Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and the administrative headquarters of Jodhpur district and the Jodhpur division. Situated on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, it is widely known as the Blue City for the indigo-washed houses that surround the old walled town, and as the Sun City for its bright, sunny climate through most of the year. The city is dominated by the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest hill forts in India.

Key facts

Geography and climate

Jodhpur lies in western Rajasthan on a rocky, semi-arid plateau bordering the Thar Desert. The terrain is largely flat with scattered sandstone outcrops, one of which carries the Mehrangarh Fort. The climate is hot and arid, with very high summer temperatures, cool winters, and limited rainfall concentrated in the south-west monsoon between July and September. The local sandstone, quarried in the surrounding region, has long been used in the city's forts, palaces and havelis.

History

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore Rajput chief, as the new capital of the kingdom of Marwar, replacing the older capital at Mandore a few kilometres to the north. The city grew around the Mehrangarh Fort, which was raised on a steep hill to provide a more defensible seat of power.

Marwar emerged as one of the major Rajput states of north-western India. Notable rulers included Rao Maldeo Rathore, who consolidated the kingdom in the sixteenth century, and Maharaja Jaswant Singh I, who served the Mughal emperors. Under Maharaja Ajit Singh and later rulers, Marwar negotiated its position between the Mughal Empire, the Marathas and rival Rajput houses.

In 1818, the Jodhpur State entered into a subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company and became a princely state of British India. Following Indian independence in 1947 and the integration of princely states, Jodhpur acceded to the Indian Union. With the formation of the state of Rajasthan in stages between 1949 and 1956, Jodhpur became one of its principal cities.

Administration

The city is administered by the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation. It serves as the headquarters of the Jodhpur district and the Jodhpur division of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also the seat of the Rajasthan High Court, with a bench at Jaipur.

Economy

Jodhpur's economy combines traditional crafts, trade and modern services. The city is an established centre for handicrafts, particularly wooden furniture, textiles, leather goods, marble and stone work, and antique reproductions, with a substantial export trade. Sandstone quarrying and processing are important regional industries. Tourism, government employment, defence establishments, education and the railways are other significant contributors. Guar gum processing, handicrafts clusters and small-scale manufacturing contribute to industrial output.

Landmarks

• Mehrangarh Fort – built from 1459 onwards under Rao Jodha; houses a museum managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace – commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh and completed in 1943; partly a residence of the former royal family, partly a hotel and museum.
• Jaswant Thada – a marble cenotaph built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
• Mandore Gardens – site of the earlier capital of Marwar, with cenotaphs of Rathore rulers.
• Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) and the surrounding Sardar Market in the old walled city.
• Kaylana Lake and Balsamand Lake – artificial lakes near the city.

Transport

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