STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
RAJASTHAN
Jodhpur
Jodhpur (the
city of the Sun God) was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, A Rathore chief.
This 500 year old settlement was the head quarters of the Rathore Rajputs.
Enclosing the
impressive forts, palaces and temples is a high stone wall with seven gates.
The
Meherangarh Fort
is an impressive
fort which stands on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 mts high.
It was built by Rao Jodha when he shifted his capital here from nearby
Mandore. The marble coronation seat can be seen in a courtyard.
There are arched passageways from courtyard to courtyard and carvings on
the sandstone windows with heavy lattice work. The walls and doors
are decorated with intricate paintings and inlay work. Wooden craftsmanship
can be seen at the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace),
Man Mahal (Palace of Honour) and Sileh Khana.
The Meherangarh
Fort Museum is one of the best with a valuable collection of royal swings,
howdahs, weapons, including swords of Akbar, Timur, musical instruments
& miniatures. Also on display are the campaign tent of the Maharaja
Abhai Singh & the Jodhpur Gaddi, the 300 year old golden throne of
the Jodhpur royalty.
Jaswant
Thada
Jaswant Thada was built in 1899
in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, out of thin sheets of marble which
allow the sunlight to filter in..
Umaid
Bhavan
The Umaid Bhavan
Palace, also known as Chittar Palace, on account of the type of sandstone
used in the construction is a wonderful, awe-inspiring structure.
A portion of this palace now houses a hotel and a museum.
Mandore
Located 9 kms
north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar. The cenotaphs
built in sandstone in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Ajit
Singh are located here. Near the cenotaphs are the sunken gardens.
The Hall of heroes depicts several deities. There are 16 figures
carved out of a single rock.
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Osian
The Osian village
is located 65 kms from Jodhpur. This is the site of the ruins of
around 15 Hindu and Jain temples. The Surya temple constructed in
the 8th century has a conical roof & finely carved pillars.
Khimsar
is the place where
Aurangazeb stayed when he attacked Jodhpur. The Royal Castle now functions
as a Welcom Group Hotel.
Harihara
Temples
There are several
temples dedicated to Lord Siva & Lord Vishnu in two sites, belonging
to the 8th - 9th century. There are carvings in these temples in
the Pratihara style. The deities of Siva, Vishnu, Navagrahams, Naga
(the double spiral, cosmic serpent) & other Gods are installed in the
temples.
Mahishasuramardini
Temple
is dedicated to
Pipla Devi. There is an assembly Hall with 30 pillars.
Sachiya
Mata Temple
belongs to the
12th century. There is a main shrine, an ambulatory, a hall with
a dome ceiling resting on carved pillars.
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