Jodhpur

Jodhpur, Biggest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur is known as ‘The Blue City’. The name is apt because the majority of the building — palaces, havelis, forts, temples, and even residences – is constructed in vibrant blue hues. The scenery of Mehrangarh’s massive, intimidating stronghold dominates a rocky slope, with the fortification’s eight gates extending out. The new city of Jodhpur is situated on the outside of the building. This city is also known for Malani or Marwari, which are a unique breed of horse found solely in Jodhpur.

The city of Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 AD. The clan of Rathore is essential to the history of rich Jodhpur. Rao Jodha, head of Rathore Clan, is credited with founding Jodhpur in India. The city is said to have been established in the location of Mandore, the historical capital of the Manwar state. As a result, the inhabitants of Jodhpur and its environs are known as Marwaris. In addition, it is thought that Mandore’s relics may still be seen in the Gardens of Mandore.

Jodhpur was situated on a major thoroughfare that connected Delhi with Gujarat. It was able to make profit from a thriving commerce in copper, dates, sandalwood, opium, silk, and other such tradeable items as a result of this.

Jodhpur is a great tourist attraction with people attracted mostly towards its forts. Some of the famous forts of Jodhpur are:

• Mehrangarh Fort
• Khejarla Fort
• Umaid Bhawan Palace
• Moti Mahal
• Sheesh Mahal
• Phool Mahal
• Other famous tourist attractions include:
• Ranisar Padamsar
• Jodhpur government museum
• Jaswant Thada
• Ghanta Ghar
• Mahamandir Temple
• Masuria Hills, etc.

Jodhpur during British era

Jodhpur had the biggest land area during the era of the British in comparison to any in Rajputana. Under the calm and stability that characterized this period, Jodhpur thrived. The state had a surface area of 93,424 km2 and it had population of around 44,73,759 people in 1901. It made £3,529,000 in income, according to estimates. Its Marwari merchants prospered and became the dominant force in India’s trade.

Jodhpur: Post Independence

Maharaja Hanwant Singh, the final king of Jodhpur state, had delayed the signing of the Instrument of Accession to India after India gained independence in 1947. He even pondered joining Pakistan because Jodhpur was sharing a border with Pakistan, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah had personally handed him a blank sheet on which to put his requests as well as assurances of access to Pakistan’s sea ports. Muhammad Ali Jinnah provided the rulers of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur blank pieces of paper on which to draught the terms of joining Pakistan, which he would sign. However, being a Hindu kingdom, Jaisalmer declined the idea, and after Lord Mountbatten intervened, Jodhpur also declined the plan and joined India. When India gained independence in 1947, Jodhpur was integrated as the union, and it became Rajasthan’s second-largest metropolis. Hanwant Singh, monarch of the city of Jodhpur, was not convinced to join India during partition, but thanks to Vallabhbhai Patel’s excellent lobbying, Jodhpur was eventually incorporated into the Indian Republic. Then, later, it was absorbed into the state of Rajasthan under the State Reorganisation Act of 1956.

Economy of Jodhpur

Through various industries, Jodhpur provides over $4 billion in Rajasthan’s GDP. Jodhpur is India’s Capital of Handicraft, an industry of $200 million. Next is tourism, with Jodhpur being among the best popular tourist destinations in India, according to various portals with top historical hotels.

Jodhpur also boasts in western Rajasthan as the largest industry of education, with major civil service exam, NEET, IIT-JEE coaching institutes.

The HPCL- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited is planning to build a petrochemical complex and a 9 MMTPA refinery at Pachpadra, Barmer district, which will radically alter the city’s industrial landscape. Pachpadra is approx. 60 kms from Boranada industrial sector of Jodhpur. About 120 by-products created by the refinery will give enormous opportunity for new enterprises to spring up near or in Jodhpur.

Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project costing US$100 billion is India’s most ambitious economic development project, and would have a significant influence on the industrial landscape of Jodhpur. From a total 9 locations for freight loading, one of these will be Marwar Junction, which is around 100 kms from Jodhpur. The districts of Pali and Jodhpur are part of the region that will be developed as a hub for manufacturing for DMIC.

Culture:

Locals call Jodhpur Jodhana because of its cultural significance. The city is known for its cuisine, as evidenced by this fact that sweet shops called “Jodhpur Sweets” can be found in numerous places across India. Being on the edge of the desert of Thar, life has been impacted by the habits of a few nomadic tribes also called “gypsy” communities or Banjare in Hindi – who have established in the city. Jodhpur is known for its Mawa Kachori and Mirchi Bada, which give it a particular cultural character. Jodhpur is also known for its bandhani, traditional wear, footwear, antiques, etc.

Cuisine:

Jodhpur is the birthplace of a lot of Indian delicacies. The city’s specialties are Pyaaj Kachori, Mawa Kachori, Dal Bati Churma, Mirchi Bada.

Conclusion

Jodhpur truly is a lively place with a mesmerizing heritage. From tourism to food to education to economy, Jodhpur prospers in every aspect. ‘The Blue City’ refers to Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s second-largest city after Jaipur. The name is fitting because the bulk of the structures – palaces, havelis, forts, temples, and even dwellings – are built in brilliant blue colours. The impressive fortifications that tower over this magnificent city put on a display that you won’t want to miss. Mehrangarh’s huge, menacing fortress commands a steep incline, with the fortification’s eight gates jutting out. On the exterior of the building, you can see Jodhpur’s new city. Malani or Marwari, a rare breed found only in Jodhpur, are very well-known in this city.