Forts & Palaces of Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
Perched
on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent fort
in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur
have also added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the from
the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of
Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol meaning victory built by Maharaja
Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol
also meaning victory gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat
of Mughals. And Lohapol meaning iron gate has a moving memorabilia on palm print
of the queens of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves on his funeral pyre
in an act of sati [self-immolation]. The palm imprints still attract devotional
attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Maharaja
Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so
he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan
Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to
construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace.
This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence
in the world. Spectacular Central Rotunda, the cupola rises to a hundred and
five feet high; the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals; an elegant
wood-panelled library, and even a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a
Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts makes Umaid Bhawan
Palace is unabashedly the most magnificent.
Jaswant Thada
On
the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph
of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singhji built the Taj
Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. The
cenotaphs of earlier Maharajas and Maharanis are at Mandore. Wives and concubines
committed Sati on Jaswant Funeral pyre.
Wives and concubines committed Sati on Jaswant Funeral pyre. The main memorial
has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone that is sculpted
by the genius artesian. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills
giving it a secluded and a mystic aura.
Jodhpur Travel –› Forts
& Palaces of Jodhpur –› Museums
of Jodhpur –› Excursions
of Jodhpur –› How to Reach
Jodhpur
Golden Triangle, Rajasthan & North India Tours
