ARCHIBLOG'S

JODHPUR CITY

   The empty hills of the Thar Desert are a spectacular setting for the Rajput fortress city of Jodhpur. The forbidding 15th century Mehrangh Fort, perhaps the most majestic fort in the whole of India, looms over the city from the top of the hill. Its walls, up to 36 m (120 ft) high and 21 m (70 ft) wide, seem to sprout out of the hilltop- an extention of the rock on which they are built. The Mehrangarh is a massive edifice containing palaces, courtyards and gardens with fabulous views from its ramparts.

MEHRANGH FORT

   Jodhpur is called the 'Blue City' because many of the houses are painted with a blue tint that reflects the sunlight, keeping the interiors cool. The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha,chief  of the Rathore clan of Rajput warriors, who claim to be directly decendent from Rama. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades. The city grew into a major trading centre, maintaining a semi-autinomous status under both the Mughal Empire and the British Raj. Today Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is rich in history, the center of Marwar is one of the most vibrant places to explore. Music, food, art and language blend in perfectly to give one a lively experience in that place.There are bustling bazaars where the rows of tiny shops sell everything from textile and silver to spices and sweets.
 

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

   Jodhpur is a popular tourist  destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest as well as most recent palaces in India.It began as a social project to provide employment for the town people in the time of famine in the 1920's. The building employed more than 5000 men for over 16 years and is an outstanding example of Art Deco Indo-Colonial design. Today, it is a five star hotel, museum and home of  Gaj Singh, Maharajah of Jodhpur.