Jodhpur Tourism and Travel Guide:
History of Jodhpur: Jodhpur history revolves around the Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459. The city is named after him only. It was previously known as Marwar.Jodhpur The following paragraphs will tell you more about the past of Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The Rathores were driven out of their original homeland, Kaunaj, by Afghans. They fled to Pali, near to the present day Jodhpur. Rathore Siahaji married the sister of a local prince. This helped the Rathores to establish and strengthen themselves in this region. In some time they ousted the
Pratiharas of Mandore, just 9 km of today’s Jodhpur. Initially, Mandore served as their capital, but, by 1459, Rathores felt a need for a secure capital. This lead to the formation of Jodhpur, the Sun City, by Rao Jodha.
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.
Climate: Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert. It has a typical desert climate i.e. dry and hot. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment.
People of Jodhpur: Regarding the Jodhpur culture, the Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people of India. They have a Jodhpurtypical Marwari accent. The lifestyle in Jodhpur, India is quite fascinating. The folks there wear nice and lovely multihued costumes. The women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. Women are also love to wear jewelry on many parts of their body. They particularly like to wear specific type of jewelry like the ones worn on the feet, head, forehead, ear, nose, neck, arms, wrist, fingers, waist, etc. Another one of the unique features of the culture of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is the colorful turbans worn by men. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, ‘Jodhpurs’, took their name from this city only. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani.
The graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur of this city. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people. The desert people are quite affable. With their sweet smiles and warm hospitality, they win the hearts of the tourists. The famous
Marwar festival brings out the festive spirits of the people of this city. The bazaars of Jodhpur have a range of items from tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets to the exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.
How to reach?
By Air: Jodhpur airport is located in the cantonment area. It is well connected with the metropolitan cities in India through direct flights.
By Rail: Jodhpur Railway Station is located on station road and come sunder the Northern railway network of India. It is directly connected with the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other cities.
By Road: Jodhpur has a good road connection .You can reach Jodhpur from Delhi via Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ajmer, BeawarJodhpur and Pali.If you are on a Rajasthan Tour, then you can make a trip to Jodhpur from Bikaner or Jaisalmer by bus or by hiring a cab.
Food of Jodhpur: Jodhpur has a number of restaurants and eating-places. You can every cuisine in Jodhpur, ranging from Indian to Chinese to Continental to Mughlai cuisine. While there, do not forget to try the famous Kachouri (a snack eaten with chutney). Those with a sweet tooth should try laddoos, which simply melt in your mouth. And not to forget, do have a tall glass of buttermilk or ‘lassi’.
A number of Indian delicacies have also originated in Jodhpur. Following are some of the famous Jodhpur cuisines. Read on to know “What to eat in Jodhpur, Rajasthan”:
Makhaniya Lassi
Mawa Kachori
Pyaaz Kachori
Hot & Spicy Mirchibada (A preparation made with potato, onion, chili and gram flour)
Panchkuta: Jodhpur is also famous for its sweets. It is like a tradition in Jodhpur to first have something sweet and then proceed on to the main course. The sweet hospitality of Jodhpur is known as Mithi Manuhar. Maybe this is the reason for the sweet tone of the people of Jodhpur.
Some of the popular sweets of Jodhpur are: Mave ki Kachori Besan ki Chaaki Maakhan Vade
Regarding eating out in Jodhpur, India some of the shops where you can find quality as well as variety in sweets are:
Shopping: Antiques: Jodhpur is an antique hunter’s paradise. Many of these are made-as-old artifacts from Jodhpur and the Shekhawati region. You will found old furniture, chests, cabinets, sculptures, doors, windows, carved lintels, old pictures, memorabilia, and rare, first-edition books. Prices are not high but further bargaining is difficult. Most such shops are located at the foothill of Umaid Bhawan.
Bandhini: At Kapra Bazaar, look out for bandhini and lahariya (hand-dyed) fabrics worn by the locals. Tie-dyed in small motifs or in wave-like strips, on cotton, chiffon or silk, these are available as sarees , Jodhpuri coats, Rajasthani
dresses, salwar-kameez sets, yardages used for turbans. At Mehar Collection you will found all types of bandhini in a very suitable prices.
Footwear: If you want to give a royal touch in your dresses Visit Mochi Bazaar in the walled city and Jutti Corner on Station Road for Jodhpuri footwear, or finely embroidered mojris. A pair should cost about Rs 450-500, though those with less embroidery & larger stitches is half that.
Mathaniya’s Red Chilli: Jodhpur is suitable for those who are used to of spices food . Mathaniya’s Red Chilli. are famous for its redish colour . it is send to many part of this country and outer world too.
Other Markets: Jodhpur is a veritable shopper’s paradise. There are so many markets to fulfill your thrust of shopping viz. Tripolia bazaar, Sarafa bazar, Sardarpura Market, Sojati Gate, National Handloom is most popular departmental shop where you will found all type of accessories and cloths situated in Nai Sarak and if you are tired with shopping take Jodhpur speciality- Mrichi bada and some sweets available near this shop. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and’die-makers, and probably the last of the tailors of the classic ‘Jodhpur’ breeches. Specially Jodhpuri suit gives you a royal identity to your dressing.
