This is India’s first Heritage Hotel. Set in the serene desert of Rajasthan, Ajit Bhawan stands as an oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. The hotel was built for Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singhji, the younger brother of Maharaja Shri Umaid Singhji of Jodhpur in 1927. Decades later, his son, Late Maharaj Swaroop Singh along with his wife, Rani Usha opened the doors of this stately royal residence to travelers coming to the Blue City. They pioneered the “Heritage Hotel” concept in India. They found a perfect way to share their legacy with all who wished to experience and have a taste of this royal luxury and their classic <automobile collection>.
Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is located in the Thar desert 208 miles west of the state capital at Jaipur. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination with palaces, forts and temples. Jodhpur is known both as the Sun City for the sunny weather and as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. The city was located on the road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled Jodhpur to profit from trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, date palms and coffee. The major industry today is the manufacture of furniture, textiles, metal utensils, bicycles, ink and sporting goods. Tourism is the second largest industry of Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort
Perched on a 150 m high hill it is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 but modified by subsequent Jodhpur rulers. Canon ball battle scars from attacking armies can be seen on the walls. There are seven gates, include Jayapol gate built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies and Fattehpol gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of Mughals. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.
>Mehrangarh Fort photo show 1 >Mehrangarh Fort photo show 2 >Mehrangarh Fort photo show 3
To the left of Mehrangarh Fort is the Jaswant Thada of Jodhpur. It is a 19th century royal marble cenotaph built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, in the memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada is an example of architectural brilliance The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone. The carving shows the genius of the sculptors. These stones are extremely thin and polished. As a result, the outside surface of the monument emits a warm glow when the sunrays fall on its surface
We were treated to a visit with an Indian family who creates ceramic objects, pots, jugs, and interesting puzzles. Their workshop and home was located about one-hour outside Jodhpur. <Enroute to potter family> The potter is the head of the household and lives with his wife, one son and two daughters. The potter is teaching his son to become a master potter. While he is teaching his son he is NOT teaching his daughters the craft When daughters get married they go and live with their husbands family. If he taught his daughters the pottery craft they would take the knowledge to their husbands family. So there is no reason to teach his daughters.
Our guide asked us if we wanted to visit another Indian family who weaves rugs. I have no idea why but the head of the family I call him the “Mystic Pot Smoker.” Getting high was not something I was interested to do but he began his pot ceremony. We looked at the beautiful rugs and talked to the weavers. I now know how they get the intricate patterns in their carpets.
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