Jodhpur facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jodhpur
Metropolis
Mehrangarh Fort Clock Tower Rajasthan High Court Jaswant Thada Mandore Gardens Umaid Bhawan Palace AIIMS Jodhpur Jodhpur Skyline from Kaylana Hills
Nickname(s):  The Blue City, The Sun City
Jodhpur Location in Rajasthan Show map of Rajasthan Jodhpur Location in India Show map of India
Country	India
State	Rajasthan
Division	Jodhpur
District	Jodhpur
Settled	1459; 566 years ago (1459)
Founded by	Rao Jodha Rathore
Named for	Rao Jodha Rathore
Government
• Type	Municipal Corporation
• Body	Jodhpur North Municipal Corporation Jodhpur South Municipal Corporation
Area
• Metropolis	227 km2 (88 sq mi)
Elevation	231 m (758 ft)
Population  (2021 Census)
• Metropolis	1,533,756
• Rank	43rd
• Density	6,757/km2 (17,500/sq mi)
• Metro	2,330,000
Demonym(s)	Jodhpuri, Marwari
Languages
• Official	Hindi
• Additional official	English
• Regional	Marwari, Rajasthani
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	342001
Telephone code	0291 /+91-291
ISO 3166 code	RJ-IN
Vehicle registration	RJ-19

Jodhpur (Hindi pronunciation: [ˈd͡ʒoːd̪ʱpʊr]) is a large and historic city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is the second-biggest city in Rajasthan, after Jaipur. As of 2023, about 1.83 million people live here. Jodhpur is the main city for the Jodhpur district and Jodhpur division.

This city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput leader from the Rathore family. Jodhpur is famous for its palaces, forts, and temples. It is located in the dry Thar Desert. People often call it the Blue City because many old buildings are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a wall and sits around the impressive Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur is also a great place for tourists to start their trips in Rajasthan.

What's in a Name? The Meaning of Jodhpur

The name "Jodhpur" comes from its founder, Rao Jodha. He started the city in 1459. "Jodh" refers to Rao Jodha, and "pur" means "city" or "town" in Sanskrit. So, Jodhpur means "City of Jodha."

A Look Back: Jodhpur's History

How Jodhpur Began

Jodhpur city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha Rathore. He took control of the land around it from the Delhi Sultanate. This led to the creation of the Kingdom of Marwar. At first, the capital was Mandore, a nearby town. But Jodhpur quickly became the main city. Its location was important, as it was on a trade route between Delhi and Gujarat. This helped the city grow rich from trading goods like copper, silk, and dates.

Jodhpur in Later Times

After Rao Chandrasen Rathore died in 1581, the Mughal Emperor Akbar took over the kingdom. Marwar became a part of the Mughal Empire but still had some freedom. This connection brought new styles of art and architecture to Jodhpur. It also created new chances for local traders across northern India.

Later, the Mughal empire became weaker. The Marathas then took control of the region. Jodhpur faced some internal problems during this time. Eventually, the state asked for help from the British and formed an alliance with them.

Jodhpur Under British Rule

In 1857, some local leaders led a revolt against the British. However, the British Army defeated them, and peace returned.

During the time of the British Raj, Jodhpur was the largest state in Rajputana by land area. Its merchants, called the Marwaris, became very successful. They played a big role in trade all over India.

Jodhpur After India Became Free

In 1947, India gained independence. The ruler of Jodhpur, Hanwant Singh, did not want to join India at first. But Vallabhbhai Patel convinced him, and Jodhpur became part of India. In 1956, it officially became the second-largest city in the new state of Rajasthan.

Who Lives in Jodhpur?

In 2011, Jodhpur had a population of about 1,033,918 people. Slightly more than half were males, and just under half were females. Most people in Jodhpur can read and write, with an average literacy rate of 80.56%.

The city is managed by a Municipal Corporation. The Jodhpur urban area includes nearby towns and villages. In 2021, many villages were added to Jodhpur city. This increased the population to about 2,330,000 people. The population is expected to grow even more in the coming years.

Jodhpur's Environment: Geography and Climate

Jodhpur has a hot desert climate. This means it gets very hot and dry. The average rainfall is about 362 millimeters (14 inches). Most of this rain falls between June and September. However, the amount of rain can change a lot each year. For example, in 1899, it only rained 24 mm (1 inch). But in 1917, it rained 1178 mm (46 inches)!

The Jojari river, a branch of the Luni River, flows through the Jodhpur urban area. There are plans to develop a riverfront project along this river.

Temperatures are very high from March to October. In April, May, and June, temperatures often go above 40 °C (104 °F). During the monsoon season, temperatures drop a little. But the air becomes more humid, making it feel even hotter. The highest temperature ever recorded in Jodhpur was 48.8 °C (119.8 °F) on May 20, 2016.

Jodhpur is ranked as the 30th best "National Clean Air City" in India.

Jodhpur's Economy and Industries

Jodhpur adds about $4 billion to Rajasthan's economy. It is a major center for India's handicraft industry, which is worth $200 million. The city is also a popular place for tourists. It has some of the best heritage hotels in India.

View of PWD Road and Mehrangarh from Veer Durgadas Bridge, Jodhpur

High-rise buildings on PWD Road, Jodhpur

Jodhpur is also a hub for test preparation. Many students come here to study for important exams like the IIT-JEE and NEET-UG.

A large oil refinery is being built nearby in Pachpadra. This project is expected to create many new jobs and industries in and around Jodhpur. The city is also part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project. This big project will help Jodhpur become a major manufacturing area.

Important Location: Jodhpur's Strategic Role

Jodhpur is a very important city in western Rajasthan. It is only about 250 km (155 miles) from the border with Pakistan. Because of this, it is a key base for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Border Security Force.

The South Western Air Command in Jodhpur is one of Asia's largest airbases. It played a crucial role in the 1965 and 1971 wars. It is home to fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and advanced light helicopters.

Panorama view of Jodhpur, with the Mehrangarh Fort to the right, and the city centre below

Jodhpur's Culture and Fun Things to Do

Locals often call Jodhpur "Jodhana." The city is famous for its delicious food. You can even find sweet shops named "Jodhpur Sweets" in many other Indian cities. Life here has been shaped by the desert and some nomadic tribes. Jodhpur has its own special food identity. Some popular dishes include Mirchi Bada, Rabdi Ghewar, and Mawa Kachori.

Top Tourist Spots in Jodhpur

Jodhpur has many amazing places to visit:

• Mehrangarh Fort: This huge fort overlooks the city.
• The blue lanes of the old city are also a unique sight.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace: A grand palace.
• Jaswant Thada: A beautiful marble memorial.
• Ghanta Ghar, or Clock Tower: A famous landmark.

Other attractions include Mandore Garden, Kaylana Lake, Balsamand Lake, and Machia Biological Park. You can also visit the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Ratanada Ganesh Temple, and Toorji Ka Jhalra. Many people enjoy shopping in Jodhpur's markets for antiques, traditional clothes, and special shoes called Jodhpuri Mojari. The Mahamandira temple is known for its paintings showing people doing yoga.

• Tourism in Jodhpur
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  Jaswant Thada

• 

  Kaylana Lake

• 

  Cenotaphs at Mandore Garden

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  Mandore Gardens

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  Mahamandir Temple

Jodhpur in Movies

Jodhpur's beautiful locations are often used in films, ads, and music videos. Its historic buildings and landscapes have appeared in many movies, such as:

• The Dark Knight Rises (directed by Christopher Nolan)
• The Darjeeling Limited
• Hum Saath-Saath Hain
• Kung Fu Yoga (starring Jackie Chan)
• The Bengali movie Sonar Kella (directed by Satyajit Ray) was also filmed here.

Delicious Food from Jodhpur

Rajasthani thali

Many famous Indian dishes come from Jodhpur. The city is known for its tasty foods. Some of the most popular specialties are Pyaaj Kachori, Mirchi Bada, and Mawa Kachori. Other well-loved foods include Dal-Baati-Churma, Makhaniya Lassi, and Ker Sangri.

Learning and Research in Jodhpur

Jodhpur has many excellent educational and research institutions:

• Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur: A top technical institute.
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur: A leading medical institute.
• National Law University, Jodhpur: One of India's best law schools.
• National Institute of Fashion Technology Jodhpur: For fashion design.
• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University: Focuses on traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda).
• Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU): A state government university.
• Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur: A medical college.
• MBM Engineering College: The oldest engineering school in Rajasthan.
• Footwear Design and Development Institute Jodhpur: For footwear and fashion design.
• Indian Institute of Handloom Technology: Supports the handloom industry.
• Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice: For studies in security and justice.
• Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jodhpur: An agricultural university.

Important Research Centers

Several research institutes are located in Jodhpur:

• Arid Forest Research Institute: Studies forestry in dry regions.
• Central Arid Zone Research Institute: A leading agricultural research center.
• National Institute for Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases: Focuses on health research.
• Desert Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India: Studies animals in the desert.
• Botanical Survey of India: Researches India's plant life.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation: Develops defense systems.
• Regional Remote Sensing Centre: Uses satellite technology for research.
• MBM Engineering College: Also conducts research and offers advanced degrees.

Jodhpur's Legal System

New building of Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur.

The Rajasthan High Court is the main court for the state of Rajasthan. It was started on June 21, 1949. The High Court in Jodhpur was opened by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. The first Chief Justice was Kamala Kant Verma. The current Chief Justice is the Honorable Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava.

How Jodhpur is Governed

Until 2020, Jodhpur was managed by one city council called Jodhpur Nagar Nigam. In 2019, the Rajasthan government decided to create two city councils for better management. Now, Jodhpur has two civic bodies: Jodhpur North and Jodhpur South. Each one has its own mayor.

The city is divided into areas called wards. People in each ward elect a council member, or parshad, for five years. The Jodhpur Development Authority (JDA) plans and oversees new projects for the city's growth.

Getting Around: Transportation in Jodhpur

Jodhpur has good connections by train, road, and air to other major cities in India.

Train Travel

Jodhpur Junction railway station

For a luxurious travel experience, special trains like the Palace on Wheels and Maharaja Express visit Jodhpur. These trains are run by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways.

There are plans for a High-Speed Rail Corridor from Delhi to Jodhpur. This project is currently in the early stages. There was also a plan for a metro train service in Jodhpur to ease traffic. While that is still pending, a new plan for a 35-km Metro Line is proposed after 2030. Before that, 11 new bus rapid transit (BRTS) corridors are planned to help with public transport.

Suburban train stations near Jodhpur include:

Flying to Jodhpur

Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport is an important airport in Rajasthan. It is mainly a military airbase but also handles civilian flights. Because of Jodhpur's location, this airport is very important for the Indian Air Force.

You can find direct flights to Jodhpur from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Plans are underway to expand the airport. This will allow for more flights and more airlines to serve the city.

Road Connections

Jodhpur is well-connected by road to all major cities in Rajasthan and nearby states. You can take buses to cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. In 2016, a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) was launched in Jodhpur. It uses low-floor buses on 6 main routes.

Three national highways and ten state highways pass through Jodhpur. A Jodhpur Ring Road is also being built. This will help reduce traffic within the city.

National highways include:

• NH-62: Ambala-Jodhpur-Pali
• NH-112: Bar-Jodhpur-Barmer
• NH-114: Jodhpur-Pokaran

State highways include:

• SH-19: Phalodi to Kaladera
• SH-21: Dantiweara to Merta City
• SH-28: Phalodi to Ramji ki Gol
• SH-58: Jodhpur to Bheem
• SH-61: Phalodi to Mandal
• SH-62: Bilara to Pindwara
• SH-63: Banar to Kuchera
• SH-65: Sheo to Shergarh
• SH-66: Siwana to Dhandhaniya
• SH-68: Dangiyawas to Balotra

Bus Services

The Paota Bus Stand is the most important bus station in Jodhpur. It serves all government and private buses. The RSRTC operates many routes from here. This bus stand connects Jodhpur to many rural and urban areas. It is the largest bus stand in the city.

Sports in Jodhpur

Jodhpur has several sports facilities:

• Barkatullah Khan Stadium: This stadium has hosted two international cricket matches.
• Maharaja Umaid Singh Stadium
• Gaushala Maidan Sports Complex

The city also has a well-maintained polo ground where polo tournaments are held sometimes.

S No	Team (A)	Team (B)	Winner	Margin	Year
1	India	Zimbabwe	Zimbabwe	By 1 wicket	2000
2	West Indies	India	India	By 3 wickets	2002

Media in Jodhpur

Newspapers

You can find both Hindi and English newspapers in Jodhpur.

Hindi Newspapers

• Rajasthan Patrika
• Dainik Bhaskar
• Dainik Navjyoti
• Dainik Jalte Deep

English Newspapers

• The Times of India
• The Hindustan Times
• The Indian Express

Radio Stations

Jodhpur has several FM radio stations:

• Big FM
• Red FM
• My FM
• Vividh Bharti
• Radio Mirchi
• All India Radio

Famous People from Jodhpur

Many notable people have come from Jodhpur, including:

• Maharaja Gaj Singh
• Ashok Gehlot
• Justice Dalveer Bhandari
• Chitrangada Singh (actress)
• Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (politician)
• Shailesh Lodha (actor)
• Kiku Sharda (actor)
• Mithali Raj (cricketer)
• Ustad Sultan Khan (musician)

Images for kids

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  View of the Rajasthan High Court, Sardar Museum in Umaid Park and upper right is Jodhpur fort in 1960.

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  Street Scene of Jodhpur in 1906

See also

In Spanish: Jodhpur para niños