Jodhpur

Jodhpur
Nickname	"Blue City", "Sun City"
Coordinates	26.2389|N|73.0243
Country	India
State	Rajasthan
Founded	1459
Founder	Rao Jodha
Area	78.6 km²
Elevation	231 m
Population	1,033,756 (2021)
Demonym	Jodhpuri
Website	jodhpur.rajasthan.gov.in

Jodhpur is a major city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Known as the "Blue City" and the "Sun City", it is famous for its historic forts, palaces, temples, and blue-painted houses. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, Jodhpur served as the capital of the Marwar kingdom, a princely state in Rajasthan.

History

Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. The city became the capital of the Marwar region and flourished as a trade center. Jodhpur’s location on the ancient Silk Road contributed to its wealth, as it became a prominent center for the trade of opium, copper, silk, and sandalwood. Over centuries, the city developed a unique culture and architectural style, blending Rajputana heritage with Mughal influences.

Geography

Jodhpur is located in the Thar Desert and has an arid climate. The city experiences extreme temperatures, with hot summers and mild winters. The surrounding landscape is mostly dry and rocky, dotted with the iconic blue-painted houses of the old city. Jodhpur lies about 250 kilometers from the Pakistan border, making it strategically important.

Architecture and Attractions

The city is renowned for its magnificent architecture, particularly:

• Mehrangarh Fort: One of India’s largest and most well-preserved forts, Mehrangarh sits on a 125-meter-high hill. Built by Rao Jodha, the fort houses a museum with artifacts from the royal family’s history.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace: A blend of Indo-European architectural styles, this grand palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singh to employ thousands during a famine. Today, it serves as a museum and a luxury hotel.
• Jaswant Thada: This marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II offers a panoramic view of the city and the fort.
• Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and Sardar Market: A bustling local market known for its spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

The cityscape of Jodhpur is distinctive for its blue-painted houses in the old quarter, which are thought to help keep homes cool and ward off termites.

Culture

Jodhpur has a rich cultural heritage, celebrated through its music, dance, art, and cuisine. Traditional Marwari songs, folk dances like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, and vibrant festivals such as the Marwar Festival and Nagaur Fair are popular here. Jodhpur is also known for its hand-dyed textiles, bandhani (tie-dye), and handcrafted furniture.

Cuisine

Jodhpur’s cuisine is a highlight of Rajasthani food, with dishes like dal baati churma, mirchi bada, and pyaaz kachori gaining popularity across India. The city is also known for sweets such as mawa kachori and ladoo.

Economy

The economy of Jodhpur is diverse, with strong contributions from tourism, handicrafts, textiles, agriculture, and marble mining. Known for its furniture, textiles, and handicraft exports, Jodhpur is an industrial and trade hub for traditional Rajasthani goods. It also has a growing hospitality sector, thanks to its numerous historical sites and luxurious hotels.

Education and Infrastructure

Jodhpur is home to several prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur (AIIMS Jodhpur). The city has a well-connected transport system, with Jodhpur Airport providing air connectivity and a comprehensive rail and road network.

Climate

Jodhpur has a hot desert climate, with scorching summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 48°C (118°F), while winters are relatively cooler with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 24°C. The city receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season from July