Jodhpur

Template:Infobox Indian jurisdiction Jodhpur pronunciation^ⓘ (Template:Lang-raj; Hindi: जोधपुर), is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 335 kilometres (208 mi) west from the state capital, Jaipur. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert

The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.

History

The area was part of the Gurjara - Pratihara empire and until 1100 CE was ruled by a powerful Bargujar King. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state which came to be known as Marwar. As Jodha hailed from the nearby town of Mandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state; however, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Jodha. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, date palms and coffee.

Early in its history, the state became a fief under the Mughal Empire, owing fealty to them while enjoying some internal autonomy. During this period, the state furnished the Mughals with several notable generals such as Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Jodhpur and its people benefited from this exposure to the wider world: new styles of art and architecture made their appearance and opportunities opened up for local tradesmen to make their mark across northern India.

Aurangzeb briefly sequestrated the state (c.1679) on the pretext of a minority, but the rightful ruler Maharaja Ajit Singh was restored to the throne by Veer Durgadas Rathore after Aurangzeb died in 1707 and a great struggle of 30 years. The Mughal empire declined gradually after 1707, but the Jodhpur court was beset by intrigue; rather than benefiting from circumstances, Marwar descended into strife and invited the intervention of the Marathas, who soon supplanted the Mughals as overlords of the region. This did not make for stability or peace, however; 50 years of wars and treaties dissipated the wealth of the state, which sought and gratefully entered into subsidiary alliance with the British in 1818.

During the British Raj, the state of Jodhpur had the largest land area of any in Rajputana. Jodhpur prospered under the peace and stability that were a hallmark of this era.The land area of the state was 23,543 sq mi (60,980 km²) its population in 1901 was 44,73,759. It enjoyed an estimated revenue of £35,29,000/. Its merchants, the Marwaris, flourished without let or limit and came to occupy a position of dominance in trade across India. In 1947, when India became independent, the state merged into the union of India and Jodhpur became the second city of Rajasthan.

Oswal Jains were mainly concentrated in Gorwar Region which was again ruled by Maharaja of Jodhpur . And Oswal jains also played main role in strengthening foundation of Jodhpur by donating mass wealth , gems to Maharaja of Jodhpur & in turn Maharaja of Jodhpur used to honour these wealthy Oswal Jain Merchants as Nagar Seth or various other honourable titles.

At the time of partition, ruler of Jodhpur Hanwant Singh didn't want to join India, but finally due to the effective leadership of Sardar Vallab Patel the then Home Minister at centre princely state of Jodhpur was included in Indian Republic. Later after State Reorganization Act, 1956 it was made part of the state of Rajasthan. ^[1]

Geography and climate

Jodhpur is located at 26°17′N 73°02′E / 26.29°N 73.03°E / 26.29; 73.03^[2]. It has an average elevation of 232 metres (761 feet).

The climate of Jodhpur is generally hot and arid but with a rainy season from late June to September (Köppen BWhw). Although the average rainfall is around 360 millimetres (14 in), it is extraordinarily variable. In the famine year of 1899, Jodhpur received only 24 millimetres (0.94 in), but in the flood year 1917 it received as much as 1,178 millimetres (46.4 in).

Temperatures are extreme throughout the period from March to October, except when monsoonal rain produces thick clouds to lower it slightly. During these periods of heavy rain, however, the generally low humidity rises and this adds to the normal discomfort from the heat.

Monuments

A number of historical monuments dot the city and surrounding region. Some of these monuments are described here.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

File:Jodhpur palace.jpg

The Umaid Bhawan Palace.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace. A special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, has been used in constructing the palace and this gives it a special effect. For this reason, it is also referred to as Chittar Palace by the locals. Its style of construction, with beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, green gardens and stately rooms, makes it a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The project employed three thousand artisans over a period of 15 years (1929-1943). The palace is named after its builder, Maharaja Umaid Singh (1876-1947), who was incidentally the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and a museum. It has total 347 rooms.It is the biggest private residence in the world, out of which 98 air-conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with antique furniture as well as all the other amenities for a five star hotel.

Mehrangarh Fort

The Mehrangarh Fort lies in the heart of the old city of Jodhpur and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur ka kila) is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India. It was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures.

The fort museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (elephant seat), royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

2008 Jodhpur stampede

Jaswant Thada

The jaswant Thada is architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja jaswant singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

Veer Durgadas Smarak, Masooria Hills

Veer Durgadas Smarak is situated on Masooria Hill and a panoramic and extremely magnificent view of Jodhpur city can be viewed from here, There is impressive 36 feet high equesterian statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore. other facilities of restaurant, museum, park, children playing facilities,fountains, information center etc.are also available there. A very beautiful and memorable place of Jodhpur that one must visit for most prominent trip for visitors and children who will inevitable flock there in large numbers to pay their tributes and carry with them a lasting inspiration from the immortal memory of this great man. Veer Durgadas (1638-1718 AD) was the most revered guardian and protector of Marwar. It is a fact of history that the restoration of 'Gaddi' the throne after sudden death of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ji-II to the rightful heir Maharaja Ajit Singh ji from the clinch of Moghul emperor Auragzeb. Every person of marwar reveres Veer Durgadas for the preservation of the integrity and independent identity of Marwar. This statue of veer Durgadas is erected in order to acknowledge tribute to him and an enduring universal demand for a beffiting memorial to this great hero not only of Marwar but whose deeds, sacrifice and sagacity influenced the entire subcontinent and has placed him on a pedestal amongst our most venerated national patriots. This smarak was unveiled on October3, 1998 by Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and in presence of CM Rajasthan Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Maharaja Gaj Singh ji Jodhpur.

Osiyan Temple

An ancient temple, well worth the visit, lies in the village of Osiyan, about 60 km outside Jodhpur. It is believed that all the Oswal (a Major Jain community) originated from Osiyan. There are many sections of this temple, which was built in several distinct phases.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census^[3], Jodhpur had a population of 846,408. Men constitute 53 percent of the population and women 47 percent. Jodhpur has an average literacy rate of 67 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent: male literacy is 75 percent, and female literacy is 58 percent. In Jodhpur, 14 percent of the population is under six years of age.

Economy

Industrial plant near Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

The Handicrafts industry has in recent years eclipsed all other industries in the city. By some estimates, the furniture export segment is a $200 million industry, directly or indirectly employing as many as 200,000 people. Other items manufactured include textiles, metal utensils, bicycles, ink and sporting goods. A flourishing cottage industry exists for the manufacture of such items as glass bangles, cutlery, carpets and marble products.

After handicrafts, tourism is the second largest industry of Jodhpur. Crops grown in the district include wheat and the famous Mathania red chillies. Gypsum and salt are mined. The city serves as an important marketplace for wool and agricultural products. The Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Border Security Force maintain training centres at Jodhpur.

Deepak Kalani was an Indian rags-to-riches business tycoon who founded Deepak Industries in Jodhpur alone. Deepak took his company (Deepak ) public in 2010, and now it was 60 billion dollars, making the Deepak's the second richest family in the Jodhpur, next to the Amule's family. Deepak has been one among the select Forbes billionaires and has also figured in the Sunday Times list of top 50 businessmen in Asia.[1]

Deepak started off as a small time worker with local Jodhpur beggar's in the 2000s and moved to Jodhpur central city in 2001 to start his own business in petrol industrly. After making modest profits, he moved into Nickel and opened his mill near Jodhpur. He founded Deepak Industries in 2010. After that it was a saga of expansions and successes.

Administration

The administration of Jodhpur is consisting of a District Collector, followed by 4 Additional District Magistrates (I,II, Land Conversion and City ADM). Presently, the Collector and District Magistrate is Mr. Sidharth Mahajan (I.A.S)

Elected Representatives

The present Member of Parliament from Jodhpur is Maharani Chandresh Kumari of Kangra, who is also the sister of Gaj Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur. The current MLAs from the 3 constituencies of Jodhpur are from Jodhpur City: Shri Kailash Bhansali, Chartered Accountant; from Sardarpura: Shri Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; from Soorsagar: Smt. Suryakanta Vyas

Excursions

A picturesque view of Kaylana Lake, Jodhpur. — *Kaylana*.

Mandore
Kaylana Lake and Garden
Balsamand lake
Sardar Samand lake and palace
Masooria Hill, Veer Durgadas Smarak, park, museum
Dhawa (Dholi) forest area
Khichan
Osian

Fairs and festivals

A glimpse of Rajasthan folk dances. — *Folk dance of Rajasthan*.

Cuisine

A number of Indian delicacies have originated in Jodhpur. To name a few, the Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori, Pyaaj Kachori, Hot & Spicy Mirchibada (chaudhary ka mirchi bada)(A preparation made with potato, onion, chilli and gramflour), Dal Bati Churma, Panchkuta, Lapsi (a special kind of dessert made with wheat, Jaggery, and ghee), Kachar mircha curry (made with chilli and kachar, a special type of vegetable grown in desert area) and Kadhi (made with gramflour, curd and chilli) with Baajre ka sogra. Jodhpur is known for its sweets ranging from traditional "Makhanbada" to Bengali "Roshogollas".,"Ras madhuri"

Education

Jodhpur is also becoming a major education hub for higher studies in India. It is India's largest hub for preparation of CA entrance. Major Institutions are IIT (One of Best Engineering College in India), NLU (National Law University) (One of best Law college in India 3rd rank in India), NIFT (National Institute Of Fashion And Technology) (One of best Fashion Institute In India), Ayuerved University (Second University of it's field in India), JNVU (Jai Narayan Vyas University) ("A" Grade University). MBM engineering college falls under JNVU university, is the world's only institute which has its own mines. Also a new campus of AIIMS is going to be established in CAZRI(Central Arid Zone Research Institute)campus. The other educational institutions include Dr. S.N Medical College, JECREC, JIET, Lachoo Memorial College, Somani College, Marwar Engineering College etc.

Judiciary

Rajasthan High Court (Hindi: राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय) is the High Court of the state of Rajasthan. It was established on 21 June 1949 under the Rajasthan High Court Ordinance, 1949.

The seat of the court is at Jodhpur. The court has a sanctioned judge strength of 40. View of the Rajasthan High Court, Sardar museum in Umaid Park and upper right is Jodhpur fort in 1960.

The High Court of Rajasthan was founded in the year 1949 at Jodhpur, and was inaugurated by the Rajpramukh, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh on 29 August 1949. The first Chief Justice was Kamala Kant Verma. A bench was formed at Jaipur which was dissolved in the year 1958 and was again formed on 31 January 1977. Currently the sanctioned strength of the judges is 40 and actual strength is 29.

Transport

The city is very well connected with Road, Rail and Air. It is mostly connected with railways to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Kota, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Guwahati, Nagpur, Lucknow and Jaipur.The railway station is also the originating point for various trains like Jodhpur - Indore Express, Jodhpur - Bhopal Express, Jodhpur - Puri Express etc.

Jodhpur Airport is one of the prominent airports of western India. It was primarily constructed as an Air Force base because of its important strategic location ( Jodhpur Airport played the crutial role during Indo-Pak wars in 1965, 1971).

Airlines and destinations

Airlines	Destinations
Indian Airlines	Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Aurangabad
Jet Airways	Delhi, Mumbai
Kingfisher Airlines	Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur

References

[1] ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_integration_of_India#Border_states

[2] Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Jodhpur

[3] Template:GR

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v t e Cities and towns in Jodhpur district
Cities and towns	Bilara Balesar Lohawat Dechu Bapini Jodhpur Phalodi Piparcity Bhopalgarh Osian
Villages	Borunda Chaukhan Khejarla Jaliwada