Overview
Jodhpur district is an administrative district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Located in the western part of the state on the edge of the Thar Desert, it takes its name from its headquarters, the historic city of Jodhpur, which is also the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. The district forms part of the broader Marwar region and is one of the most populous districts of Rajasthan.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Rajasthan |
| Region | Marwar |
| Headquarters | Jodhpur |
| Division | Jodhpur Division |
| Type | District |
| Languages | Hindi, Marwari |
Geography
Jodhpur district lies in the arid zone of western Rajasthan. The terrain is largely flat to gently undulating, with sandy plains, rocky outcrops and scattered low hills associated with the Aravalli system. The climate is semi-arid, marked by hot summers, cool winters and low, erratic rainfall concentrated in the southwest monsoon. The Luni river basin influences drainage in parts of the district. Vegetation is dominated by xerophytic species typical of the Thar, including khejri (Prosopis cineraria), ber and various acacias.
The district shares borders with several other western Rajasthan districts, including Jaisalmer, Barmer, Pali, and Nagaur, with district boundaries having been periodically redrawn as new districts were carved out of the historic Jodhpur region.
History
The area corresponding to present-day Jodhpur district was the heartland of the former princely state of Marwar, ruled by the Rathore dynasty. The city of Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who shifted the capital from Mandore to a more defensible site dominated by the imposing Mehrangarh fort. Marwar remained one of the largest princely states of Rajputana under British paramountcy following treaties signed in the early 19th century.
After Indian independence in 1947, Marwar acceded to the Dominion of India, and the state was integrated into the new state of Rajasthan in 1949. Jodhpur subsequently became the headquarters of an administrative district within Rajasthan and the seat of one of the state's revenue divisions.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector and Magistrate, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service. Law and order is overseen by a Superintendent of Police (or Commissioner of Police for the urban area). The district is part of the Jodhpur revenue division and is divided into tehsils and subdivisions for revenue administration, along with development blocks for rural development.
Local self-government in rural areas is organised through a three-tier Panchayati Raj system comprising the Zila Parishad at the district level, Panchayat Samitis at the block level, and Gram Panchayats at the village level. Urban administration in Jodhpur city is carried out by the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation.
Economy
The district's economy combines agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, mining and services. Despite the arid climate, agriculture supports a large rural population, with crops such as bajra (pearl millet), jowar, pulses, mustard and cumin cultivated under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Livestock rearing, particularly of cattle, sheep, goats and camels, is an important rural livelihood.
Jodhpur is well known for its handicrafts and cottage industries, including handcrafted wooden furniture, textiles, tie-and-dye (bandhani) work, leather goods, and stone carving. Sandstone quarrying and the processing of Jodhpur sandstone are significant activities. The guar gum industry has historically been associated with the region. The city of Jodhpur also serves as a regional commercial, educational and medical hub for western Rajasthan.