Jodhpur : Amidst the sand dunes and
thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120 metres
above the plain. The fort overlooks the imperial city of
Jodhpur, which is a part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The
old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight
gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled around
this walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death' , came into
life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of
Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was
on the silk route of the 16th century and hence was host to a
number of travellers.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life
in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which
stand testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring
part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and
the smiling people who treasure this former princely
state.