Photo Gallery

Construction of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur began in 1459. The fort stands majestically atop a 123-metre-high rocky hill overlooking the ‘Blue City’. The fortress walls are up to 36 metres high and 21 metres wide. The fort is considered unconquered, as it has never been taken by force in its long history, despite numerous sieges. Today it houses a renowned museum. - 1990

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in India. Construction began in 1459 under Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. It is an imposing fortress built of red sandstone, whose massive outer walls rise to a height of 36 metres and blend seamlessly with the natural cliffs.

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is renowned for its ornate jharokhas (covered balcony recesses). These sandstone balconies, often featuring delicate jalis (latticework windows), provided cooling, privacy and sweeping views over the ‘Blue City’. The structure is entirely crafted from the red or brown sandstone characteristic of Jodhpur, masterfully carved by hand. – 1990

A densely built-up neighbourhood in Jodhpur, known worldwide as the ‘Blue City’ due to its distinctive blue-painted houses. Originally, members of the Brahmin caste painted their homes blue to signify their social status and to distinguish their houses from those of other social classes. As the region lies on the edge of the Thar Desert and is exposed to extremely high temperatures, the lime-based blue paint serves to reflect sunlight. This keeps the interior of the buildings noticeably cooler. Copper sulphate was mixed into the traditional lime paint. This chemical compound not only produced the deep blue hue, but also effectively protects the masonry from termite infestation to this day and keeps mosquitoes at bay. – 1990

The famous ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The densely packed blue houses are mainly located in the old quarters below Mehrangarh Fort. Traditionally, the blue colour indicated that the houses were inhabited by Brahmins, the highest caste in Hindu society. – 1990

A densely built-up neighbourhood in Jodhpur, known worldwide as the ‘Blue City’ due to its distinctive blue-painted houses. Originally, members of the Brahmin caste painted their homes blue to signify their social status and to distinguish their houses from those of other social classes. As the region lies on the edge of the Thar Desert and is exposed to extremely high temperatures, the lime-based blue paint serves to reflect sunlight. This keeps the interior of the buildings noticeably cooler. Copper sulphate was mixed into the traditional lime paint. This chemical compound not only produced the deep blue hue, but also effectively protects the masonry from termite infestation to this day and keeps mosquitoes at bay. – 1990

The historic Chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda is located within the grounds of the famous Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. It is a memorial (cenotaph) to the brave soldier Kirat Singh Soda, who fell here whilst defending the fort. The pavilion stands on a raised platform, features intricately designed columns and is crowned by a large stone dome with richly decorated panels. The entire structure is built from weather-resistant red sandstone, typical of the region. – 1990

A view from the ramparts of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort over the historic old town of Jodhpur, also known as the ‘Blue City’. The densely packed clusters of houses, painted in indigo blue, dominate the entire cityscape. Traditionally, the blue wall paint signalled membership of the Brahmin (priestly) caste, but today it also helps to keep the buildings cool in the desert heat. In the foreground, one can see one of the typical, ornately decorated sandstone pavilions (chhatris) and the massive fortification walls of the fort. – 1990

A traditional folk musician in typical regional costume, playing the historic stringed instrument known as the Ravanahattha. This is an ancient long-necked lute and one of the oldest known precursors of the modern violin. The body usually consists of a halved coconut covered with animal skin, and a long neck made of bamboo. The instrument has main and resonance strings, as well as a bow that is often decorated with small bells. – Jodhpur – 1990