Rajasthan Jodhpur
Jodhpur, the second largest c
ity of Rajasthan, at the edge of the Thar desert was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - hero of the epic 'Ramayana'. The city dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill is charming with its wealth of historic attractions and colourful markets which specialises in antiques. It is still one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, camels and salt.
History
Once the capital of the Marwar state , it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of Ramayana.The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mt's. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of rajasthan.
General information
Area 22,850sqkm
Population 21,53,483
Std code 0291
Best season November-march.
Orientation
Jodhpur is a fairly large city with a lot of vehicle traffic. High above the city in the northeast is the Meherangarh Fort. Southeast of the city is Umaid Bhawan Palace. The main railway station is in the southwest part of town, and there are several hotels close by.In the eastern part of the city are the long distance bus stand and the Rai-ka Bagh railway station. There are several hotels in this area. The main street in town is the extremely busy High Court Rd (runs east–west). Its has many restaurants, hotels, and shops along it.The old city is within the old city walls, close to the hill that the fort is on. Here the streets are narrow and there are many old buildings.
Places To See In Jodhpur
1. Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 meter high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invinsible from the outside, the fort has four gates. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels , latticed windows and evocative names. Note worthy of these are The Moti Mahal, The Phool Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal, The Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature Paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costum
es and furniture.
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace.
This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world. Spectacular Central Rotunda, the cupola rises to a hundred and five feet high; the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals; an elegant wood-panelled library, and even a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts makes Umaid Bhawan Palace is unabashedly the most magnificent.
3. Jaswant Thada
On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singhji built the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. The cenotaphs of earlier Maharajas and Maharanis are at Mandore. Wives and concubines committed Sati on Jaswant Funeral pyre. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone that is sculpted by the genius artesian. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and a mystic aura.
4. Clock Tower and Markets
The clock tower is located in the middle of the old town. Near it is Sardar Market, which is made up of narrow streets and a bazaar selling handicrafts, silver, and clothing. [Read more on Jodhpur in Rajasthan]
