Radhika Mundra‘What’s in a name?‘ asks Shakespeare.
‘The love of the one calling it.‘ replies a lover.
Jodhpur, formerly the capital city of Marwar Kingdom, has carried several names since it’s foundation. In 1459, Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rajput Clan ‘Rathore’, founded the city of Jodhpur, then lovingly called after its founder, Jodhana. Some popular names among being called the Blue City, the Sun City, etc., bear several questions in the minds of the visitors. Here’s the answer to them!
‘The Blue City’
The most curious question a traveller has for a local in Jodhpur is, ‘Why is it called ‘The Blue City‘?’ followed by, ‘Why are the houses in Jodhpur coloured in blue?’.
When Rao Jodha built the Mehrangarh Fort, the impregnable fortress of Jodhpur, the Brahmins- the priestly caste of India- that settled around the fortified old city, painted their houses in blue to identify themselves. Soon after, the other castes that settled there, followed suit and the main old city bathed in blue.
‘The Sun City’
Another popular, and plausible theory suggests that the houses were painted in blue to reflect the scorching heat the city bears throughout the year. Thanks to global warming, even the winter afternoons can make you sweat. Suryanagari, the Land of Sun, basks in the glory of relentless UV rays irrespective of seasons.
‘The Gateway To Thar Desert’
Jodhpur is geographically located at the edge of The Great Indian Desert and is hence called The Gateway To Thar. Desert Camps and Camel Safaris form great tourist attractions for travellers and the locals as well. They take you away from the chaos of the crowded city.
‘The Love for Marwar’
The locals often passionately address the land as Marwar, and themselves, Marwaris. It isn’t exactly correct as Marwar was a collective region established by Rao Jodha and Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state.
Nevertheless, since when has nomenclature mattered in love?
‘What’s In A Name?’ | Essays On Jodhpur is the first essay in the series ‘Essays on Jodhpur‘.
If you enjoyed reading the first essay, please share your feedback in the comment section. The next essay will be up soon. Please look forward to it.
Until then, be kind to one another and don’t forget to subscribe to the EL Newsletter.
Your words made it beautiful
Thank you! ❤️
Love how you describe the meaning of the blue …it’s pretty to see ….I didn’t know you were so close to the desert …the camel safaris soun fun
Thank you, Sara! Yes, my city is situated at the edge of the desert. It’s hot, but not as hot as Jaisalmer, the heart of the desert.
Essays on Jodhpur makes an informative and interesting series. To start it with the Name is very apt. Keep up the good work Radhika.
Thanks so much! Writing a new essay soon! xx
I have been to Jodhpur so many times that I have lost count of it. One of the cities in which I wanted to settle a decade back 🙂
Wow, where did you eventually settle down?
A great start, Radhika. The name of a city defines a lot about its nature, origin and characteristics. You’ve nicely described the historical significance behind Jodhpur’s different names. Keep the posts coming… 🙂
Thanks so much for the appreciation! Writing a new one soon! x
Enjoyable read, Radhika didi. When is the next essay coming?
I got to know more about the city of Jodhpur through your post. I have also been curious to know the reason behind the blue houses in this city.
So happy to have satiated your curiosity! x
beautiful interesting sharing
Thanks so much!
Well written and lovely post Radhika. This is really an amazing post to read.
I Enjoyed it! Well written. I hope you keep on writing essays like above.
When your next essay is coming?
Happy to hear that! New essay coming soon! 🙂