Jodhpur - majesty and mayhem

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The journey continues…the terrain and roadside villages are much the same almost until we reach Jodhpur, although it becomes increasingly stony and undulating with low ridges of sandstone. The soil is still the sandy loam, marginal desert scattered with small shrubs and plants and the ever ubiquitous Khergli tree (prospero acacia) that the camels and goats love (but apparently not the chingkera antelopes. We have seen quite a few of these, particularly between Jodphur and Rohetgarh.
The entrance to Jodhpur heralds an oasis city - or at least the presence of more water - more dense shrubbery, green trees and gardens. The old city is surrounded by a 9.5 km wall. The skyline is dominated by escarpments on 3 sides with the town below. On the escarpments sit some very impressive buildings, - the Meterangarh (majestic) Fort, the Maharajah’s memorial buildings and the Maharajah’s palace. The Fort was started in 1459 and has walls up to 36 metres high and 21 metres wide. It is strongly fortified, with many seven huge gates (big enough to let elephant caravans through) The doors have huge spikes at elephant height to stop them knocking down the doors). And on the walls (as with other buildings in the different towns and villages, they have the handprints of the suttees - the wives who elect to burn themselves to death with their husbands)
From the majesty of the fort and the upper escarpment to the mayhem of the local markets - abuzz with people, animals and movement - the pictures say it all!

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Photos

Meterangarh Fort
Rising up from the desert on an escarpment

Meterangarh Fort/castle
Different aspect

Meterangarh Fort/castle
Another aspect - if you don't want to walk up because of the steepness there is an elevator (needless to say we walked!)

Meterangarh Fort/castle
Another aspect showing steep walls

Interior room in the fort/castle
Stained glass from Belgium used in all the windows to provide beautiful light

Sutti Handprints
The sutti women stopped on their procession to their sacrificial burning to imprint their hands on the walls. They are honoured in this way.

Workers water source
Ladies drawing water from the water jars for the workers

Jaswant Thada
The memorial for the Maharajahs - its on a separate hill near the Fort. Has a large building, surrounded by a lake and all the small memorials for each maharajah. Lots of birds, including a Jabiru on the lake

Individual memorial
These are built on the site of the pyre where the Maharajah was cremated

The main memorial building
The inside has pictures of all the Maharajahs around the walls.

Old Market place
Hustle and bustle

Old Market place
Having a shave

Old Market place
Heavy load!

Old Market place
Shopping

Old Market place
Ladies and bangles!

Old Market place
Family scene

Old Market place
Market kitchen

Comments

[Lisa Shipley]

Too much fun!
Hi Alan and Lynn, we are loving the photos and updates. Looks like you are both having a fantastic time, we can't wait to catch-up when you return. Have a safe trip - we fly out on Sunday for 4 weeks in Cambodia. Ciao Lisa