Memories of Jodhpur

My thoughts often wander to the sun kissed afternoons of Jodhpur and the absolutely awe-inspiring site of Mehrangarh Fort towering over the city. Jodhpur has left an impression on me like nothing ever has before. I can’t put my finger on what it is that continues to fascinate me so many months after my visit. After a little thought I just let go and loose myself in the magic of the red sand stone monument, the spectacular blue houses in the walled city circling it and the beautiful people around.

A feast for the eyes, treat for a photographer, dream for an architect, there are countless ways to describe this magnificent fort, but its best to experience it for oneself. Made of red sand stone, the fort is perched atop a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain. Built by Rao Jodha,’Meharangarh’ means ‘fort of the sun’, a reference to the clan’s mythical descent from the sun god Surya.

A grim reminder of the tradition of Sati – a custom where a wife immolates herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. Above are the handprints of the ranis who in 1843, immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharajha Man Singh.