Jaswant Thada Jodhpur is a cenotaph (an empty tomb monument) which was built with pure white marble in Jodhpur, a city in Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sadar Singh in the year 1899 for his father Maharaja Jaswanth Singh II, hence the name ‘Jaswant Thada’. The reason why the monument was built with white marble stone was due to the fact that the white marble stone has the properties to illuminate the shine from the moonlight; therefore, when the moonlight shines on the Jaswant Thada, it will glow even at night. The family member of the Royal Mewar family used this cenotaph as the cremation ground, and only the royal family had access to it.
A beautiful garden along with a small lake is also located within the vicinity of the cenotaph along with three other cenotaphs of the royal family. You can also find carved sculptures and painting of the Royal family along with the past rulers or Maharajas of Jodhpur Tour Packages. The main portrait displayed in the cenotaph is that of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, for whom the Jaswant Thada Jodhpur cenotaph was built. This monument was built according to the traditional Rajasthani architecture, whereas the dome was built while being inspired by the Mughal Dynasty domes.
History Associated with Jaswant Thada
The Jaswant Thada Jodhpur tomb was built during the 19th century, around 1899, in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II who was the thirty third descendant of the Rathores of Jodhpur Attractions. It was built by Maharaja Jaswant Singh’s son, who was known as Maharaja Sardar Singh in the loving memory of his beloved father. Two more mausoleums are resting within this specifically grand cenotaph and have the royal crematorium with 3 more mausoleums at a close distance.
Architecture of Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada Jodhpur is considered to be an epitome of architectural brilliance belonging to the 19th century. It is created in completely white marble, a stone popularly used by the Rajasthani as well as Mughal rulers in the monuments constructed by them. The marble sheets are thin and polished which makes them exude a warm off-white glow, every time the sun’s rays shone on it. There are intricate details carved on these marble sheets that have still remained unmatched by any modern or new-age sculptor. There is a huge terrace right in front of the Cenotaph as it is located at considerable height and presents an exquisite view for visitors.
The cenotaph is also decorated by the portraits of the several Rathore rulers depicting the lineage of the clan. It sits on a small lake and is only a kilometer away from the renowned Meharangarh Fort of Jodhpur Tourism. The structure includes a number of domes and is one of the most peaceful spots in the city of Jodhpur. The cenotaph also consists of a memorial dedicated to a peacock which had accidentally flown in to a funeral pyre.
The cenotaph is built amidst rocky hills which have to be climbed before reaching the main monument. This in turn lends a magical aura to the building as well the surroundings of the mausoleum of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
This architectural wonder created by the Rathore rulers is open to visitors throughout the year, daily from around 9 ‘o’ clock in the morning till 5 in the evening. There are extra charges applicable for carrying cameras or movie cameras and the entry fees vary for Indians and foreigners, wherein the latter is charged higher than that of the former. The best time to visit the place is from the month of November till February when the temperatures are a lot cooler and you can look around the monument at leisure without the desert sun shining on your head like a fire ball.
Best Time To Visit Jaswant Tada
The best months to visit Jaswant Thada Jodhpur are between October and February as it is winter time and the blaring summers can be avoided. It is best explored during the mornings or evenings as the temperature stays pleasant during these hours.
How To Reach Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur
Jaswant Thada Jodhpur is easily accessible by road from any part of the beautiful city of Jodhpur as it lies on the way to Mehrangarh Fort. Tourists can hail public transport to reach the cenotaph. Auto-rickshaws and buses are a great mode of local transport here, however, tourists can choose to rent cabs. Those opting for self-driven vehicles can reach Jaswant Thada in about 30 minutes from the city centre via NH62.
By Road: Jaswant Thada is located at the outskirt of Jodhpur city in Mehrangarh Fort. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi.
By Rail: Jaswant Thada is well connected through nearest Jodhpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmadabad.
By Air: Jaswant Thada can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.