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INDIA: JODHPUR
JODHPUR
THE CITY:
Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan, was once the capital of the Marwar
state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - hero of the epic 'Ramayana'.
Jodhpur has a number of historical attractions and colorful markets which specialize
in antiques. It is one of the leading centers of wool, cattle, camels and salt.
Jodhpur’s history revolves around the Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of the
Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in
1459.
The Rathores enjoyed good relations with all the Mughals, except Aurangzeb.
Maharaja Jaswant Singh even supported Shahjahan in his struggle for succession.
After Aurangzeb's death, Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughals from Ajmer and
added it to Marwar (now 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, by land
area. Jodhpur prospered under the British Raj. Its merchants, the Marwaris,
flourished endlessly. They came to occupy a dominant position in trade throughout
India. In 1947 India became independent and the state merged into the union of
India. Jodhpur became the second city of Rajasthan.