Jaswant Thada: The Taj Mahal of Marwar

By the end of the Umaid Bhawan tour, the morning chill changed into a comfortable warmth. Soon we reached our next location: Jaswant Thada. On the way to the monument, we came across an equestrian bronze statue of the Marwar ruler, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is said that during his reign Jodhpur had prospered well.

The stairway to Jaswant Thada

After getting the tickets we entered the path leading to Jaswant Thada. This is a magnificent white marble cenotaph, commissioned by Maharaja Sardar Singh, in memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, in 1899. It is often affectionately called as the "Taj Mahal of Marwar", and interestingly it is made of the same Makrana marble used for the construction of Taj Mahal. This elegant monument is located on the slopes of a hill beneath Mehangarh Fort and along the banks of an artificial reservoir known as "Devkund Lake". We walked along the stone paved path, enjoying the serene view of the lake and reached the main steps leading to the thada. The stairs were flanked with traditional red sandstone chatris which added on to the elegance of the place.

Jaswant Thada

In the midst of landscaped gardens, before entering the main building there was a subsidiary marble cenotaph, with open pavilion dedicated to Mewar royal family members. The serene cool atmosphere here was in total contrast to the blazing sun and rising heat. We walked around the premises admiring the symmetry and careful tending rendered to this place. Slowly we ascended the stairs to the main building. The main cenotaph was constructed by blending Mughal and Rajput architecture. The white marble walls were giving off a radiant glow reflecting the sunlight. Inside, the hall was illuminated by natural light filtered through the marble jali screens, and supported by 12 pillars. At the centre there was a marble cenotaph of the Maharaja, carved with floral patterns and Rajput designs. The interior of the large dome was also designed with floral patterns.

Interior of Jaswant thada

We continued our photography outside and walked around the garden and observed other cenotaphs. We spent some quality time there and also enjoyed a view of Mehangarh fort from the gardens. Gradually we departed to our next destination.