Jodhpur
About the city
Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern sideJodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan and boasts of most impressive fort in Rajasthan. The state of Marwar was the largest state in Rajputana. The Rathore family, which claims descent from Rama, first ruled in Kanauj near kanpur. Losing that to the Muslims in the 12th century, one branch of the family moved to Rajasthan and established a small state. They slowly built up their holdings and tokk Mandor at the beginning of the 15th century. The need for a more defensible base saw the move to Jodhput for 50 years later. Marwar reached its height under Rao Maldeo (1532-1569) when its territories stretched as far as Sind, now in Pakistan. And yes, jodhpur do come from here. The story goes that the secret of how to cut them was known only to the maharaja and his personal tailor but, on a trip to Europe, all his baggage went astray. Thus the kanaraja had to reveal all to an English tailor and soon everybody was wearing them.
A valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe of the thar desert was founded in 1459, by Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rma, the epic hero of the Ramayana. A high stone wall nearly 10kms. in length and eight gates once protected the city. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains.
Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan, at the edge of the Thar desert was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - hero of the epic 'Ramayana'. The city dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill is charming with its wealth of historic attractions and colourful markets which specialises in antiques. It is still one of the leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt.
A valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert has the distinction of neither being a part of the Thar Desert nor out of it. At best it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. It is the home of the Rathors - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan, who conquered Marwar or Maroodesh, land of the sand after the fall of Delhi and Kannauj.
In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation of Jodhpur. A high stonewall protects the well-fortified city. The wall is nearly 10 km in length and has eight gates facing various directions.
Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! and dauntless in its league with time! The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort.
On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the most spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. and from here, as you look at the fort, a tantalizing view rises before your eyes at sunset.
The peculiar slant of the sunset lends the desert landscape an awe-inspiring glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted.
Demography
Jodhpur has a population of about 846,408, of which males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Jodhpur has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy is around 75%, and the female literacy is about 58%. In Jodhpur, 14% of the population is under six years of age.History
Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief belonging to the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus, founded a state which came to be known as Marwar. As Rao Jodha hailed from the nearby town of Mandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state. However, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Rao Jodha. Aurangzeb briefly sequesterated the state in 1679 on the pretext of a minority, but the rightful riler was restored to the throne after 1707, but the Jodhpur court was beset by intrigue. Instead of benefitting from circumstances, Marwar descended into strife and invited the intervention of the Marathas, who soon supplanted the Mughals as overlords of the region. This however, did not make for stability or peace. Fifty years of ruinous wars and humiliating treaties dissipated the wealth of the state, which sought and gratefully entered into a subsidiary alliance with the British in 1818.The Town
Between Sojati Gate and the fort are colorful bazaars. Jodhpur is the fort; if you want to Stroll around pleasant bazaaras do it in Udaipur or Ajmer. In recent years Jodhpur has Become a major antiques dealing centre. Albany Handicrafts, near the Toursit Bungalow, certainly have an interesting stock. The Umaid Gardents house to Governemt Museum (10am-4.30pm, closed Friday). This has a elegant, tasteful display of lacquer, wood and ivory crafts. Inside is also an art Gallery of miniature paintings. Nearby is the zoo with extensive aviaries. The colossal Umaid Bhavan was the last major palace built by an Indian prince. Now a five-star hotel, only the museum (9am-5pm, Rs 10) is open to casual visitors. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, part of the palace is today inhabited by his grandson Gaj Singh.Fairs and Festivals
This eight days fair held every year during the month of Jan-Feb, is popularly known as the Cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. Nagaur is a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year