The
capital of the warrior Rathores the City of Jodhpur was founded by Rao
Jodha the chief of the Rathore clan in 1459 after whom the city is
named. The Jodhpur city is popularly known as the Sun City for
throughout the year it enjoys a bright sunny weather. The great seat of
power of the Rathores is also referred to as the blue city for indigo
whitewashed walls of most of the houses of the city. Jodhpur is one of
the oldest of the Rajputana cities founded much before the other royal
cities of Jaipur, Udaipur and Bikaner. The old city of Jodhpur is
enveloped by a 10 km long and immensely thick wall and the entrance for
the city is from the massive twin domes of Fateh pol. The Rathore rulers built in Jodhpur the most majestic fort of India the Mehrangarh fort which served as a residence for generation of Rathore Kings and is a witness to many intrigues and invasions. Due to its strategic position and proximity with many trading centers like Arabia, Persia, Agra and Delhi the Jodhpur city flourished in the medieval ages especially when the Rathores struck an alliance with the Mughals in the 16th century. This was also the period when the historic city of Jodhpur witnessed an amalgamation of Rajput and Muslim traditions which is reflected in its rich architecture and folk arts.
Jodhpur is an ideal place to experience the lifestyle of royalty; it still is the house of the present Maharaja Gaj singh and the heir to Jodhpur throne Yuvraj Shivraj Singh. The royal family lives in the grandiose Umaid Bhawan Palace built by the Late Maharaja Umaid Singh under whom Jodhpur transformed into a modern city however keeping its custom and traditions alive. The Jodhpur city is a paradise for people who love to buy handicrafts, antique and ethnic goods. The City market is filled with traditional handicrafts and fine Jodhpuri fabrics and camel leather goods. The Jodhpur city is fittingly the royal city of Rajasthan which extends to its visitor genuine hospitality in a true marwari style.