Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur

Jaswant Thada, the milky-white marble memorial located in Jodhpur, is an array of magnificent domes. The white marbled architecture was built as a memorial site of Rajput clan in 1899. This cenotaph was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the memory of his father, Mahraja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. The memorial sits above a small lake 1 km northeast of Mehrangarh. It is located in a quiet spot far from the hubbub of the city.

The views across Jaswant Thada fort are breathtaking. The cenotaph contains some beautiful jalis, hung with portraits of Rathore rulers that go back to the 13th century. The memorial has a temple-like structure; it is a brilliant case of architecture. The white marbles on the outer surface of the whole building reflect a warm glow during sunlight. Although the whole building was built in traditional Rajasthani style, the domes were inspired by some Mughal architecture style, reflecting how the Rajput rulers blended Mughal patterns is their construction. Arches around the main monument are adorned with with delicate carvings. The memorial exhibits various portraits and paintings of Jodhpur rulers. There is a separate cremation ground for the royal families where remains of burnt wood are kept and can be seen during visits.

Local musicians and singers sit on the steps of the monument to greet visitors with some Rajasthani melodies. Visitors must wander around the enclosure and see the memorials of the rulers of Mewar to learn about the history. The memorial is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, where squirrels and birds are scattered around the memorial ground. There are expansive lawns in the memorial where visitors can lounge and relax in a very quiet atmosphere. The lakeside location of the memorial adds to its value. Therefore, the Jaswant Thada memorial is a must-visit site in Jodhpur.