Located in central India in the largest state of the Republic of India, Rajasthan, is a city so beautiful it has been called the Sun City. It’s sunny nearly all year round. Rajasthan covers 10.4% of India and 64 million inhabitans, Jodhpur is its second largest city with a population over 21 million.
On this day May 12th, in 1459, the city of Jodhpur is founded. Rao Jodha was the ruler of Mandore, a town roughly 6 miles north of Jodphur. Rao Jodha had been advised by a holy man whom he trusted that he should move his city to a more safe location, so he moved his city to a hilltop where he could defend himself from any intruders.
In recent times Jodphur has also been nicknamed the “Blue City” and not for its woes, but because of the houses which are painted blue. A similar phenomenon can be found in the city of Safed where people paint their doors blue in a tradition meant to welcome the messiah when he comes. Jodphur’s economy is primarily from its handiwork and furniture making, which is estimated as a $200 million dollar industry. It also is a tourist attraction and is home to the “Lassi”, a yogurt based drink often mixed with spices or fruits.