Jodhpur: The Gateway of Indian Thar Desert
> Jodhpur is the home of Rathore rulers, a awesome princely state of Rajasthan. Marwar of Maroodesh, the land of the sand was conquered by them after the fall of Delhi and Kanauj.
> In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, Chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed desert from Rama, the epic hero of the Ramayana laid the foundations of Jodhpur. A high stone wall protects the well-fortified city. The wall is nearly 10 km in length and has eight gates facing various directions. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 m above the surrounding plains invincible and dauntless in its league with time.
> The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort.
> On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace. One of the most spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. As you look out at the fort, a tantalising view rises before eyes at sunset. The peculiar slant of the sunlight lends the desert landscape an awe-inspiring glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted.
