Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. This imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the past, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center. Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
Regarding the Jodhpur culture, the Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people of India. They have a typical Marwari accent. The lifestyle in Jodhpur, India is quite fascinating. The folks there wear nice and lovely multihued costumes. The women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. Women are also love to wear jewelry on many parts of their body. They particularly like to wear specific type of jewelry like the ones worn on the feet, head, forehead, ear, nose, neck, arms, wrist, fingers, waist, etc. Another one of the unique features of the culture of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is the colorful turbans worn by men. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, 'Jodhpurs', took their name from this city only. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani.
The graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur of this city. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people. The desert people are quite affable. With their sweet smiles and warm hospitality, they win the hearts of the tourists. The famous Marwar festival brings out the festive spirits of the people of this city. The bazaars of Jodhpur have a range of items from tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets to the exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.
Cultural - Dance
The famous Ghoomar dance,Jodhpur's popular dance derives its name from ghoomna, the pirouetting which displays the spectacular colours of the flowing ghagra, the long, skirt of the Marwari women. Men have a range of their own more vigorous dances. The Gair of Jodhpur is performed in a single file and marital costumes are worn for effect. Sticks or swords are often used in male dances, and the male dances.The dance of Kalbelia women is vivorous and graceful.
Tribal Music and Dance
Music and dances are such an essential part of tribal life that professional musicians and dancers are redundant. Their dances are generally accompanied by the beats of the mandal, chang and a variety of other musical instruments, which provides a lively rhythm to their dance sequences.
The Ghoomar is the characteristic dance of the Bhils. Men and women sing alternately and move clockwise & anticlockwise giving free and intended play to the ample folds of the ghagra.
Vibrant, vigorous, graceful, sinuous, plaintive, and martial, the dances of Marwar evoke the desert in all moods. It is the most lilting tribute to the spectacular beauty, the undulating sinuousness and the brutal harshness of the landscape, and to the hardiness and the heroism of the people who live in this land of kings.
