Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century
by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted
their capital from nearby Mandore to
Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise from
bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so
well built into the base that it is
difficult to tell where the
hill ends and the walls begin. It is
approached by a series of seven gateways set
at an angle so that armies could not charge
them with any success. Past the gates, the
fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across
from huge courtyards are the set wings of
palatial apartments that have been built
over five centuries of bristling history.
Today, managed as a museum by the royal
trust that maintains it, only some of the
more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are
open to the visitors .These consists of Moti
Mahal with its pierced screen windows
overlooking the coronation seat where the
Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to
rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from
where the zenana women would watch
ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where
affairs of state were discussed ; the royal
Darbar Takhat or throne room with its
octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where
the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana
.Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool
Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a
large tent seized from the Mughals in battle
is spread for viewing in what has came to be
referred to as the Tent Room .
 Jaswant
Thada
The Jaswant Thada, located half way up the
interminably long road that climbs onwards
to the fort, is the traditional cremation
ground of the rulers of Jodhpur. Taking
pride of place amongst the ornamental
gardens and chattris is the fabulous white
marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built
in 1899. The cenotaphs of other rulers , in
the same neighborhood , are relatively
simpler.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Constructed of marble and pink sandstone
this immense palace is also known as the
Chhittar Palace because it uses local
Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was
designed by president of the British Royal
Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid
Singh and took 15 years to complete.
Probably the most surprising thing about
this grandiose palace is that it was built
so close to Independence, after which
Maharajas and their grand extravagances were
a thing of the past. Umaid Singh died in
19478, four years after the palace was
completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh
II, still lives in part of the building. The
rest has been converted into a hotel.
Mandore
Mandore, 9 km to the north of Jodhpur, was
the capital of Marwar before the foundation
of Jodhpur. It was founded in the 6th
century, and passed to the Rathore Rajputs
in 1381 after a marriage alliance between a
princess of the original founders, the
Pratiharas, and the Rathode Raja, Rao
Chandor. Today the main attraction here is
the far-reaching Mandore gardens with there
high rock terraces. The gardens also contain
the chhatries (cenotaphs) of the Rathode
rulers. One of the most imposing is the
Cenotaph of Maharja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, an
enormous edifice with carved elephants,
amalake (disk-shaped flourishes with fluted
edges), a pillared fore chamber with fine
sculpture. You can climb to the third storey
up a peculiar set of staircases. Opposite is
the 17th century Chhatri of Maharaja Dhiraj
Jaswant Singh, an enormous octagonal
pavilion with a vast dome and huge pillars.
It achieves a remarkable symmetry, with a
gallery supported by pillars and sculptures
of Krishna and the gopies (milkmaids).
Kailana Lake
Situated 11 km form Jodhpur, this serene
lake is and ideal jaunt for picnics.
Bal Samand Lake
A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer
palace, the Balsamand palace, on its banks.
These are built around the artificial lake
constructed in 1159 AD. |
