4 Famous Historical Monuments of Jodhpur
By Pawan Sharma
Historical Monuments of Jodhpur You Must Visit!
“Vasundhara Veera ri Vadhu, Veer tiko hi Bind”
The picture you are seeing above depicts two prominent things. One is a colossal fort, and towards the fort, there is a statue of a warrior riding a horse. This scene is of the city of Jodhpur, which is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The warrior riding the horse is Maharaja Rao Jodha Ji, the ruler of Jodhpur. The colossal fort towards which the Maharaja is pointing is called Mehrangarh Fort.
Jodhpur, which is the name of this city, was given by Maharaja Rao Jodha Ji, and it was he who founded the city in the year 1459.
Let's now take a look at those famous monuments of Jodhpur City, which attract tourists from both within the country and abroad.
- Mehrangarh Fort & Museum
Mehrangarh Fort is the pride of Jodhpur city. It is situated on a 400-feet high hill, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city of Jodhpur. This fort is the largest fort in the state of Rajasthan, India. Such magnificent forts were built on hills to stay away from the reach of enemies and to have a bird's-eye view of the activities happening in the city. The grandeur and architectural beauty of this fort are worth seeing and studying. Tourists from India and other countries enjoy the pleasure of visiting the fort and exploring the interesting artifacts used during that era.
The grand entrance gates are built for entering the fort. As we enter through these magnificent gates and proceed towards the interior of the fort, it is noticeable how stones were meticulously cut, cleaned, and used in the construction of the fort's walls and doors during that era. The craftsmanship involved in shaping and placing the stones can be observed in the walls and doors of the fort, showcasing the intricate detailing and precision of that time.
Now let's see what can be seen inside the fort. Some parts of the fort have been converted into a museum. In the museum, you can see the artifacts and chambers used by the kings, queens, and soldiers of that era. In addition to these, you can also explore Jodhpur's cultural handicrafts, and clothing stores, and visit the temple of the Kul Devi Maa Chamunda.
Period rooms located inside the fort: 1. Sheesh Mahal 2. Phool Mahal 3. Takhat Vilas 4. Sardar Villas 5. Jhanki Mahal 6. Dipak Mahal 7. Moti Mahal
Each of these period rooms provides a unique glimpse into the royal lifestyle, artistic excellence, and cultural heritage of the region.
Galleries located inside the fort: 1. Howdah Gallery 2. Palanquin Gallery 3. Daulat Khana 4. Painting Gallery 5. Textile Gallery 6. Arms Gallery
These galleries provide a glimpse into the artistic, cultural, and historical aspects of the fort, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of the region.
Timings: 09:30 a.m - 05:00 p.m
Book tickets online. Click here
Address: Fort Rd, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Jaswant Thada
A monument made of white marble, which is also known as the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan. This beautiful monument is located on the road leading to Mehrangarh Fort, on the right-hand side. This place is a few feet below the Mehrangarh Fort, but it offers a captivating view of the city of Jodhpur. The monument is surrounded by a fortification because it is built on a hill. Inside that fortification, there is a fountain with a garden all around it, and you can admire Mehrangarh Fort from this garden.
This monument was constructed in the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur in memory of his father, Shri Jaswant Singh II. The main hall has been built like a temple where puja (ritual) is also performed. The worship of ancestors is common to the Rajput clans. The walls of this very hall are adorned with portraits of all the former kings. This place is very tranquil, and if you have an appreciation for architecture as well as an interest in learning about history, you should definitely come to see this monument. On the outer walls of the monument, you will have the opportunity to witness exquisite artwork.
Video: https://youtu.be/pX10JgRfbf0
Timings: 09:30 a.m - 05:00 p.m
Book tickets online. Click here
Address: 823G+J4 Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum
Umaid Bhawan Palace currently is the sixth-largest private residence in the world, located on Chittar Hill in Jodhpur. This grand palace was laid by Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji in the year 1929 and was completed by the year 1943. Umaid Bhawan Palace stands as an awe-inspiring embodiment of Rajasthan's rich cultural legacy. The palace, meticulously crafted by the renowned Edwardian architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, seamlessly amalgamates diverse Indian architectural styles while honoring the cherished traditions of the Rajput lineage.
This palace has been divided into a museum and a hotel. In 1978, the palace underwent a transformation and was turned into a luxury heritage hotel, allowing the public to visit and stay there, which is managed by the Taj Hotel. The architectural beauty of the hotel section is truly exquisite. It showcases the splendid craftsmanship of Palm Court marble, which is also used in the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The palace has its own private museum that features a special exhibition showcasing Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Inside the museum, you can also find a unique collection of antique clocks. Another section of the museum called the Lifestyle Gallery takes you back in time to the 1940s and 1950s, with displays of art deco furniture, dining, and writing sets, and a recreation of the palace's sports area. Lastly, the Legacy Continues Gallery pays tribute to the present royal family and their interests.
There is a gallery located within the gardens of Umaid Bhawan Palace that houses a collection of vintage luxury cars belonging to Umaid Singh Ji. You’ll see different models of Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Austin Martin, and many other cars. If you have an affinity for vintage cars, be sure to visit this gallery.
Museum Timings: 09:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m
Museum tickets can be obtained at the Palace.
Book hotel rooms online. Click here
Address: Umaid Bhawan Palace Road, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Mandore Cenotaphs or Devals
Mandore is a city that was made the capital of the Marwar region by Maharaja Rao Chunda Ji after his marriage. Later, Maharaja Rao Jodha Ji, his descendant, made Jodhpur the capital of Marwar. Mandore is located just a fifteen-minute drive away from Jodhpur.
The photo you are currently looking at above is of the Mandore Garden, which houses a Hindu temple-like memorial. The ancient Cenotaphs of Mandore were constructed to preserve the memories of the Maharajas for eternity. There are several cenotaphs of different sizes in the garden. These Cenotaphs are called "Deval" in Marwar. The largest deval in this garden belongs to Maharaja Ajit Singh, which was built by his son Maharaja Abhay Singh. These devals feature captivating and artistic sculptures of various deities such as Lord Ganesh, Shiva Parvati, Lakshmi Narayan, Kubera, and fan-bearers.
If you have an interest in the architecture of temples, you will discover that these devals are constructed in the Nagar style, which is highly renowned in northern India. The design of these devals is based on the structure of temples because, according to Hindu (Sanatana) beliefs, ancestors are considered divine. That is why visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering these devals. Upon closer inspection, you will find attractive carved patterns on the inside and outside walls as well as pillars of the devals. The devals here are the main attraction of this garden. Most tourists prefer to see, explore, and take photos with these devals.
This garden is spread across a large area. In addition to these devals, there is also an area called the "Devtaon Ki Sal & Hall of Heroes." It showcases sculptures of Lord Krishna with the Gopis, Hindu deities, local Rajput deities, and great Rajput rulers. These sculptures are carved on a stone wall. This garden features a long canal adorned with numerous fountains. There is a temple dedicated to the deity Bhairav, and you are sure to encounter a troupe of playful monkeys jumping around. Additionally, there is a toy train for entertainment and a restaurant for food and drinks.
Video: https://youtu.be/GxXS-f6LiY4
Timings: 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m
Tickets can be obtained at the Palace.
Address: 923P+244, Mandore, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
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