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Jodhpur
is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It was formerly
the seat of a princely state of the same name,
also known as Marwar. Jodhpur
is a popular tourist destination,
featuring many beautiful palaces, forts, and temples,
apart from a stark, scenic desert landscape. The
city is known as the "Sun City"
for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year and the "Blue City" becouse most of its houses in the old city are painted Indigo.
Jodhpur lies near the geographic
center of Rajasthan state, which
makes it a convenient base for travel in a region
much frequented by tourists. |
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Brief
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. The city was located on the strategic
road linking Delhi to Gujarat. |
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| Places
to visit. |
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Mehrangarh
Fort |
Built
in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha,
Mehrangarh Fort looms large
over the city of Jodhpur.
Almost every ruler since Rao
Jodha has added something
new Mehrangarh
is a beautiful blend of different
architec- tural styles &
influences. Mehrangarh is
known for its exquisite multistoreyed
palaces. All its parts are
a natural appreciation for
the artists. |
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Umaid
Bhawan Palace |
Built by Maharaja Umaid
Singh as a part of a massive
state-wide famine relief programe.
its construction started in
1929 & 3000 labourers
were given employment for
15 years. It is built in the
famous Jodhpur
yellow sand stone.
Thus, Umed Bhawan
is not just a place to visit
and a place to see in Jodhpur
but a place to stay. The museum
displays weapons, antique-clocks,
crockery and hunting trophies
belonging to the Maharaja.
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Jaswant
Thada |
Near the
fort, on the banks of a little
pnd, lies the Jaswant Thada
- the memorial of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II built by
his son Maharaja Sardar Singh
in 1895. It is made of shining
white marble & is indeed
very pretty. Around it are
the stone Cenotaphs of the
Maharajas & Maharanis.
The building is made on a
patform of Red sand stone.
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Clock
Tower |
The clock
tower is a popular
landmark in the old city near
the Sardar Market and narrow
alleys lead from here to bazaars
selling vegetables, spices,
Indian sweets, textiles, silver
and handicrafts. It is a great
place to ramble around at
leisure.
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Mandore |
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Before the foundation of Jodhpur
was laid, Mandore was the established
capital of the old Marwar Kingdom.
Just 9 km away, Mandore
is a fascinating complex of
sprawling gardens, massive cenotaphs,
temples, ruins and sculpture.
The several cenotaphs in memory
of the Jodhpur
Maharajas are intricately carved,
peaked, temple-like structures,
with entirely sculpted facades.
Gods, goddesses, animals, lotuses,
adorn the walls and pillars
of old yellow sandstone. |
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