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 lifestyle in jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing , artistically designed lovely costumes. 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, camel skin, velvet add more colors to the city. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.
Places to See in Jodhpur
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre 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, costumes and furniture.
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.
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.
These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.
A charming picnic spot around a lake, famous for a spectacular view of sunset this lake is located 11 kilometers from Jodhpur.
A summer palace on the embankments of a serene and calm lake, Balsamand Lake is located 7 kilometers away from Jodhpur.
An ancient Jain temple, well worth the visit, lies in the village of Osiyan, about 60 km outside Jodhpur. There are many sections of this temple, which was built in several distinct phases.
Shopping in Jodhpur
In response to export markets, many of the factories and shops here design furniture and metal work products that are geared to Western tastes. The central market, or Ghasmandi Bazaar, is very popular with visitors. But the really good stuff is found outside the city walls. You'll find textiles, silver, jewellery, instruments, pottery, boxes, carved ducks, metalwork, marble figures, paintings, copper, brass, antique reproductions, ivory, insignias in white German metal, bed covers, wall hangings, puppets, clothes, old doors, and lots of furniture.
