Nestling within the depths of
the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan, Jodhpur,
once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the
second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur. The town was
once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of Death', probably,
referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of
marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by a 10-km-long
wall made of stone with eight gates facing different directions
built about a century after the city was founded. There are
about 100 towers in the city, most of which are surrounded
by defensive battlements.
Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh fort, and on
the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid
Bhawan, the monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict
a multi-faceted grandeur.
Founded in 1459 AD., by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur
was and still is a flourishing trading centre that began its
existence in the 16th century, as one of the leading centres
of wool, cattle, camels and salt. Jodhpur's fascinating history
is replete with sagas that tell the tales of proud kings,
brave warriors, court intrigues and colourful stories of valour
and romance. Even today, Jodhpur retains much of its medieval
flavour and ambience that instantly bring to mind the grandeur
and glory of another era. Dotted with palaces, havelis, temples
and houses washed pale blue, the city and its people live
under the watchful gaze of the imposing Meherangah Fort.
Jodhpur's heart beats in its crowded bazaars, in the maze
of jumbled lanes, in the warmth and hospitality of a hardy
desert people. The city’s piece de resistance is undeniably
the magnificent art noveau and art deco style Umaid Bhawan
Palace, residence of the royal family and now a heritage hotel.
From Jodhpur, travellers can explore rural Rajasthan and
its desert villages, where the rare black buck, an antelope
indigenous to the region, is protected by the Bishnoi people,
a local tribe renowned for their environmental concern. In
desert dwellings, visitors can taste traditional foods and
purchase Bishnoi handicrafts. Also near Jodhpur is Rajasthan's
largest group of early Jain and Hindu temples on the outskirts
of the small oasis, Osian. No matter what your reason for
visiting this blue city, you are sure to fall in love with
the romance of the place.
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| Palatial mansions like the Moti Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal, Maan Vilas, Daulat Khana, Sileh Khana, Sukh
Mahal and Phool Mahal are located all over the Mehrangarh
premises. These palaces are interspersed with massive
hallways, pillared rooms, shrines and ornamental courtyards. |
Holi is the most popular of the seasonal
festivals and normally falls in the month of March. This
festival is held over two days; on the first day, at night
'Holika', the witch is burnt in a big bonfire signifying
the end of winter and beginning of new year. On the second
day people splash colours or coloured powder on their
friends and relatives. |
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