Jodhpur is one of the
most important cities, lying on the edge of the Thar desert in western Rajasthan.
This region, earlier known as marwar also has Bikaner and Jaisalmer as a part
of the Desert Triangle. Interestingly, it originally belonged to the Rathore of
Kanauj ( now in modern Utter 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 descendant of Lord Rama-the God King-founded Jodhpur in 1459AD.
He built the gigantic Mehrangarh Fort which crowns a hilltop and main focus as
it can be seen from most parts of the city. One of Rao Jodha's sons ,Rao Bika,
leter 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 mughal
dynasty.
 |
Akbar the Great however, was finally successful in winning over
the rulers of Jodhpur, who became trusted lieutenants of the Mughal emperors,
Jodhpur became a renowned centre of art, craft and culture under the influence.
For a short span Jodhpur came under the influence of the Marathas and finally
fell into the hands of the British in 1818AD. |
Sight
Seeing of Jodhpur
Girdikot
and Sardar Market
 | Vibrant
with activity, the the colourful bazaar , near Clock Tower, is a favourite with
shoppers. It has narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops selling a range of exquisite
Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurine of camels and elephant, marble
curios with inly work and Rajasthani silver jwellery. |
Government Museum
This museum
nestles in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden and houses a rich collection
of exhibits-armoury of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Trithankaras. Umaid
Public Garden also houses a zoo.
Jaswant
Thada
This imposing cluster of white marble royal cenotaphs was
built in 1899AD in memory of Maharaja Jasawant 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.
Maha
Mandir Temple
Mahamandir meaning the great temple, is a sanctified
spot where tranquility reigns supreme. Situated on Mndore 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
marketed by a unique style.
Mehrangarh
Fort
 | This
impressive fort, set on a high hill was built by Rao Jodha 1459 AD, when he shifted
his capital from Mandore. Standing guard to the city below, it overlook the rugged
and rocky terrain and houses a place, intricately adorned with long carved panels
and latticed window 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, howdas, royal
cradles, miniature paintings of various schools, folk music instruments, costumes,
furniture and an impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts near
Chamunda temple, is among the rerest in India. As you climb up folk musicians
revive the grandeur of a bygone era.
The
Heritage Air Force Museum
This
museum is spectacular, interesting and a place definitely worth visiting.
Excursions
Dhawa ( Doli) Forest
Area (45 KMS)
Situated on Barmer road, and having teeming wildlife,
Doli 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 Bishnois and they protect
them from poachers with a fervour and religious zeal which is typical of this
tribe.
Kailana Lake (11 KMS)
Situated on Jaisalmer road, this small artificial lake is an ideal picnic
spot. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colours. The beauty here linger
on your mind for a long time. Boating facilities are available through RTDC.
Mandore Garden ( 9 KMS)
Mandore was the capital of Marwar, 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 carvings are amongst
the other attraction of Mandore. The finest of all cenotaphs, are the ones built
in the memory of Maharaja Jasawant Singh and Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Osian
(60)
This ancient town of the Thar desert, was a flourishing trading
centre between the 8th &12th centuries. Today it is a desert Osian with sixteen
Brahamanical and Jain temple. Beautifully sculpted and designed, most of these
have stood the onslaught of time.
The largest of these are Schchiya 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 (135)
A
drive through the countryside, 75 kms beyond Osian, brings you to Phalodi, the
city of richly carved havelis and temples. Nearby lies the village of Khichan,
which is a regular host to the flocks of Demoiselle cranes ( Locally called Kurjan),
which come in thousands due to the amiable conditions and protection given by
the village. Their duration of stay is about 5 to6 months, after which they go
back to their breeding grounds, in March -April. Many folk songs are based on
them.
Bal Samand Lake &
Garden
7 kms. Away, lies a pretty lake with a pleasure or summer
place on its banks. This was built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159
AD. The gardens were developed later.
Guda
Bishnoi (25 KMS)
These
are immaculately kept village of the Bishnoi community staunch believers in the
sanctity of plant and animal life.
Fairs
& Festivals
Marwar
Festival
It is an exclusive festival, originally known as the
Maand festival in Jodhpur. This festival is held for two days during Sharad Purnima
by the folk artists. It is organized by the Department of Tourism of the State
Government. (26-27 oct.2004).
Art &
Craft
Market of Jodhpur are well established and the shops are
full of articles produced by local artisans. Visitors find various temptations
to shop. The handicrafts of Jodhpur have won world - wide fame. Jodhpur has been
a centre where the craftsmen excel in the art of manufacturing jewellery and other
elegant handicrafts.
Leather Craft
The embroidered leather shoes of Jodhpur are well known in the world
market. Mojdis or jutties are made in various patterns and colours at Jodhpur
and cater to the needs of the rural and urban customers. The embroidery is done
on plain leather. The visitor cannot escape the attraction of these Jodhpuri Mojdis
or Leather shoes.
Badla
Badla is a small utensil of copper, used to carry water. Jodhpur is the chief
center where all kinds of Badlas are produced in large numbers.
Carpets
Jodhpur is famous for its blankets, named etc and it is one of the leading centres
for producing blankets. Namdas of Jodhpur are normally in white colour.
Painting
Jodhpur is famous for its art of painting. It has a very strong folk
tradition and in these painyings of Jodhpur, the figures presented are mainly
of robust warriors and dainty and pretty women. Legendary paintings of lovers
like Dhola-Maru on camel back and hunting scenes which depict innumerable horse
and elephants dominate the paintings of this region.
Lacquered
work
Jodhpur maintains its uniqueness in several items of laquer
work, which is well witnessed in the articles like bangles, bracelets etc.
Textiles
Jodhpur has a great
variety of bandhini. It is one of the specialities of Jodhpur and is worn at the
time of marriage and by the newly wedded girls. Chunri is mainly red in colors.
As Jodhpur is one of the main centres of this speciality, Bandhej workers have
excelled in their job. Jodhpur has also won appreciation in the work of gotakinari
and is one of the chief centres of Rajasthan.
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