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Jodhpur
Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, is
now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western
side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately
sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments temples and gardens
of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur.
Founded in 1459 AD by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur gradually
grew around the towering Mehrangarh Fort, built as a stronghold on
the advice of a sage. Alongwith Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Jodhpur too
is situated on the ancient silk route that linked Central Asia and
Northern India with the seaports of Gujarat. As a result it became a
major trading centre in the 16th century. Reminiscent of the bygone
years is the fact that Jodhpur is still the leading centre for
cattle, camels, wood, salt and agricultural crops. The beauty and
imagination that has gone into the making of this monumental city
proclaim the life-springs of creative genius that appear incongurent
with the harshness of this land and its climate.
Mehrangarh Fort- In the turbulent political times of 1459 AD. Rao
Jodha was adviced by a saint to establish an impregnable
head-quarter and so, the Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill.
This formidable hill top fort is among the best in India with
exquisitively latticed windows in residential apartments within.
Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned windows and walls of
Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, seem to make the
medieval splendour come alive. A collection of musical instruments,
palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's
ramparts are preserved.
Transportation
- Air
: Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and
Bombay.
- Rail
:
Jodhpur is connected by rail with Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur,
Delhi, Ahmedabad, Abu Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad Barmer and
Udaipur via Marwar.
- Road
:
By road Jodhpur to Agra 577 kms, Ajmer 198 kms, Barmer 220 kms,
Bikaner 240 kms, Bombay 1073 kms, Delhi 592 kms, Jaipur 343 kms,
Jaisalmer 290 kms, Mount Abu 264 kms, Udaipur 275 kms, Ranakpur
175 kms.
- Bus
: Regular bus services available from Jodhpur to Ahmedabad, Ajmer,
Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur and Nathdwara.
What to see
Mehrangarh: One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan,
Mehrangarh appears to rise from the bluff-coloured sandstone hill
itself, so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell
where the hill ends and the walls begin.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace can qualify for
several firsts: the largest private residence in the world, the
finest extant example of art-deco, the only palace to have painting
from the Ramayana painted by a Polish artist, the first to use
air-conditioning, electricity and elevators, and the most impressive
for its size and dimensions.
Jaswant Thada: A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble
built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within
the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Government Museum: Located in the Umaid gardens on High Court
Road, it has a large and fairly interesting collection.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum: This is an excellent museum with rare
and interesting artifacts, textiles, paintings, transport items etc.
laid out with utmost care and thought. The Palanquin Gallery and
Howdah Gallery display a superb collection of old and costly
specimens of great historical value.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum: Recently the ruling family of
Jodhpur has converted a part of the gigantic Umaid Bhawan Palace as
a Palace Museum.
Government Museum, Mandore: About 8 kms form Jodhpur; Mandore was
the capital of Marwar. This enchanting place having
beautifully carved cenotaphs, halls of heroes, palaces and old fort,
is of immense historical importance.
Excursions
Balsamand Lake and Garden (5 km), Mandore (8 Km), Sadar Samand Lake
(55 Km),
Guda Bishnoi (25 Km), Mahamandir Temple (9 km), Kailana Lake (11
Km), Jhalamand Garh (10 Km), Luni Fort (35 Km) |
