Jodhpur History

Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. The city was the erstwhile capital of the Marwar state. A 10-km-long wall made of stone and built about a century after the city was founded, surrounds the old city. There are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements. 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'. Rahores controlled a large part of Rajasthan, especially during the reigns of Rao Udai Singh (1581 AD) and his son Raja Sur Singh ((1595), who conquered Gujarat and a good part of Deccan for the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Rathores always had good relationships with the Mughals and Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shahjahan in the Mughal struggle for war of succession. Only problematic relationship they had was with Aurangzeb. After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, Maharaja Ajit Singh became the ruler of Jodhpur. He drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added substantially to the Mehrangarh Fort.

Jodhpur Attractions

Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall nearly 10 kms in length, with seven gates, dominating the city is an eminence surmounted by a massive fortress. Within the walls are royal palaces with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms. Sightseeing of Jodhpur includes visit to the Fort, Palaces, Armoury and Jaswant Thada.

Best Season : October-March

Sightseeing at Jodhpur -

Mehrangarh Fort : Situated at an altitude of about 125 mtrs, the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is spread over an area of 5 sq km in the heart of the city of Jodhpur. Besides being a landmark in Jodhpur Mehrangarh fort is a must visit for all the tourists. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate.

Jaswant Thada : Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir. This place is a must visit in Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan : Made of marble and pink sandstone, the construction of the Umaid Bhawan of Jodhpur started in 1929 and it took 16 years to complete it. It is believed that the palace was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. This majestic building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.

About Jodhpur

Grandeur by the sand dunes - Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of Marwar, where the Rathor clan ruled. Set right at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century. On top of a hill, at the edge of the town, looms the Mehrangarh Fort, giving it a touch of medieval majesty.

Mehrangarh Fort - His formidable hilltop fort is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead into it, like Jayapol built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and Fatehpol or 'Victory Gate' erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals. Inside the fort, see the palaces: Moti Mahal or 'Pearl Palace', Sukh Mahal or 'Pleasure Palace' and Phool Mahal or 'Flower Palace'.

Jaswant Thada - Marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Ummaid Bhawan Palace - Built by Maharaja Ummaid Singh in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature paintings.

Shopping - At Mochi Galli. Look for embroidered leather shoes, tie and dye fabrics, lacquer ware, antiques and puppets.

Cuisine - Try makhaniya lassie- a delicious creamy drink. And popular desserts - mawa laddoo, mawa kachori, dhood firni.

Festivals - Marwar festival, A cattle fair in Nagaur, Shitlamata fair at Kaga, Gangaur Fair at Pipar.