Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. This imperial city that echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. The Rathores ruled not only Jodhpur but also other Rajput princely states. The Rathore Kingdom was then known as Marwar, the Land of Death. The city is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge right in the middle of the town. The old

old city is surrounded by a 10km long wall built around a century after the city was founded. From the fort one can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. As one of the closest major Indian cities to the border with Pakistan, Jodhpur has a large defense contingent.

Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as the 'Blue City' because of the indigo colored houses in the old town. These can best be seen from the ramparts of the fort. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days non-Brahmins have also taken on the practice. Apart from looking fresh and lively, it is believed that the color works as an effective mosquito repellent. It is fascinating to wander around the jumble of winding streets in the old city.

While the graceful palaces , forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes artistically designed. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city. Part of the film Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book was shot in Jodhpur and it was from here that those baggy-tight , horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Places to See ...

Mehrangarh Fort

Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this Majestic Fort is sprawled across a 125m high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable fort in fort-studded Rajasthan. The fort is approached by a winding road from the city 5km below. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. The Second gate is still scarred by cannon ball hits; the Jayapol was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 following his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner; the Fatehpol or Victory Gate was erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to

commemorate his defeat of the Mughals. The Lohapol (Iron Gate) is the final gate beside which are 15 hand prints, the sati (self immolation) marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. They still attract devotional attention.

Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. There is even a display of rocking cradles. The Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Durga, stands on the southern end of the fort. There are also old cannons on the ramparts at this end and the views from here are superb.

Jaswant Thada - located a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs.

Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum

Built of marble and pink sandstone , this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because of the local Chhittar sandstone used. Begun in 1929, it was designed by the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is said that the palace was built under the famine relief project to provide employment for thousands of local people during a time of severe drought. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as luxury hotel and

remaining part as a museum. The museum has an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja such as weapons, antique clocks, and dainty crockery and hunting trophies.

Around Jodhpur ...

Balsamand Lake

Located about 9km northeast of the city is a picturesque lake surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic spot for excursions. A splendid Summer Palace built in 1159 stands by the lake side. The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Mandore

Located about 9km north of Jodhpur, this was the capital of Marwar prior to the foundation of Jodhpur. Today with its extensive gardens with high rock terraces and royal cenotaphs make it a popular local attraction. The Hall of Heroes contains 15 figures carved out of a rock wall. The brightly painted figures represent Hindu deities and local heroes. There is also a shrine of 33 Crore (330 million) Gods painted with figures of deities and spirits.

Sardar Samand Lake

Located 66km southeast of Jodhpur, this is a wildlife centre and the route to it from Jodhpur passes through a number of colorful villages. Some of the wildlife to be seen include black bucks, chinkara and a variety of bird life.

Osian

Is an ancient Thar Desert town located about 65km north of Jodhpur. It was a great trading centre between the 8th and 12th centuries when it was dominated by the Jains. It is an oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway. The wealth of Osian's medieval inhabitants allowed them to build lavish and exquisitely sculptured temples, most of which have withstood the ravages of time. The sculptural details of the temples rival those of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and the Sun

Temple of Konark in Orissa. Of these temples the most notable are the Sun Temple, the Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.