Founded in 1459 AD, by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur,the Blue City
towers beneath the fort . Jodhpur's enchanting history is brimming with
sagas that tell the tales of proud kings, brave warriors, court intrigues,
colourful stories of gallantry and passion. Jodhpur gradually grew around
the towering Mehrangarh fort.
A flourishing trading centre in the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of
the leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt . It showcases some
very fine vestige of its glorious past - palaces, temples and other elegant
monuments of architectural and historical value.
Tourist Attraction
» Mehrangarh Fort : Mehrangarh Fort was built in 1459 on the
advice of a saint. The fort spans over 5 km and is perched on a
perpendicular hill offering a panoramic view of the city . Mehrangarh fort
is one of the largest forts in India. The elegance and the splendour of
numerous palaces in the fort reveals a saga of hard sandstones yielding to
the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
In order to enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. There are some
magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and
evocative names within the fort.Out of all important ones are Moti Mahal,
the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat
Khana.These palaces has good assemblage of trappings of Indian royalty
including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, musical
instruments,miniature paintings of various schools, costumes and furniture.
» Jaswant Thada : This cenotaph in white marble was built in
remembrance of Maharaja Jai Singh II. This 19th century royal cenotaph holds
the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur
» Umaid Bhawan Palace : This was the palace where royal
families use to live. Now the palace is divided into two- one part is a
museum displaying array of items belonging to Maharaja and royal family like
weapons, antiques crockery and trophies. The other part is still occupied by
the royal family of Jodhpur
» Government Museum : This museum houses a good assemblage of
weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain
Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
» Rai-ka-Bag Palace : Situated near Raika Bag Palace railway
station, this Palace was constructed by Haji, the queen of King Jaswant
Singh, in 1663.King Jaswant Singh-II stayed in the octagonal bungalow and
liked this palace very much. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to
Jodhpur, his sermons were arranged for the public in the public ground of
this palace.
» Umed Garden : Built in 20 the centuary by Maharaja Umed
Singh, the garden has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees,seasonal flowers
and also houses a library, museum and a zoo. In 1978 'Walk-in Aviary' was
constructed there one could see different types of birds, local, African and
Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc; in their natural environment. There
are large cages for bears, foxes, deers, lions leopard etc .
» Raj Ranchhodji Temple : The temple in red stone was erected
by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of her husband, king Jaswant
Singh. The temple has a statue of Ranchhodji made of black marble. It has a
unique architecture , the walls of the temple are carved with beautiful
filigree work.It has green, yellow and blue glasses fixed on its main door.
