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JODHPUR
Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. 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 the Ramayana.
The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. 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. While the graceful palaces , forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts , folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls.
The lifestyle in jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes,artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves , covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city . It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight , horse riding trousers- ‘ Jodhpurs’ took their name.
Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, cancel skin, velvet and more color to the city.it was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers,-" Jodhpurs" ,took their name. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.
Mehrangarh Fort
The 05 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels , latticed windows and evocative names. Not 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, costumes and furniture.
Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
 Umaid Bhawan Palace
The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16 years. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.
FESTIVE FUN
Marwar Festival: The two day long colourful extravaganza celebrating the
'Maand' style of folk music brings out the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. Folk artistes performing under the full moon bring alive the legends and the folklore's of the area.
Nag Panchami in July/Aug.
TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Indian Airlines flights from Delhi, Mumbai, jodhpur and
Jaipur.
Rail: Direct rail connection with many important cities of the country. Some important train connection are : Marudhar Express
(Varanasi-Jodhpur): Barmer Express (Jodhpur-Barmer): Ranakpur Express
(Marwar-Jodhpur): Paschim Express (New Delhi-Jodhpur-Mumbai).
Road: Jodhpur can also reached through a dense network of road connections. Some key distances are : Delhi 597 km, jodhpur 260 km, Jaipur336 km. |
