Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpu. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 and named Rao Jodha. Previously known as Marwar. The Rathores were driven out of their original homeland, Kanauj, by Afghans. Fron Kanauj Rathores to Pal near Jodhpur in Rajasthanr. Rathore Siahaji married the sister of a local prince. This helped the Rathores to establish and strengthen themselves in this area. In some time they ousted the Pratiharas of Mandore (9 km out of Jodhpu)r. Mandore was capital of Rathor's, but, in 1459, Rathores though of having a secure capital. This led them to form Jodhpur, the Sun City, by Rao Jodha. The Rathores enjoyed good relations with all the Mughals, except Aurangzeb. Maharaja Jaswant Singh supported Shahjahan in his struggle for succession. After Aurangzeb's death, Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added it to Marwar (Jodhpur). Under the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city. During the British Raj, the state of Jodhpur was the largest in Rajputana.. Jodhpur prospered under the British Raj. Its merchants, the Marwaris, flourished endlessly. Jodhpur became second city of Rajasthan after India got independence in 1947.

Places of Interest in Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort: The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, temples and so on.

Umaid Bhavan Palace: Fascinating palace of Jodhpur. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed this Palace in 20th century Now a luxury Heritage Hotel. Royal family still live here in part of the palace building.

Jaswant Thada: Sitated on the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh.

Mandore Gardens: Mandore serviced as an ancient capital of Marwar, before the formation of Jodhpur. Situated 8 Kms from the Jodhpur.

An exciting jeep safari to the famous Black Buck Sanctuary to spot antelope, blue bull, quantities of peacocks, deer and black buck. Continue the safari through the various tribal villages of the "Bishnois" who are well known lovers of nature & staunch environmentalists.

Camel safari through the great dunes to reach Khetasar, a "Bishnoi" village for typical lunch in a hut, near the oasis where all the village women come to collect water. Ride the camels back to the camp, to arrive at sunset.

A pleasurable Tonga (horse-cart) ride from the hotel to the old city. In the maze of old lanes focused on Sardar bazaar and its Clock Tower of 1912 are several former palaces and a dozen temples.

An exciting jeep safari to the famous Black Buck Sanctuary to spot antelope, blue bull, quantities of peacocks, deer and black buck. Continue the safari through the various tribal villages of the "Bishnois" who are well known lovers of nature & staunch environmentalists.

All Bishnois believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life as laid down by the 15th century Guru Jambeshwar in the form of 29 basic tenets, hence BIS (twenty) and NOI (nine). They further believe their ancestors are reincarted as deer, so there are usually herds of deer found near Bishnoi villages. Also see weaving and pottery making. Have tea with smiling Bishnoi tribeswomen, brightly clad, heavy bangles up the whole length of arms. There men wear pure white.

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