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blue city as
most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. This city
is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort built on a rocky
hill and colourful markets which specialize in antiques.
In summers the temperature in Jodhpur is
about 40 degree Celsius and in winters it is around 11 degree
Celsius. So the best time to visit Jodhpur is from November to
March. Hindi, Rajasthani, Marwari and English are the common
languages which are spoken here.
History of Jodhpur
Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459.
Earlier, Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of
Marwar (Land of death). The old city is surrounded by a huge
10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates. There
are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are surrounded
by defensive battlements. This area was won by his Rathore
Rajput clan in 1211 who had moved there after their defeat at
Kanauj by the Muslim invaders. Rao Jodha moved to the Jodhpur
after the older capital of Mandore had been too vulnerable.
Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route
and the Marwaris got benefit from the passing traffic of
opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. The marwaris
provided the essential economic base for the military power of
the state.
Festivals of Jodhpur
Marwar Festival is dedicated mainly to the music and dance of
the Marwar region. This festival is celebrated in Jodhpur in
the month of October. It attempts to showcase the art and
culture of the Jodhpur region and the Maand festival is the
main part of this huge festival. The Marwar festival allows
the tourists to understand and enjoy the folk music and dance
of not only Jodhpur but also of the whole of Rajasthan.
Tourist Attractions in Jodhpur
The main tourist attractions in Jodhpur are the Mehrangarh Fort,
Clock tower and Jaswant Thada. Mehrangarh Fort is built on a
steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely
latticed windows in residential apartments within. Jaswant
Thada is a royal cenotaph built in white marble.
More....
Museums in Jodhpur
Government Museum is located in the Umaid gardens and has a
large and fairly interesting collection. There are many
stuffed animals, including a number of desert birds in two
glass cases, each with a thorn bush. The military section
includes cumbersome wooden biplane, models and an
extraordinary brass battleship.
Shopping in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is famous for its bazaars which sell tie-and-eye
fabrics and garments, linen and mirror work, embroidery, zink
water bottles, ivory curios, carved wooden handicrafts and
embroidered footwear.
How to reach Jodhpur
By Air:
Indian Airlines and as well as other airlines operates flights
between Jodhpur and other cities of India including Rajasthan.
By Rail:
There are direct rail connections between Jodhpur and other
important cities of the country.
By Road:
A good network of roads joins Jodhpur with many destinations
in and around Rajasthan. |
