Jodhpur

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Jodhpur

Jodhpur, a city with numerous bastions and towers and is the second largest city of Rajasthan.
An ace warrior and chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, Rao Jodha (1415 -1488 Ad) occupies a Special slot in the annals of Rajput history. After his coronation in 1458 AD at Mandore, he laid the founder of new cities to the south and named it Jodhpur. Poised strategically on the East-West trade route between central Asia and China.

When Rao Jodha passed away in 1488 AD the combined boundary of his empire and his son’s
Kingdom extended from the Aravalis in the south to Hissar in the north, brushing the borders of
Jaisalmer in the west. Jodhpur is one of the most important cities, lying on the edge of the desert in
Western Rajasthan. This region, earlier known as Marwar also has Bikaner and Jaisalmer as part of
The Desert Triangle. Interestingly, it originally belongs to the Rathore of Kanauj (now in modern
Uttar Pradesh) who shifted after the city was sacked by Mohammed Ghori in 1193 AD.

The Rathors kept shifting capitals until Rao Jodha, claiming to be a descendent ...
... of Lord Rama the God King-Founded Jodhpur in 1459 AD. He built the gigantic Mehrangarh Fort, which throws a
Hilltop and is the main focus as it can be seen from most parts of the city. One of Rao Jodha’s son’s, Rao Bika, later established his own kingdom known as Bikaner. Later still, Rao Ganga Singh of Jodhpur (1516-32 AD), a distinguished warrior, joined hands with Rana Sanga of Mewar to fight Babar-the founder of the Moghul Dynasty

Akbar the great, however, was finally successful in winning over the rulers of Jodhpur, who become trusted lieutenants of the Mughal emperors. Jodhpur becomes a renowned center of art, craft and culture under the Mughal influence. In a short span Jodhpur came under the influence of the Marathas and finally fell into the hands of the British in 1818AD.

WHAT TO SEE:

GIRDIKOT AND SARDAR MARKET: Vibrant with activity, the colorful bazaar, near clock tower, is a favorite with shoppers. It has narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops selling a range of exquisite Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurines of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and Rajasthani silver jewelry.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM: This museum nestles in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden and houses a rich collection of exhibits-armory, textiles, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings, portraits of ruler’s manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankaras. The Umaid Public Garden also houses a zoo.

JASWAN THADA: This imposing cluster of white marble royal cenotaphs was built in 1899AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswasnt Singh II. It houses portraits of Successive rulers. The Four cenotaphs around here commemorate notable acts of bravery and generosity of the four successive rulers.

MAHAMANDIR TEMPLE: Mahamandir meaning the great Temple is a sanctified spot where tranquility reigns supreme. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural wonder, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by unique style.

MEHRANGARH FORT: This impressive fort, set on a high hill was built by Rao Jodha in 1459AD, when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing guard in the city below, it overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace, intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The apartments within –the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana weave their own magic with a rich, varied collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various school, folk music instruments, Costumes, Furniture and an impressive armory. The display of cannons on the ramparts, near the Chamunda temple is among the rarest in India. As you climb up, folk Musicians revive the grandeur of a bygone era.

ORIENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE: This is an Art Gallery, established to explore, collect, preserve, edit and publish ancient literature of Rajasthan.

SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY: This museum is famous for its unique collection of musical instruments.

THE HERITAGE AIR FORCE MUSEUM: This museum is spectacular, interesting and a place definitely worth visiting.

UMAID BHAWAN PALAC: Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1927-1942 AD) and named after him, this grand palace is also known as jitter Palace, because of the local chittar sandstone used. It is an exquisite example of Indo-Colonial art Deco style of the 30s. A unique feature of this place is that the hand-chiselled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking; there is no mortar binding. A portion of the palace has been converted into a hostel, and the remaining is on view for visitors as an excellent museum, which houses model aero planes, antique weapons, clocks and bob watches, priceless crockery and hunting trophies. Both sections retain the ambience of royal splendor.

DHAWA (DOLI) FOREST AREA (45 KMS): Situated on bummer road, and having teeming wildlife, Dali invites you to an irresistible adventure. Black Indian antelopes of Varied Species can be seen here in large numbers, roaming free and almost mingling with the Bishnoi Village. These antelopes are sacred to the business and they protect them from poachers with a fervor and religious zeal which is typical of this tribe.

KAILANA LAKE (11Kms): Situated on Jaisalmer road, this small artificial lake is an ideal picnic spot it is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colors. The beauty here will linger on your mind for a long time.

Boating facilities are available through R.T.D.C.

MANDORE GARDEN (9 KMS): Mandore was the capital of Marvar, before the foundation of Jodhpur. Today, its extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction. The highlight of this place is the “Hall of Heroes”, which houses sixteen gigantic figures chiseled out of a single rock. The statues are either of Popular Hindu deities or Famous folk deities. The royal cenotaphs or Devals of Jodhpur rulers, on a high plinth crowned with soaring spires and ornate carving are amongst the other attractions of Mandore .The finest of all cenotaphs, are the ones built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Ajit Singh.

OSIAN (60Km): This ancient town of the Thar Desert was a flourishing trading center between the 8th & 12th centuries. Today, it is an oasis with sixteen brahamanical and Jain temples. Beautifully sculpted and designed, most of these have stood the onslaught of time. The largest of these is a sachchiya Mata temple and Mahavir Jain temple, which are both functional. This medieval town is surrounded by rows of sand dunes on its western end. While in Osian, watch lovely sunsets and enjoy camel rides. An overnight stay at nevera Village is comfortable.

PHALODI – KHICHAN (135KM): A drive through the countryside, 75Kms beyond Osian, brings you to phalodi, the city of richly carved havlies and temples. Nearly, lies the villages of Kitchen, which is a regular host to the flocks of demoiselle cranes (locally Kurjan), which come in thousands due to the amiable conditions and the protection given by the villages. Their duration of stay is about 5 to 6 months, after which they go back to their breeding grounds, in March- Aprila. Many folk songs are based on them.

BAL SAMAND LAKE & GARDEN: 7 Kms Away lies a pretty lake with a pleasure or a summer palace on its banks. This was built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 A.D. The gardens were developed later.

GUDA BISHNOI (25 KM): These are immaculately kept villages of the Bishnoi community staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life.

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