Jodhpur is a former imperial capital, and currently the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It was at one time the capital of the Marwar state, and an important trading hub, situated at the very edge of the Thar desert. Founded in the mid-15^th century by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, it is protected still by a high, fortified wall that stretches for more than 10kms – accessible by gates in eight different places.

The city is characterised by a number of gracefully executed palaces, solidly built forts and ornately detailed temples paying homage to a variety of deities – all scattered throughout, maintaining a sense of historical grandeur even today. Many aspects of Jodhpur help create the city’s romantic aura – from bright, colourful attire, to the local handicrafts and folk culture expressed through music and dance. Residents of Jodhpur and the desert communities are very welcoming by nature, offering warm hospitality to visitors.

Annually, the well-known Marwar festival brings an atmosphere of celebration, and draws large numbers of visitors. The city’s bazaars also attract hordes of shoppers, and feature a range of antiques, carpets, embroidered shoes, hand-dyed textiles, lacquer ware, marble inlay work, puppets and exquisite silver jewellery.

Jodhpur’s early history is indelibly linked to the Rathore clan: the origins can be traced to the clan’s leader, Rao Jodha, who is credited with the founding of Jodhpur in 1459. Driven from their homeland by Afghans, the Rathores fled from Kaunaj to Pali, which is the site of present day Jodhpur. Rathore Siahaji’s marriage to the sister of a local prince helped establish the clan in the region. Eventually, the clan ousted the Pratiharas, who were the rulers of Mandore, an important settlement just a short distance away. They established their capital at Mandore for a time, but as needs for a more secure location arose, the site of Jodhpur – or the ‘Sun City’ – was chosen by Rao Jodha.

With the exception of Aurangzeb, the Rathores maintained good relations with the Mughals: in fact, Maharaja Jaswant Singh supported Shahjahan when he struggled for succession to the throne. After the death of Aurangzeb, Maharaja Ajit Singh forced the Mughals from Ajmer, and annexed the land to Marwar (as Jodhpur was known at that time). During the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur prospered, developing into a modern city.

Jodhpur was the largest state in Rajputana in terms of land area by the time of the British Raj, and it continued to prosper, as did the Marwaris, who were the merchants of that time. When India achieved independence in 1947, the state joined the union of India, and became part of the larger state of Rajasthan, with Jodhpur being its second-largest city.

Jodhpur is known as the ‘Sun City’, and quite reasonably so, as the sun shines down with some intensity most every day of the year. Located at the edge of the desert, this is one of the driest spots to be found in northern India – with the exception of those communities that are actually located farther into the Thar desert.

The summer season runs from April through July. In addition to being very dry, it is usually hot, with summer temperatures averaging around 42°C in the daytime. Highs in the summer months can exceed 47°C and minimums rarely dip below 35°C. The evenings are cooler, however, with nights pleasant for sleeping – making the April to July period tolerable. Rainfall in Jodhpur occurs after the summer season, in July and August, with amounts considerable at times, filling up the area reservoirs.

Winter, in sharp contrast, can be quite cold at night, with temperatures of 1°C not uncommon; and maximum daytime temperatures reaching a more pleasant 20-24°C. The best time to visit is between October and March, when climate conditions are at their best: after the rains and before the heat of the summer.