JODHPUR
A DELIGHTFUL BLEND OF THE MODERN AND THE TRADITIONAL
This bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and has landscape dominated by the massive Meharangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.
The old city is fenced by 10 km long wall with eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in 1459 and it is named after him.
The Afghans drove the Rathores out of their original homeland Kaunaj and they fled to this region around Pali a short distance from present day Jodhpur. A manoeuvre leads to marriage between Rathore Siahaji and the sister of a local prince that helped the Rathore to establish and strengthen themselves in this region. In fact they flourished so well that managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, just 9 km of present day Jodhpur. By 1459 a need for more secured capital lead to the founding of Meherangarh Fort on its rocky perch and Jodhpur was thus founded by Rao Jodha. The Rathores enjoyed good relations with the Mughal and Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shah Jahan in the latter's struggle for war of succession. Only problematic relationship they had was with Aurangzeb. After Auranzeb's death Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughal from Ajmer and added it to Marwar. In the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city.
The Rathores enjoyed good relations with all the Mughals, except Aurangzeb. Maharaja Jaswant Singh even supported Shahjahan in his struggle for succession. After Aurangzeb's death, Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added it to Marwar (now Jodhpur). Under the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city.
During the British Raj, the state of Jodhpur was the largest in Rajputana, by land area. Jodhpur prospered under the British Raj. Its merchants, the Marwaris, flourished endlessly. They came to occupy a dominant position in trade throughout India. In 1947 India became independent and the state merged into the union of India. Jodhpur became the second city of Rajasthan.
The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times.
Quick Facts
Area
:
75.50 sq. kms.
Climate
:
Hot Summer (25.0 C Min to 41.6 Max C)
Cold Winter (7.9 Min to 23.6 Max C)
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur lie on the Airlines route that links Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail
Most of Rajasthan is accessible by a network of rail services. The Shatabdi Express is an excellent connection to Ajmer via Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, from Delhi. The trains offer vestibuled, chair seating rail service. Other places too are linked by passenger and express trains. Since rail journeys are usually long because of the distances involved, it is advisable to carry light snacks and water bottles, as most stations en-route do not serve much by way food.
Road
The State Roadways coaches link most tourist places and business centers in and around the state. Chauffeur-driven air-conditioned cars can be hired through the State Tourist Offices and other approved operators.
ROAD DISTANCES FROM JODHPUR
Ajmer
210 km
Daspan
240 Km
Jaiselmer
290 km
Jaipur
335 km
Khimsar
90 km
Luni
34 km
Nagaur
130 km
Osian
60 km
Udaipur
275 km
Best Time to Visit
The best time visit Jodhpur is between Octobre and February. The weather remains very pleasant during this time. The daytime temperature during this time encourages visits to various tourist places to see in Jodhpur. The summer months, from March to May, are best to be avoided, as the temperature can easily cross 40° C, which is not conducive for visiting places of attractions in Jodhpur.
