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INTRODUCTIONJodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and officially the second metropolitan city of the state. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name. The capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright and sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. Jodhpur is also known as the "Blue City" because of the blue colours that decorate many of the houses in the old city area. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of the Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

official website of jodhpur

Picture credits: jagdishartCUSINE Jodhpur Cuisine is synonymous to spice, chilly, street food and a rich culture of sweets. There are a number of items the city has on its menu which are brimming with color, festivity and spices. One cannot come to Jodhpur and not try the almost staple and yet exciting in every bite, Mirchi Bada, Mawa Kachori and Pyaaz Kachori.Almost as popular and a must try item is Makhaniya Lassi.Jodhpur is an equal paradise for those who love deserts- except that sweets will not just be the end of your course but are as significant as the entire meal itself and have a vibrant food culture about them. The popular indulges here are Besan ki Chakki, Mave ki Kachori, Motichoor ke Laddu and Maakhan Vade.A number of dishes from Indian cuisine originated in Jodhpur, such as Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Ki Kachori, Pyaaj Ki Kachori, Hot & SpicyMirchi Bada, Dal Bati Churma, Lasan Ki Chutney, Mirchi Ka Kutaa, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri Sabzi, Raab, Lapsi, Aate Ka Halwa, Kachara Mircha Sabzi and Kadhi Pakoda with Baajre Ka Sogra.

picture credits: pankaj yadav

Jodhpur is known for its sweets ranging from traditional "Makhanbada", "Mawa Ki Kachori", "Malpua", "Ghevar", "Motichur Ke Laddu", "Besan barfi", "Thorr" and "Gulab Jamun" to Bengali "Rasgulla" and "Ras Malai" prepared by a traditional house "janta sweets" HISTORY According to the Rajasthan District Gazetteer's of Jodhpur and the Hindu epic Ramayana (composed up to the 4th century AD),Abhiras were the original inhabitants of Jodhpur and later Aryans spread to this region. There may have been small settlements before Rathore rule. The Jodhpur city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state which came to be known as Marwar . As Jodha hailed from the nearby town of . As Jodha hailed from the nearby town ofMandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state; however, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Jodha. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade inopium, copper, silk, sandals, date palm and coffee.After the death of Chandrasen Rathore the state became a fief under the Mughal Empire, owing fealty to them while enjoying some internal autonomy. During this period, the state furnished the Mughals with several notable generals such as Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Jodhpur and its people benefited from this exposure to the wider world as new styles of  Jodhpur and its people benefited from this exposure to the wider world as new styles of art and architecture made their appearance and opportunities opened up for local tradesmen to make their mark across northern India. Aurangzeb briefly sequestrated the state (c.1679) on the pretext of a minority, but the prior ruler Maharaja Ajit Singh was restored to the throne by Veer Durgadas Rathore after Aurangzeb died in 1707 and a great struggle of 30 years. The Mughal Empire declined gradually after 1707, but the Jodhpur court was beset by intrigue; rather than benefiting from circumstances, Marwar descended into strife and invited the intervention of the Marathas, who soon supplanted the Mughals as overlords of the region. This did not make for stability or peace, however- 50 years of wars and  This did not make for stability or peace, however- 50 years of wars and treaties dissipated the wealth of the state, which sought and gratefully entered into a subsidiary alliance with the British in 1818.During the British Raj, the state of Jodhpur had the largest land area of any in the Rajputana. Jodhpur prospered under the peace and stability that was a hallmark of this era. The land area of the state was 90,554 km2 (34,963 sq mi) its population in 1901 was 44, 73,759. It enjoyed an estimated revenue of  It enjoyed an estimated revenue of £3,529,000. Its merchants, the Marwaris, flourished and came to occupy a position of dominance in trade across India. In 1947, when India became independent, the state merged into the union of India and Jodhpur became the second largest city of Rajasthan.At the time of partition, the ruler of Jodhpur, Hanwant Singh, did not want to join India, but finally due to the effective persuasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Home Minister at the time, the state of Jodhpur was included in Indian Republic. Later after the State Reorganisation Act, 1956 it was included within the state of Rajasthan.ECONOMY The handicrafts industry has, in recent years, eclipsed all the other industries in the city. The items manufactured include textiles, metal utensils, bicycles, ink and sporting goods. A flourishing cottage industry exists for the manufacture of such items as glass bangles, cutlery,carpets and marble products.After handicrafts, tourism is the second largest industry of Jodhpur. Major agricultural exports in the district include wheat and the famous Mathania red chilies. The city serves as an important marketplace for wool and agricultural products.Gypsum and salt are commonly mined exports. The Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indo Tibetan Border Police and Border Security Forcemaintain training centres in Jodhpur. The administration of Jodhpur consists of a District Collector, followed by 4 additional District Magistrates (I, II, Land Conversion and City ADM). Presently, the Collector and District Magistrate is Dr. Preetam B. Yashwant (IAS). The city is also under Police Commissioner system, with Mr. Ashok Rathore (IPS) as acting Police Commissioner of the city.The upcoming 9 MMTPA Refinery and Petrochemical complex to be set up by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in Pachpadra, Barmer will transform the industrial scene of the city drastically. Pachpadra lies just 60 kilometres from the industrial area of Boranada in Jodhpur. Around 120 by-products that are produced by the refinery are going to provide opportunities for new industries to be set up in and around Jodhpur.India's most ambitious industrial development project, the over USD 100 billion dollars Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project is also going to impact industries in Jodhpur.Marwar Junction, which is located about 103 kilometres from Jodhpur will be one of the nine freight loading points along the DMIC route. Jodhpur and Pali districts fall under the region that is going to be developed as a manufacturing hub for the DMIC.TOURISM Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens. Jodhpur's most notable attractions are Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and the Ghanta Ghar, or Clock Tower.  Tourists are also within proximity to FortAuwa, Mandore, Kaylana Lake and Garden, Balsamand Lake, Mandaleshwar Mahadev Temple (Mandalnath), Ratanada Ganesh Temple, Sardar Samand Lake and Palace, Masooria Hills, Veer Durgadas Smarak (monument, park and museum), Bhim Bhirak Cave, and Ravan Ka Mandir, the only Ravan temple in IndiaGEOGRAPHY The district is located in the State of Rajasthan in western India. [The district is bounded on the north byBikaner District, on the northeast by Nagaur District, on the southeast and south by Pali District, on the southwest by Barmer District, and on the west and northwest by Jaisalmer District. The district stretches between 26 00’ and 27 37’ north latitude and between 72 55’ and 73 52’ east longitude. This district is situated at an altitude between 250 to 300 meters above sea level.Jodhpur district comprises three distinct physiography units, the alluvial plains, sand dunes and escarpments. The western and north-western parts of Jodhpur district are characterized by sand dunes with exception of some parts of Bilara and Osian tehsil, land surface of the district is nearly flat and sandy. Luni is the only important river in the district, it enters Jodhpur district near Bilara and flows for a distance of over 75 km. before entering in Barmer district.ROADWAYS Jodhpur railway station is the divisional headquarters of the North Western Railways (NWR). It is well connected with railways to major Indian cities like Alwar, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Pune, Kota, Kanpur, Bareilly, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad,Indore, Bhopal, Dhanbad, Patna, Guwahati, Nagpur, Lucknow, Gwalior, Jaipur etc. To decongest the main Jodhpur station (JU), the suburban station Bhagat ki Kothi (BGKT) is being developed as the second main station for passenger trains. At present 106 trains serves to both the stations. Some of the important trains originating from Jodhpur railway station are- Ranthambore Express (Jodhpur to Indore),Mandore Express (Jodhpur to Delhi), Suryanagri Express (Jodhpur to Mumbai), Marudhar Express (Jodhpur to Lucknow), Howrah Superfast (From Jodhpur to Howrah) etc.For further train running information, timings, halts etc. visit the official website of Indian RailwaysLuxury train service- For experiencing the true magnificence and royal opulence of Rajasthan, luxury trains Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are run jointly by RTDC and Indian railways.  Jodhpur is one of the destinations of both of the trains. Recently a plan to start metro train service in Jodhpur was proposed to decongest the city traffic. However, this proposal is still pending with the state government for its approval. Jodhpur is one of the destinations of both of the trains. Recently a plan to start metro train service in Jodhpur was proposed to decongest the city traffic. However, this proposal is still pending with the state government for its approval. CLIMATE The climate of Jodhpur is hot and semi-arid during its nearly yearlong dry season, but contains a brief rainy season from late June to September. Although the average rainfall is around 450 millimetres (18 in), it fluctuates greatly. In the famine year of 1899, Jodhpur received only 24 millimetres (0.94 in), but in the flood year of 1917 it received as much as 1,178 millimetres (46.4 in).Temperatures are extreme from March to October, except when the monsoonal rain produces thick clouds to lower it slightly. In the months of April, May and June, high temperatures routinely exceed 40 degrees Celsius. During the monsoon season, average temperatures decrease slightly. However, the city's generally low humidity rises, which adds to the perception of the heat. The highest temperature recorded in Jodhpur was on 18 May 2016 when it rose up to 53.2 degrees Celsius. TOURIST PLACES Udai Mandir is an architectural beauty. If you are an appreciator of architectural brilliance and quality then this place is for you.Half of the temple entrance gate is made from the carved sandstone (Jodhpur is the hub of sandstone).The main temple stands on a huge raised platform and is supported by 102 pillars.Inside Udai Mandir there are beautiful wall paintings with 84 Yogasanas and the pictures of Nath Yogis made up with gold.The temple has a Garbh Griha. The upper portion of the Garbh Griha is kept covered with cloth and is surrounded by gold pots. The gold polishing in Udai Mandir still has its original shine and quality.Siddhanth Shiv temple is situated between Takhat Sagar hills and Kalyana Lake. Its way is on Chopasani Road and it is about 10 Kms away from Jodhpur.You can reach the temple only after crossing the hundreds of stairs made up by cutting rocks.Once upon a time the place, exactly where the temple now stands, was completely a deserted area.Siddhanth Shiv temple is believed to be built by GauriShanker (also called Nepali Baba, his real name was Veetragi Narain Swami) himself by cutting stones.He was a handicapped saint who had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot. Siddhanth Shiv temple is situated between Takhat Sagar hills and Kalyana Lake. Its way is on Chopasani Road and it is about 10 Kms away from Jodhpur.You can reach the temple only after crossing the hundreds of stairs made up by cutting rocks.Once upon a time the place, exactly where the temple now stands, was completely a deserted area.Siddhanth Shiv temple is believed to be built by GauriShanker (also called Nepali Baba, his real name was Veetragi Narain Swami) himself by cutting stones.He was a handicapped saint who had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot.Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences. Taj Hotels manage a part of the palace.It was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja Gaj Singh II, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family.A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.Ghanta Ghar also known as the clock tower.Beside the tower, there in the Sardar Market that is trusted by tourists for shopping.From this market, you can purchase Rajasthani textiles, clay articles, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver and gold jewelry.Om Banna Temple (also known Om Bana, Bullet Banna and Bullet baba Temple) is a temple located in Pali district near Jodhpur. It is located 20 Kms from Pali and 50 Kms. The motorcycle is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet.Om Bana, a local citizen, was riding the bike, it got unbalanced and hit the tree. He was dead immediately.Police took motorcycle in the police station but next day bike was found under the same tree. Even after numerous attempts to take bike away, bike was found at the same place under the tree where the accident happened.Santoshi Mata TempleLord Ganesha is the father of Santoshi Mata.In Jodhpur there is a very old and famous lake, which is surrounded by mountains and is named as Lal Sagar Lake.Here is a natural ancient temple of Santoshi Mata fulfilling the desires of all.This temple is surrounded by various kinds of trees. In India, this is world class age old natural shrine, which has amazing specialty.The mountain is elevated on santoshi Mata temple as if Sheshnag (a kind of snake) is giving its shadow to Mateshwari. There is an Amrit Kunda close to temple where an old tree is in the same shape from many years. Near that tree there is very lovely waterfall.Sardar Market is a full of busy Indian market containing riots of sight and sound. The clock tower in the center of Sardar Market is a useful reference point You can spend hours in shops chatting with friendly owners who will offer a cup of masala chai (tea). This is the true highlight of Rajasthani hospitality.You will find Jodhpur to be full of amiable and kind people who will be quick to offer you chai (tea) as a symbol of genuine hospitality first and foremost (not at all an attempt to coerce you to buy).It is not uncommon for them to turn their shop upside down to show you all of their goods and many are quite proud of their businesses.FESTIVALS Jodhpur fairs and festivals seem to express the rich culture and traditions Rajasthan. A number of festivals are celebrated in Jodhpur. However the most famous Fairs and festivals in Jodhpur, Rajasthan are:·         Marwar Festival·         Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival·         Nagaur FairThe Marwar festival is the most talked about and popular festival in Jodhpur. And Nagaur Fair is almost the second biggest fair in India. And the International Desert Kite festival, even being quite recent, is very famous in and around India. These Jodhpur, India fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Be it young children or the old people, all of them take part in the pomp and show. Serve as a platform to perform local customs that have been there since times immemorial. So, if you are planning to visit Jodhpur, try to come at such a time so as to experience the popular fairs and festivals here.RESEARCH INSTITUTESMajor research institutes and organizations have been established in the city for promoting research:·         Arid Forest Research Institute is one of the institutes of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) working under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India for carrying out scientific research in forestry to provide technologies to increase the vegetative cover and to conserve the biodiversity in the hot arid and semi-arid region of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadara union, and Nagar Haveli union territory. The campus covers 66 hectares on the New Pali Road. of India for carrying out scientific research in forestry to provide technologies to increase the vegetative cover and to conserve the biodiversity in the hot arid and semi-arid region of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadara union, and Nagar Haveli union territory. The campus covers 66 hectares on the New Pali Road.·         Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) is a the main institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.·         Desert Medicine Research Centre (DMRC) is one of the 33 permanent institutes of Indian Council of Medical Research which is an organisation which not controlled by outside forces for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research in the country.·         Desert Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India (DRC-ZSI) is the regional arm of the only taxonomic organization in the country involved in the study of all kinds of animals to promote survey, exploration, and research leading to the advancement of zoological study.·         Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the nodal research organization under Ministry of Environment and Forests for research, exploration, and survey of the flora of India.·         Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an organization working under the Department of Defence Research and Development of Ministry of Defence for design and development leading to the production of world-class weapon systems and equipment.·         Regional Remote Sensing Centre (RRSC, ISRO) is one of the five centers established under National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) by Department of Space for remote sensing tasks at regional and national levels.·         MBM Engineering College: Research in Master and Ph.D. programs in branches of engineering is done by highly experienced faculty. In civil and chemical engineering, national and state projects are performed by this college.