Tourist places - Jodhpur, Rajastan

Rajasthan, the land embellished with infinite imprints of colour and chivalry, harmonious life and lingering music, harmony and hospitality, palaces and pristine nature; has been extending an invigorating invitation to the world, since time immemorial.
Jodhpur, the heart of Rajasthan and the majestic jewel of her eternal crown, iluminate the Thar, enriching the desert with enterpreneurship, scholarship and art.
Rulers of Jodhpur Rao Jodha 1438-1488
Satal 1488-1491
Suja 1491-1515
Ganga 1515
Ganga (II) 1515-1531
Maldeo 1531-1583
Raja Udaya Singh 1583-1594
Raja Sura Singh 1594-1619
Raja Gajsingh 1619-1637
Raja Jaswant Singh 1637-1680
Raja Ajit Singh 1680-1724
Maharaja Abhi Singh 1724-49
Maharaja Rama Singh 1749-50
Maharaja Bhagat Singh 1750-52
Maharaja Bijej Singh 1752-92
Maharaja Bhim Singh 1792-1803
Maharaja Man Singh 1803-17
Maharaja Chatter Singh 1817-18
Maharaja Man Singh 1818-43
Maharaja Takhat Singh 1843-73
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
1873-95
Maharaja Sardar Singh
1895-1911
Maharaja Sumer Singh 1911-18
Maharaja Ummed Singh 1918-47
Maharaja Hanwant Singh 1947-53
Maharaja Gajsingh II
1953-Present


According to Rathore tradition, the clan traces its origins back to the Hindu god, Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana, and thence to the sun. So the Rathore's belong to the Suryavansha (solar race) branch of the Kshatriyas, the warrior caste of Hindus. Later, breaking into historical reality, in 470 A.D. Nayal Pal conquered the kingdom of Kanauj, near modern Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Rathor capital for seven centuries, Kanauj fell in 1193 to the Afghan invader's led by Muhammad Ghori.The fleeing ruler, Jai Chand was drowned in the Ganga. But his son Siyaji, had better luck. An expedient marriage alliance between the Rathore Sihaji and the sister of a local prince enabled the Rathors to consolidate themselves in this region. In fact, they prospered to such a degree that they managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, nine km to the north of present day Jodhpur.He later set himself up as an independent ruler around the wealthy trading centre of Pali, just south of Jodhpur. His descendants flourished, battled often, won often, and in 1381 Rao Chanda ousted the Parihars from Mandore which then became the Rathore seat of government.Rathore fortunes then turned for better. Rao Chanda's son and heir, Rainmal, won praise for his capture of Ajmer and was then entrusted with the care of his orphaned nephew, destined to inherit the Mewar throne of Chittor. Rainmal may well have had his eyes on this fine, hilltop fort. But court intrigue and treachery stopped him. In 1438 he was doped with opium, and finally shot dead. This triggered bitter feuds, ending with Mewar and Marwar becoming separate states.Rathore legend continues in various versions. One is that Jodha, one of Rainmal's 24 sons, fled Chittor and finally, 15 years later, recaptured Mandore in 1453. Five years later he was acknowledged as ruler. A holy man sensibly advised him to move his capital to hilltop safety.
Founded 1459.A startling fortress-city and shopper's paradise for rare artifacts not found elsewhere. Apart from the grandeur of the imposing palace and fort, the city itself is a piece of remarkable history.Sights: Mehrangarh Fort - One of the most imposing sights of India with it's intricately carved sandstone edifice sitting ,seemingly impregnable, atop a 400 ft high rock. Inc Museum of colourful, historical artefacts. Also: Mandore (8kms) - former capital. Landscaped gardens, ancient temples, cenotaphs; Hall of Heroes - 16 larger than life sculptures, carved from one rock, of Hindu & folk deities.
Area : 75.50 sq km
Access ; By Air- Flight from mumbai,Delhi,Jaipur,Udaipur,By Train-direct train from Mumbai,Ahemdabad,Delhi,Jaipur etc.
Distances : Mandore 10 km,Mt Abu 264 km,Pokaran 196 km,Udaipur 280 km.
Hotels: Ajit Bhawan, Balsmand Palace, Ranbanka, Taj Hari Mahal, Abhay Days, Chandra Inn