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Famous the world over for the baggy horse-riding trousers of the same name, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is also popular for the imposing Meherangarh fort, one of the biggest forts in India and the spectacular Umaid Bhawan Palace. Situated on the fringe of the Thar Desert, the city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of Rajput clan known as Rathores. Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore kingdom called Marwar, and was a major trade centre in the 16th century.
The old city is still surrounded by a 10 km long wall built about a century after Jodhpur was founded. Eight gates lead out of the old city and there are plenty of fascinating walks through the jumble of winding streets.
Jodhpur is a shopper’s paradise - it is popular for tie and dye, embroidered juttis or mojdis, jewellery and furniture.
History
Until recent times, the district of Jodhpur was known as Marwar. It was the largest kingdom in the Rajputana and the third largest of the Indian kingdoms, after Kashmir and Hyderabad.
The Jodhpur royalty comprised of Rathore Rajputs and originally hailed from Kanauj in Uttar Pradesh. Consolidating in the region, the Rathores ousted the local tribal leaders and settled at Pali, southeast of present-day Jodhpur. Later stationed at Mandore, the Rathores chose Jodhpur because of the superior natural fortifications that the city provided. The building of Mehrangarh Fort under Maharaja Rao Jodha only enhanced the natural fortifications and deterred marauding enemies. Every successor of Rao Jodha contributed his mite and the House of Marwar gained a pre-eminent position in the region. By the time of Rao Maldeo, Jodhpur was a flourishing entrepot at an intersection of caravan routes from China, Central Asia and Gujarat. The Muslim historian Farishta described Maldeo as ‘the most potent prince in Hindustan’.
The Jodhpur rulers not only excelled in martial and administrative affairs but were also legendary in their passion and promotion of the sport of Polo. Some of the best polo players of the country came from Jodhpur, and included members of the royal family - a tradition that has been kept alive to the present day. No wonder then, it was from Jodhpur that jodhpurs, those baggy-tight trousers used by horse-riders, took their name!
In Jodhpur
Meherangarh Fort: Considered as the most impressive fort in Rajasthan and one of the biggest in India, the Meherangarh fort is sprawled atop a perpendicular hill, which is a 5 km uphill drive from the main city. Its imposing walls have withstood many attacks by invading armies; the first gate of the wall is still scarred by cannonball hits. The original fort was built by Maharaja Rao Jodha in 1459, when he shifted his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur. The fort has 7 huge gates of which the first, Jayapol was built in 1806 by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victory over the Jaipur army. Lahapol, the last gate into the fort is interesting, for beside it are the palm prints of Maharaja Man Singh’s widow who self-immolated herself in the funeral pyre of her husband. TOP^
Inside the fort are magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels, latticed windows and pierced screens worked on sandstone. Some palaces worth visiting are Moti Mahal (pearl palace), Phool Mahal (flower palace), Sheesh Mahal (glass Palace) and Daulat Khana (valuable’s room). All palaces have fabulous paintings on the ceilings, walls and doors. A collection of superbly decorated royal palanquins, miniature paintings, elephant hawdahs, musical instruments, costumes and furniture are also on display at the palace museum.
Jaswant Thanda: The Jaswant Thanda is the cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The white marble memorial was built in 1899. It displays some rare portraits of Jodhpur rulers. The cenotaph is just 400 m from the Meherangarh fort.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between 1929 and 1942 as a famine relief project that gave employment to more than 3000 famine struck people. Today, parts of the palace have been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum, while one extensive wing is still occupied by the royal family. The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and designed by the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects. Marble and red sandstone were used to built this opulent structure. No cement was used in its construction.The museum at the palace houses an assortment of beautifully crafted weapons, stuffed leopards, clock collections and Chinese urns.
Around Jodhpur:
Balsamand Lake: 7 km from the main city is the Balsamand lake, a popular picnic spot built in 1159 AD. Next to the lake stands the Balsamand Palace, a red sand stone structure exhibiting fine Rajput architecture. The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1936 and is today a heritage hotel. Lush green gardens have been created around the lake and groves of mango, guava, papaya and other fruits have also been developed.
On way to the lake, 2 km from the city is the Maha Mandir, a hundred pillared temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The pillars are ornamented with Yogic postures. A walled town is built around the temple.
Mandore: 9 km from Jodhpur, Mandore was the former capital of Marwar. The Rathores received this 6th century city following a marriage alliance in 1381. The approach to the town is through a narrow pass between high cliffs. Amid the ruins of the old city stand the cenotaphs of six of the Rathores, including Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Largest of them is the soaring temple-shaped memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh. Extensive landscaped gardens with high terraces cover Mandore. Apart from the cenotaphs, the shrine of 33 crore (330 million) gods and goddesses, and the Hall of Heroes housing 16 gigantic figures chiselled out of a single rock, are the other attractions.
The Bishnoi Villages: The Bishnoi villages are located along and off the Pali Road to the southeast of Jodhpur. The Bishnoi community is renowned for their abiding concern for and practice of environmental conservation. They are staunch believers in the sanctity of life and hold all animals and plants sacred, specially the Black buck, or Indian antelope. Guru Jambhoji, who outlined 29 conservation principles, established the cult in the late 15th century. The Bishnoi villages are immaculately kept.
At Guda Bishnoi, there is a small artificial lake, where one can see migratory birds, blackbucks and chinkaras.
Salawas: Salawas is a handicraft centre, famous for weaving durries (Indian carpets). The durries have intricate designs and great colour schemes. One can also find hand-woven and block-printed cloth for bed sheets.
Sardar Samand Lake: Sardar Samand, an artificial lake and wildlife centre, is 55 km from Jodhpur on the road to Barmer. The tranquil waters of the Sardar Samand Lake attract countless varieties of migratory birds and animals. Blackbuck, neelgai and chinkara are some of the animals that can be easily spotted near the lake.
Besides the lake is the Sardar Samand Lake resort built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933. The resort was a hunting lodge, which was later converted into a luxury hotel.
Osian: An ancient town 65 km north of Jodhpur, Osian, was a trading centre between the 8th and the 12th centuries. The wealthy Jains of the region dominated the city and built exquisite temples amidst a landscape of sand dunes. There are in all 16 Jain and Hindu temples. The most important temples are the Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya Mata Temple.
Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary: 40 km south west of Jodhpur, one can spot blackbucks, partridges, desert fox and blue bull or neelgai at this sanctuary.
Nagaur: Famous for the Nagaur cattle fair held in January every year, Nagaur is midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. The city dates back to 4th century AD and has a massive protective fort, which was used against the invading Muslims from Central Asia. The fort encompasses richly painted palaces, mosques, temples, intricate baoris (reservoirs), water systems, fountains, open terraces and pleasure gardens dating back to the Mughal times. Delicate paintings adorn many of the walls and ceilings of the palaces.
Khichan: Midway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Khichan is a tiny village, which is a feeding ground for demoiselle cranes. Between September and March, an estimated 7000 cranes arrive here.
Khimsar: 80 km from Jodhpur, Khimsar houses the 16th century fort built by Rao Karamsiji. He was the 8th son of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha,  who moved to this region and founded the Khimsar dynasty.
The construction of the fort began in 1523 AD. The fort’s battle-scarred walls and turrets are a telltale reminder of Khimsar’s glorious past. In mid 18th century, the royal family moved in and a new zenana (ladies’ wing) was built with finely carved windows in stone grills to provide ‘purdah’ or veil for ladies-in-waiting. Subsequently, Thakur Onkar Singh built a regal wing for himself.
The fort has now been converted into a hotel, though a section still remains residence of the royal family of Khimsar.
Shopping:
Jodhpur is a shopper’s paradise. The main shopping areas are Sojati Gate and Tripolia Bazaar for local handicrafts; Mochi ki Gali at Ghaasmandi for footwear; and Lakhara Bazar for lac work and bangles. Jodhpuris or Jodhpur breeches are popular all over the world and so are the closed-neck jackets called Jodhpuri coats. Jodhpur is famous for its embroidered shoes, carved ivory, tie and dye, jewellery and furniture. Also famous are the Jodhpur ½ kg quilts, available in various price ranges.
Girdikot and Sardar Market: Tiny shops line both sides of the narrow lanes in these markets. One can find a wide range of Rajasthani handicrafts in these shops.
Cultural Calendar
Marwar Festival (October)
Nagaur Cattle Festival (Jan-Feb)
Gangaur Festival (March-April)
Mallinathji Cattle Fair
Getting There
By Air: The Jodhpur airport is 5 km from the main city. Airlines link Jodhpur with Bombay and Delhi, usually on flights that also connect with Jaipur and Udaipur.
By Rail: Jodhpur is on the Western Railway broad gauge network in Rajasthan and is linked to various centres in the region by express and passenger trains. Some important links are those that connect with New Delhi, Agra, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
By Road: Jodhpur is well connected by road. Luxury and deluxe coaches ply between Jodhpur and the other cities. Some important distances are:
- Jaipur 340 km
- Ajmer 208 km
- Mt. Abu 292 km
- Bikaner 256 km
- Udaipur 275 km
- Jaisalmer 285 km
- Agra 575 km
- Delhi 594 km
General Information
- Best time October to March.
- Area 75.50 sq. km.
- Altitude 230 metres
- Climate Summer - 42.2 degree C (Max.) 27.3 degree C (Min)
Winter - 27.5 degree C (Max.) 9.5 degree C (Min)
- Rainfall 31 cms.
- Clothing Summer - light tropical
Winter - light woollen
- Languages English, Hindi, Marwari.
- Post Office GPO, Near Railway Station.
- STD Code 0291
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