Downhill from the mighty Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, there is a delicate marble monument, commonly known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar; a milky white structure that stands ethereal against the backdrop of the bright Rajasthani sky. It is a most fascinating structure, with its array of fanciful domes, intricate carvings, and quaint fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural elements.

The Jaswant Thada mausoleum, for that is the name of this monument, is certainly one of the places most worth seeing when one is visiting Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada is also conveniently located within walking distance from the Mehrangarh Fort, and so is easy to reach on foot.

I knew that exploring this intriguing structure would be a rewarding experience the moment I saw its beautiful silhouette looming in the distance.

The History of Jaswant Thada

The marble cenotaph was constructed by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in the end of the 19^th century in honor of his late father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The place is used as a cremation ground by the royalties of Jodhpur, and one can see the photos and paintings of the former Marwar rulers inside the mausoleum.

The Architectural Excellence of Janswant Thada

The architectural excellence of this cenotaph lies within both its excellent workmanship and construction materials. The pure white marble creates a beautiful contrast with the reds of the staircase and the walls. The emerald greens of the doors and windows add to the charm of the structure. Caressed by the generous sunlight and polished to perfection, the delicate marble surfaces of the mausoleum exude a lovely soft glow.

 The arches, pillars, and jharokhas of the cenotaph are tastefully adorned with elaborate carvings. While the whole monument was constructed according to the rules of traditional Rajput architecture, its quaint domes were obviously inspired by the Mughal motifs. With all these details put together, the imposing structure of Jaswant Thada creates a truly mesmerizing effect.

One of the things that kept me captivated while exploring the Janswant Thada’s facade was the intricate marble jaalis. Little I knew that someone was actually observing me from behind the latticework window. “You can also go inside”, – I startled at the sound of someone’s voice. A seemingly deserted mausoleum was not so deserted after all. Apparently, the jails are really good at hiding a person in the building while allowing them to see what’s going on outside.

Also read: The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad and its Famous Jaali

In spite of the blazing sun, I took my time walking around and savouring the beauty of the monument. Just to make it clear, I made a trip to Jodhpur in May, the hottest month of the Indian summer, when the temperatures in Rajasthan soar as high as 45°C and even more.

The monument is complemented by the lush greens of the garden, spick-and-span lawns and a shallow lake close by, which undoubtedly fills up during the monsoons.

Jaswant Thada Photos

Jaswant Thada Travel Tips  

Since the mausoleum is located close to the Mehrangarh fort, it’s advisable to explore these two monuments in one go. From the city of Jodhpur, it’s easy to reach the  Mehranghar fort by a tourist bus or an auto rickshaw.

Jaswant Thada on the map

Make sure to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes as exploring these sites involves extensive walking.

Regardless of the season, carry a bottle of water to keep yourself properly hydrated.

Hats, sunglasses, and sunblocks are your best friends when visiting Jodhpur.

The opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm.

Entry tickets are Rs. 15 for Indian visitors and Rs. 30 for foreigners.

To use a still camera, you’ll need to pay Rs. 25. For video – Rs. 50. Just like any heritage building in Rajasthan, Jaswant Thada is a photographer’s paradise, so make sure to experiment with angles, light and shadows.

Before entering the cenotaph, make sure to remove your footwear as a token of respect.

From the Jaswant Thada memorial, one can enjoy the beautiful views over the Mehranghar fort and Umaid Bhavan Palace.

On an average, it takes around 45 minutes to one hour to explore the place.

If you’re interested in other activities or guided tours in Jodhpur, check out here by clicking the image below:

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