrow alley lead from
here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles,
silver and handicrafts.
Umaid Gardens and Sadar Government Museum: The Umaid Gardens
contain the Sardar Government Museum, the library and the zoo. The
museum’s exhibits include moth-eaten stuffed animals, old weapons
and sculptures.
Balsamand Lake and Gardens, Kailana Lake, Mahamandir Temple, Forts
of Nagaur, Rohit Fort, Luni Fort is little further away from the
city.
Shopping
The usual Rajasthani handicrafts are available here, but Jodhpur
particularly specializes in antiques. The greatest number of antique
shops is along the road connecting the Ajit Bhawan hotel with the
Umaid Bhawan Palace. Once brides came here for their trousseau
shopping because the dyes and print were resplendent and the lame
work brilliant. The same fabrics can still be found in the bazaars,
and you may want to try on a sporty pair of Jodhpurs. Badalas or
Zinc alloy pitchers used to carry water, covered with felted cloth,
were an earlier version of today’s water flask. Also wooden toys,
leather goods, paintings, jutes and silver jewellery, all in the
shops in the city.
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