Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the Sun City as the sun shines (very bright and hot!) almost every day of the year.
Jodhpur is a historic city and the origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana.
The city was built as the new capital of the state of Marwar (now Rajasthan) to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are hence also commonly called as Marwaris.
Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri for the many Brahmins that live there. The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, a booming handicrafts industry, all add up to make this historic city.
Regarding
the Jodhpur culture, the Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people
of India. They have a typical Marwari accent. The lifestyle in Jodhpur, India
is quite fascinating. The folks there wear nice and lovely multihued costumes.
The women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three
quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. Women are also love to
wear jewelry on many parts of their body. They particularly like to wear
specific type of jewelry like the ones worn on the feet, head, forehead, ear,
nose, neck, arms, wrist, fingers, waist, etc. Another one of the unique
features of the culture of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is the colorful turbans worn by
men. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, ‘Jodhpurs’, took their name from
this city only. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Marwari and
Rajasthani.
The graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive
the historic grandeur of this city. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its
exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people.
The desert people are quite affable. With their sweet smiles and warm
hospitality, they win the hearts of the tourists. The famous Marwar festival
brings out the festive spirits of the people of this city. The bazaars of
Jodhpur have a range of items from tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather
shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets to the exquisite Rajasthani
textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and
classic silver jewellery.