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Tourist Places in Jodhpur |
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| Tuesday, 18 March 2008 | |
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History of Jodhpur
History of Jodhpur goes like this. The Rathore Rajputs moved to Marwar - 'the
region of death' in 1211 when they were defeated by Muhammad Ghori at Kannauj.
Rao Jodha, the Rathore chieftain was forced to leave the former Rajput capital
at Mandore in 1459, as the place was not located strategically. They chose a
new place, located 8 km from the Mandore on the edge of Thar Desert. Rahores
controlled a large part of Rajasthan, especially during the reigns of Rao Udai
Singh (1581 AD) and his son Raja Sur Singh ((1595), who conquered Gujarat and a
good part of Deccan for the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
The Rathores always had good relationships with the Mughals and Maharaja
Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shahjahan in the Mughal struggle for war of
succession. Only problematic relationship they had was with Aurangzeb. After
the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, Maharaja Ajit Singh became the ruler of
Jodhpur. He drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added substantially to the
Mehrangarh Fort. Now all part of History of Jodhpur.
The city of Jodhpur prospered because of its location on the strategic Delhi -
Gujarat trading route.
Tuorist Places in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh
Fort
Magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts, looks down
protectively over the city, from the hilltop. The fort is situated at an
altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km with seven
gates. One could drive up or walk to the top of the small and not so steep
hill. Driving or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall
and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed.
Red sandstone stairs led up to the chessboard checked courtyard of the neat
white marble cenotaph. Dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant, this memorial was built
in 1899. Inside, the reverent ambience is framed with several portraits of
Jodhpur royalty. It is a peaked structure from the outside with precise
trelliswork and excellent carving.
Umaid
Bhawan
The beautiful corridors, staircases and hallways preserve in near entirety of
Umaid Bhawan rouses the curiosity of adventurous spirits.
A wonderful palace of beige sandstone built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1928 and
designed by the President of the British Royal Institute of Architects. The
Fort is a blend of several styles, merging pleasantly. All the trappings of Raj
influence, pre-independence royal living are present. Royal auditorium
ballrooms, huge dinning-room, gilded royal furniture, majestic tiger and
deerskins on the walls of a gloomy library of old books, crystal chandeliers,
stained glass windows, liveried menservants and doormen, swimming pool in
basement, various mementoes and old photographs. There is so much to see and
discover.
Outside the manicured lush lawn, is splashed with rows of red and white
flowering bushes. From the expanse of green grass, the huge central dome of
Umaid Bhavan emerges most prominent, with the four corners peaked into columned
minarets. Glowing in the late afternoon sun, this is another royal treasure of
Rajasthan.
Mandore
Before the foundation of Jodhpur was laid, Mandore was the established capital
of the old Marwar Kingdom. Just nine kilometers 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. The largest and most noteworthy cenotaph is dedicated to maharaja
Ajit Singh.
In a hall are relief sculptures of various deities and rulers, colored bright
and mounted on horses. In little corners of temples are rows of beautiful old
tiles, excellent ceramic art. Some depicting Lord Rama or Lord Krishna. Then of
course, there amongst the temples, figurate, and landscaped vegetation, are the
brightly dressed Rajasthani people. The men, proud in their moustaches and
turbans with the ladies in shocking pink or green veils, wander about in
groups, admiring their heritage. They lent a gaiety to the pleasant late
afternoon.
Museum
The Jodhpur Museum exhibits a rich collection of armory, textiles, arts and
crafts, miniature paintings, portraits, manuscripts, and images of Jain
Tirthankaras.
Mahamandir
Temple
Two kilometers away on the Mandore Road, is this impressive temple with 84
pillars ornamented with detailed carvings of yogic postures.
Kailana
Lake
A charming picnic spot around a lake, famous for a spectacular view of sunset
this lake is located 11 kilometers from Jodhpur.
Balsamand
Lake and Palace
A summer palace on the embankments of a serene and calm lake, Balsamand Lake is
located 7 kilometers away from Jodhpur.
Sardar
Samand Lake
A long drive 55 kilometers through the countryside leads to this shimmering
lake
Osian
Osian has the ruins of 16 Jain and Hindu temples built between the 8th and 11th
centuries located 65 km away from Jodhpur.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ) | |
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