JODHPUR
- TALES OF GRANDEUR AND GREAT HEROES
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.
PRIME
SITES
Mehrangarh
Fort: The 5 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.
Girdikot and Sardar
Market: 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.
Museum: The
museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures
and antique weapons.
EXCURSIONS
Balsamand
Lake and Gardens (5 km) : A pretty lake built
in 1159 A.D. A splendid summer Palace stands by the
lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic
spot for excursions.
Mandore (8
km): The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of
the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures
carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu
deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces
make it a popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir Temple
(9 km): Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with
84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake
(11 km): The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.
Osian (58
km): An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion
off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway. A drive to this
ancient township takes one past undulating terrain,punctuated
by desert stretches and little hamlets.
Osian has 15 beautifully sculptured Jain and Brahmanical
temples. Of these the most outstanding ones are the
earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple,Sachiya
Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord
Mahavira.
Dhawa (45
km): A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of
Indian antelopes.
Nagaur (135
km): An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also
the venue for a beautiful murals. It is also the venue
for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.
Rohit Fort
(40 km): Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.
Luni Fort
(20 km): Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort
and its surroundings are worth a visit.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
: 75.50 sq. km.
Altitude : 230 metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 42.2 degree C 27.3 degree C
Winter : 27.5 degree C 9.5 degree C
Rainfall : 31 cms.
Best Season : Oct. - March
Clothing : Summer light tropical
Winter :light woolen
Languages : English, Hindi, Marwari.
