CITY OF SIGHTS
From an
imposing fort to a sprawling palace residence, Rajasthan’s Blue City,C
Jodhpur, is home to iconic buildings brimming with history
From page
01 The man knew how to pose. He was seated at a strategic
location, cross-legged next to a hookah, at one of the many courtyards inside
Jodhpur’s 557-year-old Mehrangarh Fort. Tourists milled about him, clicking
photographs. As soon as a camera was aimed at him, he quickly, and
nonchalantly, put the hookah’s pipe in his mouth. His long white beard and
moustache, yellow turban, white kurta, dhoti and angrakha made for the perfect
picture. Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s second-largest city, founded by Rao Jodha in
1459. It is popularly known as the Blue City, and the reason is rather obvious.
Earlier, Brahmin houses close to the fort were painted light blue. But to this
day, should you check out the view from Mehrangarh Fort, blue houses continue
to dot the landscape.
It is obvious that the
locals are used to tourists. But what greatly surprises us about this city is
the fact that its crowning glory, the fort, is probably one of the best-kept in
India. Dominating the city’s skyline, the sandstone structure, with its
intimidating ramparts and intricate stone carvings, is looked after by the
Jodhpur royal family.
Mehrangarh Fort houses an
exceptional museum, spread out over multiple floors, and comprising miniature
paintings, costumes, weapons and palanquins, among other fascinating items. One
such stunning gallery is the Daulat Khana, which has a beautiful 12-carrier
gold leaf palanquin as its central attraction. Other must-visit areas include
the Moti Mahal, Takhat Mahal and Phool Mahal. These have been maintained in
their original states to let visitors experience the bygone eras. The fort also
has a lift and a staircase that takes visitors to the different museum floors
in an organised manner. A kilometre away, just before the fort’s entrance,
stands the Jaswant Thada, a more-thana-century-old memorial to the former kings
of Jodhpur. The snow-white marble structure, originally a shrine to Jaswant
Singh II, an erstwhile ruler of the city, became the home to the cenotaphs of
subsequent rulers. The memorial is situated next to a small lake. Step outside
on the lawns, and you are treated to a stunning view of the Blue City below as
well as the fort. In the centre of the old city of Jodhpur, lies a cornucopia
of souvenirs and locally made products — tie-dye fabrics, lacquer bangles,
silver jewellery, etc. Among these stalls, you can also find vendors selling
sweets and spices. This is Sardar Bazaar, a market that is flanked by
the Clock Tower on one
side. Night-time lends a princely flavour to Jodhpur. The ‘royal’ experience,
which most tourists visiting the city come looking for, duly materialises. And
a wintry evening in Jodhpur is best experienced at a restaurant that has a
360-degree view of the city, especially that of the lit-up fort. One such venue
is Pal Haveli, a popular residence-turned-hotel. From the restaurant terrace,
not only can you see the fort, but also the illuminated Clock Tower, the empty
market and, in the distance, the Umaid Bhawan Palace and a glittering city.
·
Sapna Mathur
HT31JAN16
No comments:
Post a Comment