RAJASTHANI VETERANS

RAJASTHANI VETERANS
RAJASTHANI VETERANS

Friday 29 April 2016

OROP : Jantar Mantar Agitation Suspended - क्या नरेन्द्र मोदी के आगे शहीदो की चमक फीकी पड गई ?


OROP: 1.0 IS SUSPENDED.
320 DAYS OF CLASS STOICISM
A red letter day in the history of veterans of independent India came to a close around 1700 hours on 29th April.
This marked the announcement of the suspension of RHS for a reasonable period of time to accede to the wishes of the government of India to resolve the leftover issues in implementation of OROP in its acceptable form and justifiable award to all stakeholders.
As per honourable Raksha Mantri, the proverbial “gun that was being held to the heads of the Government of India” by virtue of our presence at Jantar Mantar has now been removed suo moto by the veterans allowing him to now keep up his end of the promise.
In a short but spirited address to the gathering at Jantar Mantar, Mr. Ram Jethmalani , MP dedicated the rest of his life in fighting for the just cause of the veterans in the court of law towards which suitable documentation will be completed within the week. At the same time, he made a fervent plea to the gathering to suspend all further form of agitation at Jantar Mantar till some response was forthcoming.
It was also announced that the current method of protest may have to be changed and therefore mid-course corrections will be considered and applied for such changes to be taken. Also, that the vote bank of ex-servicemen has now become a matter of concern and it seems that the ensurance of acceptance of veterans’ issues would take on this path irrespective of these states that are heading towards assembly elections in the next couple of years.
Subsequently, based on a decision taken by the Governing Body of the IESM with regard to further method of agitation, Chairman IESM Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh announced the suspension of Relay Hunger Strike with immediate effect at around 1630 hours today. This was followed by the traditional breaking of the fast by giving juice to those who were sitting on the relay. It may be pertinent to note that there are unheard names of simple veterans and their families who have participated whole-heartedly over the last 320 days. Even today, it was heartening to note that there was a representation of veterans from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan and several other states. There were however, voices of discord amongst the gathering on the proposed action and it is with deference to both our peers and seniors who have advocated suspension as also in view of the sentiments of some who wish it to carry on that the conscious decision of the governing body has been one of suspension and not closure till the aim is finally achieved.
The critique from some quarters on this action as also of any action with relation to deliberations at Jantar Mantar by a select number of misinformed, misguided, ignorant individuals who have had noting t contribute has been noted for whatever it is worth. Their views are summarily rejected herein.
The ball now lies squarely with the MOD, we have done our bit towards conflict resolution and it is now for the authorities concerned to walk the talk.
In doing so we are open to any sort of discussion, clarification, or even adjustments should it lead to finality of our aim. This is to inform the environment that a Camp Office in the present location of our agitation will operative hereafter. Any veteran or their NOK is most welcome to visit this office and consult the officials present for any form of guidance, help, assistance or resolution of their individual matters. Suitable contact numbers of this office will be intimated later.
Regular information bulletins will follow periodically as opposed to the daily Press Release being issued so far. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have volunteered, personally indulged in RHS or have contributed in even the smallest measure towards the successful conduct of this agitation. A communication from Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh is attached as given below.
Col. Anil Kaul, VrC
Media Head
ATT:
UNITED FRONT OF EX-SERVICEMEN
HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE 29 APR, 2016
JANTAR MANTAR
1. Dear Countrymen today we take the privilege of sharing our journey from 1982, when the torch was lit for the first time by Col Inderjit Singh to raise our voice for the rights of ESM which were very unfairly snatched away from us in 1973. The crowning glory was the start of movement on 14 June, 2015 at Jantar Mantar where Gen Satbir, Gen Balbir and Col Inderjit emerged as the new stars on the horizon of UFESM as galvanizing force to spread the movement to every corner of the world. The entire nation stood behind us in our fair and just demands and we are grateful to the present Govt which has implemented OROP though in a diluted form after 42 years of struggle.
2. We have already sent our representation to address the anomalies arising in the implementation of OROP to Justice Reddy Committee on 25 Mar 2016 through the Hon’ble RM. This is in response to the discussion held by RM with the ESM representatives on 14 Mar 2016. Justice Reddy Committee is scheduled to submit its recommendations by 15 June 2016. As already informed to you all, we have brought out the following anomalies in the Implementation of OROP:-
· Equalization of Pensions as per the original approved definition be carried out every year instead of 5 years as per the Govt Notification dated 07 Nov 2015.
· Pensions are to be fixed at maximum of the Rank and year of service in the year instead of Average of Max and Min.
· Since the OROP is being implemented with effect from 01 Jul 2014, the base year should be 2014-2015 instead of Average of 2013.
· OROP should be implemented with effect from 01 Apr 2014 as mentioned in the Executive Order of the Govt dated 26 Feb 2014 instead of 01 Jul 2014.
· There are serious inaccuracies in the construction of Tables issued on 03.02.2016 for the fixation of pensioners. The details of inaccuracies have been brought to the Notice of Service HQs with request to forward the same to Justice Reddy Committee. We understand from the Service HQs that these inaccuracies have been brought to the notice of MoD.
· Approved definition of OROP has been given out in the Govt. Executive Order dated 26 Feb 2014. But it has been changed while transmitting to Reddy Committee, which totally destroys the soul of the OROP. This approved definition has been confirmed by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh in the Parliament on 02 Dec 2014 and is in line which the Recommendations of Koshyari Committee. The salient point of the Govt Executive Orders and the approved definition of OROP vide Govt of India In of Def Letter No. 12 (01)/2014/D(Pen/Pol) dated 26 Feb 2014 are as under :-
(i) Finance Minister in his Interim Budget Speech on 17th February 2014 announced that the Government has accepted the principle of One Rank One Pension for the defence forces. In pursuance of this Budget announcement and the decision taken in the meeting chaired by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 26.02.2014, It has been decided to implement the principle of One Rank One Pension for all ranks of defence forces prospectively from the financial year 2014-15.
(ii) It was noted that “One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners”
3. However, the Govt through its Notification dated 07 Nov 2015, has changed the above approved definition which totally destroys the soul of the OROP. We have already written to RM for the restoration of original definition Justice Reddy has been requested to recommend the restoration of the original approved definition. The amended definition in fact kills the very concept of OROP which is to be applicable in perpetuity.
4. We will shortly be impleading in the ongoing OROP case of Maj Gen SPS Vains Vs others and Union of India in the SC for all ranks. Senior Advocate Shri Ram Jeth Malani has very kindly consented to fight our case of implementation of Actual OROP for all ranks pro-bono.
5. We are also filing the following cases in AFT RK Puram New Delhi:-
(a) Grant of pension equal to regular ranks for Hony ranks awarded to ESM on retirement or after retirement.
(b) Broad banding of disability pension.
(c) Arrears upto 2006 for all JCOs/OR.
(d) Reservist Pension should be increased.
6. The Print and Electronic Media has blacked out any new about our ongoing OROP Agitation. We have already brought to the Notice of Information Minister Mr. Jaitley and requested him to issue suitable directions to ensure free and fair media coverage of our Activities of our Movement.
7. There are serious and large numbers of Anomalies in the recommendations of 7the CPC. If the recommendations are approved in the present form, it will furthers degrade and downgrade the profession of Defence Forces. The Review Committee constituted by the Govt does not have any member from the Defence Forces. Even the BSF has got their member included. The three chiefs have jointly represented to the Govt and brought out 36 Anomalies in the Recommendations of 7th CPC. We the Ex-Servicemen fully support the views of our three Services Chiefs and would struggle to get our due Justice. The degradation, down gradation, ill-treatment and mistreatment of Military in status, pay pension and allowances have to stop and the status of Defence Forces in all respects as it existed on 26 Jan 1950 needs to be restored at the earliest. We will jointly and unitedly struggle to get Izzat and Insaf for the solders.
8. We would request our Hon’ble PM & RM and the six MPs from the Defence Fraternity to assist in Restoring the Izzat of the Soldiers”. “Do we respect our Soldiers”? Discussion needs to be taken to every nook and corner of the country on all forums to grant the due priority to the “Profession of Arms” and the “Security of the Nation.” Our representatives in the Parliament must debate on the issue and restore the status of Armed Forces in all respects to the 26 Jan 1950 level.
9. We strongly feel that the Political Parties and the Govts of the day did not pay any attention to the Defence Forces since they thought that we, both serving and retired are spread across the Country and do not use our Vote Power. This thought had a lot to do with the neglect of defence personnel by the Political Parties.
10. We now, understand power of Vote and have carried out study and research across the country in various states. The study reveals that we have direct influence of over 6 crores Votes and our capability of opinion making is so large in villages and Tehsils that we could influence another 4 crores indirectly. This large no of voting strength can affect the election outcome of at-least 150 Parliamentary Constituencies and over 450 State Assembly Constituencies across the country.
11. We have decided to use this “Power of Votes” in all Election in the States and Centre. We request all members of the Sainik Samaj to understand and use this “Power of Votes”for the interest and benefit of Sainik Samaj in the coming State elections.
12. We will soon be focusing on this important factor to restore our status in all respects. ESM in various states who have the interest should come forward and fight elections from Panchyat to Parliament.
13. As a goodwill gesture, we are removing the wrongly perceived “Gun on the Head” of the decision makers in the Govt and unilaterally, suspending the activity of Relay Hunger Strike temporarily at Jantar Mantar and at other locations in the Country with immediate effect. We request our Hon’ble PM and RM to kindly consider and resolve the anomalies in the implementation of OROP at the earliest please.
With regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd)
Advisor United Front of Ex Servicemen & Chairman IESM
Mobile: 9312404269, 01244110570
Email:satbirsm@gmail.com

Saturday 16 April 2016

The Story Of The Ghost Of An Indian Army Soldier Who Still Protects India's Border


Believe it or not, military mythology is a thing. Maybe when it comes to serving your nation, the soldiers never actually die. This is the story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier, who died in 1986 but his ghost is believed to still be protecting his brothers-in-arms at the border.  



Born in a village of Punjab in 1941, Harbhajan Singh enrolled himself in the Indian Army in 1956. In 1965, he was granted a commission and was posted to serve with the14 Rajput Regiment. It was in the year 1967, near Nathu-La pass, that Singh met his end after slipping and drowning in a glacier while he was leading a column of mules carrying supplies to a lonesome outpost. His body was recovered after three days and cremated with due honors. But did he really die?  


Legend has it that it was his own ghost that led the search party to his own dead body. Soon after cremation, it is believed, he appeared in one of his friends dream and asked him to erect a shrine in his memory. Following this, a shrine dedicated to Singh was built. 


Even today, jawans posted at the Nathu-La post firmly believe that Singh’s ghost protects them. Soldiers even believe that his ghost warns them of any impending attack at least three days in advance. Even the Chinese, during flag meets, set a chair aside to honour Harbhajan Singh. The water from his shrine is believed to heal ailing soldiers. Singh’s shrine is guarded by barefooted soldiers, and his uniform and boots are cleaned on a daily basis. Stories about his ghost visiting the camps at night and even waking up the soldiers who sleep while on watch, are massively popular and very regular.  


The belief about his paranormal existence is so firm that every year on 11th September, a train carrying ‘his’ belongings departs for his hometown accompanied by fellow soldiers, and goes right till his home’s doorstep. Moreover, until his recent retirement, Singh was steadily promoted up the ranks and retired as an Honorary Captain. His salary has, without fail, been sent to his family up until his retirement. Singh is looked up to as a holy saint today and soldiers often refer to him as ‘Baba’. Guess patriotism never really dies!








                                            Harbhajan’s army jacket in his temple in Sikkim.
From his barracks the army sanctioned two months off for Baba Harbhajan each year. A jeep festooned with yellow placards bearing the words Baba Harbhajan Singh in red lettering carried his portrait, uniform and belongings down the steep winding road from his mandir, stopping along the way to receive donations from Sikkimese villagers. 
A seat was reserved for him on the Lohit Express to Jalandhar Cantt in Punjab. The Singh family still has the tickets on which the age of the passenger oscillates from year to year, suggesting perhaps that the army was not keeping a close record of their ghost soldier’s advancing years.
All leave for soldiers serving in the Jelepla area was cancelled when Baba was “away” because the army feared they were more vulnerable without him. According to his family, as he rose through the honorary ranks an officer and a junior soldier accompanied him on the journey and escorted him from the station to his family home in Kuka.
In that Punjabi village, Rattan admits being sceptical when the army initially sent the uniform of his deceased brother home “on annual leave.”
“When he [Baba] first used to come here alone on holiday he came in the dream of our mother and said ‘I don’t have a room to stay,’ ” says Rattan. “[But] I wouldn’t believe unless he came and told me himself.” A few nights later, when he was in bed, Rattan says that he too received a visitation. “The covers were pulled back and it was Baba Ji saying ‘Are you happy now? I’m sitting on your bed, you make a room for me where I can live.’”
Harbhajan’s blind mother Amar Kaur also reported hearing footsteps and a voice saying ‘Mum it’s me,’ Baljinder chips in. “And we heard the sound of running water from the taps at two o’clock in the morning when he used to take a bath,” he adds.
But when their Baba Ji is referred to as a “ghost” the family bristles. “We think he is a very holy spirit, not a ghost,” says Rattan, whose smile has now vanished. “He is everywhere now, wherever we need him, because he is retired.”

In 2006 Baba Harbhajan was sent on leave for the last time, Rattan says. The army told him that they had retired his brother at the rank of honorary Captain when he asked why no vehicle arrived bearing Baba Harbhajan’s portrait the following year. The payments into his mother’s pension were also curtailed after she died the same year; the fabled ghost salary was in fact a pension payment to the next of kin of a deceased soldier – normal army practice. The Singh family still have the books detailing these pension payments.

A regimental photograph taken at Meerut’s cantonmnent. Listed as “Bhajan Singh” in the photograph, Harbhajan is in the second standing row and third from the left.

Baba Harbhajan’s abrupt retirement, in the year he would have turned 60, came after the start of a civil court case challenging the army’s credence in supernatural beings in October 2005. Most servicemen and women, except at the highest ranks, retire at 58, suggesting Baba Harbhajan’s late retirement was initiated for expediency in the face of an embarrassing court case. Ex-serviceman Subedar Piara Singh sought a mandatory in-junction against the Defence Ministry’s “superstitions.” He cited the case of Harbhajan Singh but he could just as easily have picked on Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, said to guard the Sino-Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh 50 years after his death, or Om Prakash, who apparently appears in the dreams of soldiers stationed on the Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir.



After at least four hearings the case was dismissed, the army having claimed that there was “absolutely no correspondence available … of the deceased with regards to his promotions” and that two soldiers, believed to be his escorts making the journey from Sikkim to Punjab by train, were themselves actually “on leave.”


For troops posted near Baba Mandir, belief in the Baba has given rise to certain rituals that mark out their time in Sikkim. Out of respect, soldiers there refrain from eating meat and drinking alcohol on Sundays and Thursdays and alangar is held on Wednesdays. The harsh conditions, proximity to the enemy and long dark nights of lonely sentry duty make such “morale boosting” beliefs necessary, according to a serving officer in Sikkim. “It’s a firm belief of the people who are here that his soul is still around and that he is giving protection to everyone,” says the soldier who does not wish to give his rank or full name. “It’s not just soldiers who believe, it’s everyone up to general,” he says, sitting beside Tsongo Lake, just a few miles from Baba Mandir.

Video - Click Here


Thursday 14 April 2016

Public Notice for addressing anomalies on One Rank One Pension (OROP)

Public Notice for addressing anomalies on One Rank One Pension (OROP)
F. No. 12(39)/2015/D(Pen/Pol)(Part-V)
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare
D(Pension/Policy)
New Delhi, Dated 13.04.2016
Public Notice for addressing anomalies on One Rank One Pension (OROP)
Government of India, Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare vide notification No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)/Part-II dated 07.11.2015 issued orders for implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for Defence pensioners. Detailed implementation orders of OROP with 101 tables containing revised pensions of different ranks and categories have also been issued by MoD, DESW vide order No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 03.02.2016 and uploaded on the website of DESW at www.desw.gov.in. The Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) have been authorized to carry out revision of pension of pre 1.7.2014 pensioners drawing pension as on 1.7.2014 in terms of MoD order dated 3.2.2016 with applicable rates of Dearness relief without calling for any applications from the pensioners and without any further authorization from the Pension Sanctioning Authorities concerned.
2. All affected Defence Forces pensioners of various categories, Pensioners’ Association and all concerned authorities are requested to take note of these orders for their information and further necessary action.
3. In order to take cognizance of anomalies that may arise in implementation of OROP orders, its implication on service matters including inter-services issues, Government has appointed a one-member Judicial committee headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court vide MoD notification No. 12(01)/2014-D (pen/Pol)-Part-II dated 14th December, 2015.
4. Defence Forces pensioners/family pensioners, Defence Pensioners’ Associations can submit their representation, suggestions/views on the revised pension as notified under above orders, to the MoD, DESW through post or by email at addresses mentioned below by 29th April 2016
Postal Address: Under Secretary/D(Pension/Policy)
Room No. 220A, B’Wing
Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011
Email ID: us-pen-pol@desw.gov.in
(R.K. Arora)
Under Secretary (Pension/Policy)
Tele: 01123012973

Wednesday 13 April 2016

Blue City - JODHPUR

JODHPUR CITY




Jodhpur is the second biggest city in Rajasthan. It is about 335 km west of Jaipur, the capital city. Since it lies on the geographic centre of the state, it has emerged as an important tourist transit base.This city is known as Marwar, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan.

The city was located on the planned road linking Delhi to Gujarat which enabled it to profit from a prosperous trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, dates and coffee. Under the rule of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur grew into an excellent modern city. During the rule of the British, Jodhpur was went on to become the largest city in Rajputana. It thrived under the British; its merchants, the Marwaris, prospered and came to occupy a leading position in trade all over India.
In 1947, India became independent and the state merged into the union of India. The people of Jodhpur are warm and welcoming. The elegant palaces and  temples around the city carry the remarkable splendor of this city. Adding to the glamour of Jodhpur, are its stunning handicrafts, folk dances, folk songs and also the brightly dressed people. The enthusiasm during the famous Marwar festival is infectious.
The bazaars of Jodhpur are a treasure trove of tie-and-dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquer-ware, antiques, carpets and puppets to the attractive Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines and classic silver jewelry.
 Nai Sarak (or New Street) that leads to the clock tower and the main market is the center of all activity in Jodhpur. Sample ghevar, the Rajasthani delicacy (or its far richer and tastier version the malai ghevar) and pyaaz ki kachori (or onion kachori) at the famous Janata Sweets or eat (yes, eat) the thick Makhaniya Lassi at Mishralal Hotel just around the corner from the clock tower.
Indique, the open-to-air hotel at Pal Haveli across the road from Mishralal’s serves the most delicious laal maas (or red meat), which will be a well-deserved treat after a long, long walk at Mehrangarh.
 MEHRANGARH FORT















One of the largest forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort was the seat of the Rathore rulers from the House of Marwar. Located at a height of 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur, the fort is named after the Sun deity, from whom the Rathores claim descent.
The foundation of the fort was laid by Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler on May 12, 1459. Though the Marwar royal family later shifted to much opulent palaces, the fort continued to be a reflection of Rathore glory and basis of the clan’s strength.
Almost every ruler of Marwar has left his mark and the fort is a magnificent fusion of different styles and influences. Its 125 feet high towering battlements, are made of solid stone and are at places six metres thick. Palaces inside the fort whisper tales of intrigues, riches and even patricide.


The fort through its 554-year-history has been occupied only five times. The fort even offered sanctuary to Mughal emperor Humayun, who was fleeing to Persia after his defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri.


The fort now houses a museum which enlightens visitors about the golden age of the Rathores. It showcases collections of palanquins, furniture, cannons, paintings and folk musical instruments. The Daulat Khana, a gallery of the museum houses one of the finest collections of Mughal miniature paintings.
The fort is also the venue for the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and World Sufi Spirit Festival. While RIFF is dedicated to promote and showcase folk music, Sufi festival promotes Sufi music.

 The foundation of Mehrangarh Fort was laid on May 12, 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth Rathore ruler. Mandore used to be the capital; however, Rao Jodha felt it was not sufficient to provide safety and security and hence the capital was moved to Mehrangarh fort.

The hill on which Mehrangarh stands was known as ‘Bhaurcheeria’.  Rao Jodha had to displace the only human occupant of the hill, a hermit called Cheeria Nathji. Upset with the displacement, the hermit cursed Rao Jodha that the fort would suffer scarcity of water. 

To circumvent the curse, Rao Jodha buried a man alive in the foundations. The man, Rajiya Bambi, was promised that the Rathores would take care of his family in return for his life. Rajiya’s descendants still live in Raj Bagh to this day.

According to legends associated with the fort, four people including Rajiya Bambi’s son and a Brahmin named Mehran were buried alive so that the fort could be constructed. It is believed the fort is named after the Brahmin ‘Mehran’.

    Walls of Mehrangarh are 125 ft high and made of stone·      In its entire history, the fort has been under the control of Rathore rulers. It has been occupied only five times.  Shah Jahan’s mother Mani Bai was from the House of Marwar.


·         The fort is open on all days. Visitors can visit the fort between 9 am to 5 pm.

·         Every year on May 12, the foundation day of the fort, entry is free.

·        The fort had more accommodation for women than for men as two thirds of the palace is taken up by the zenana (for ladies).

Opening hours of Mehrangarh fort:

Open all days 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry fee for Visiting Mehrangarh fort:

The entry fees for Mehrangarh fort is mentioned below. We have listed the entry fees for Indians, the entry fees for foreigners, camera fees and other charges if applicable.
·         Domestic Adult: 60
·         Foreigner: 400
·         Still Camera Fee: 100
·         Video Camera Fee: 200
 
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

 





Among the world’s largest private residences, Umaid Bhawan Palace is located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The palace has been divided into three wings – museum, residence of the erstwhile royals and the heritage hotel.

The palace was designed by Henry Vaughan Lancaster, who planned it as a cross between ancient Hindu temples at Angkor Vat and a British town hall. During the construction of the palace, it was called the ‘Chittar Palace’, due to its location on Chittar Hill which is the highest point of Jodhpur.

The palace was built to replace Mehrangarh Fort as the symbol of new Jodhpur and to provide employment to the people during drought and famine.

The foundation of the palace was laid on November 18, 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, after whom the palace is named. The palace was completed in 1945.

The palace is built from yellow sandstone and the interior of the palace is designed in Art Deco style, which was the raging trend in Europe and America during the first half of the 20th century.

The palace built over 26 acres of land was the world’s largest private residence with 347 rooms. However, the distinction is currently enjoyed by Lakshmi Vilas Palace at Vadodara. During the visit, one can see 105 foot high cupola, a Durbar Hall, a billiards room, two marble squash courts, an indoor swimming pool and heritage spots in the palace.

A part of the palace was converted into a five star hotel in 1972 and is managed by ITC hotels. The hotel is designed to give the experience of royal lifestyle to its visitors.

One of the major art works inside the palace are the murals drawn by Stefan Norblin grandson of Peter Norblin, considered the father of Polish genre painting. Norblin, who fled to India during the WWII, was the court painter during his stay in Jodhpur. He painted Ram, Sita and other mythological characters. The Hindu gods and goddesses have European look and are distinct from those drawn by Raja Ravi Varma and others.

Umaid Bhawan has been a favourite with celebrities. Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Diana Ross, Sarah Ferguson, Bob Geldof and Eva Herzigova are among the few who have stayed at the palace. Supermodel Naomi Campbell booked the entire hotel tο celebrate birthday οf hеr Russian boyfriend Vladimir Doronin in November 2012.


JASWANT THADA







Considered to be one of the architectural landmarks of Jodhpur, Jaswant Thada is popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’. The royal monument is a cenotaph dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd ruler of Jodhpur.

Located in the vicinity of Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, for his father in 1899.

The structure is an epitome of a Rajputana style of architecture. Built from intricately carved marble sheets, the polished stone exudes a warm glow when sunrays fall on it. The structure also has some beautiful carved marble lattice work.

The main memorial has been built like a temple with beautiful sculptures, frescos, domes and pillars. The cenotaph also features portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. Carved gazebos and a multi-tiered garden surround the monument. The cenotaph complex also houses the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs. The monument also houses a memorial to a peacock which flew into a funeral pyre.
From the structure, one also gets to see impressive views of Mehrangarh Fort.

MANDORE GARDEN






Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. It is known for the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers, the most impressive one being the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh (reigned 1678-1724).

OSIAN








Surrounded by golden sand dunes and hamlets, Osian, located 65 km north of Jodhpur, is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples and is known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthandue to the erotic sculptures on the temples. A prominent trading center on the Silk Route from the 8th to the 12th century AD, Osian was also a major pilgrimage site during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, who ruled much of northern India from the 6th to the 11th centurty and was known as Upakesapura.
A famous pilgrimage site of the Oswal Jain community, most of the shrines and temples in Osian lie in ruins today.
Among the most famous tourist attractions of the village are the 16 temples that include Sachiya Mata temple, Sun temple, Mahaveera Jain temple, etc dating back to the 8th to the 11th century. With their intricate carvings, the Sun Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir stand out in their grace and architecture.
Apart from the temples, Osian is also popular for camel safaris.

Source - rajasthan tourism guide.

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