Museums In Jodhpur

Jodhpur is a postcard-perfect place. With its beauty intact in the heritage and the background of the sand dune, the small city has its charm in the humble people who proudly have a part of their existence in the bygone era. Let alone the architecture, the cuisine and the music speak for itself; Jodhpur is a history lover’s paradise. Tales of the bravery, myths attached with palaces and legends of the kings will ventilate the electrifying facts never known to you!

Mehrangarh Fort Museums

This monumental fort is located at the hilltop at 400 feet above the ground lending a breath-taking view of the city. The royal abode of the Rathores, the Rajput clan has a history of 5 centuries, so imagine the kind of rich royal relics and apologue you can reckon here. One of the largest museums in Rajasthan, it has everything inside you would want to know about, the culture, custom, tradition and art. Established by the then Maharaja of Jodhpur Raja Gaj Singh–II, the museums stands tall and is a centre of repository of the history of Marwar.

Address: Fateh Pol Road, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006

Phone: 0291 254 8790

This huge fort is very well kept and embellished with art and antiques, once that were used by the kings and queens of this palace. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesha Maha, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are the names of the marvellous palaces. You can get the glimpse of the glittering collection of palanquins, howdahs, turban gallery, paintings, armory, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The rampart of the fort house has preserved old cannon Kilkila from where you can get a perfect view of the city.

A place to wander into the valuable past and learn about the lavish lifestyle that was once enjoyed by the royal families residing here.

Sardar Government Museum

Named after the maharaja of Jodhpur, Sardar Singh, the museum was established in 1909 and opened to the public in March 1936. It is located in Umaid Bagh (public park). It houses the objects of Rajasthani culture. The collection consists of stone sculptures, inscriptions, murals,  miniature paintings, stuffed animals, clothes, images of Jain tirthankars, terracotta,  metallic objects, arms, coins, armaments, and miscellaneous objects displayed in the Archaeological Section, armory, art & craft and historical section. There is also a desultory zoo in the park. The place is not very well maintained and has developed dust over the years so it needs to be taken care of. But it is still a museum to spend some time appraising the history of the Rajasthani rulers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

This is a point of interest for anyone who loves to get a deep insight on the history of this palace and see through the exhibits the life of Maharaja Umaid Singh who was himself a connoisseur of art and a collector of antiques. The Maharaja was interested in western architecture so he appointed a well-known Edwardian architecture to design the palace in art-deco style. A very well-maintained museum that has on its display several objects used by the then royal family. The antique clock collection and a huge banner gifted by Queen Vitoria adores the place along with cutleries, photographs, pitchers, bowls, watches, trophies and weapons; all that you can see here belongs to the royal family. You will be amazed at the vintage car collection at the entrance of the palace, a treat to every tourist.

A small souvenir shop awaits you outside the palace, from where you can buy some really good stuff to take back home. The museum is housed in just a part of the palace otherwise the rooms are opened to only the royals and the guests who choose to stay there.

Address: Circuit House Rd, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006

Phone:0291 251 0101

Arna Jharna

This one of its kind museum is the work of the folklorists and oral historian Komal Kothari. It breaks the stereotype of what one can call as a museum. The open-spaced museum introduces you to the rural life and their practices in a unique way; it is spread in a huge 10 acres space once where there was a sandstone mine. The crater of the mine has been filled with water to create a reservoir that attracts a number of bird species. Rich in its diversity it lets you explore the other side of the bucolic lifestyle. The focus is mainly on the development of the social relationship that the objects people use bring.

Address: Village Moklawas, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006

Phone:0291 254 6359

One of the foremost projects that this museum undertook was the “broom project”, showcasing the cultural aspects of broom making. Quite a different and unique approach that you can’t see anywhere else! It is a centre for learning about the tradition of the rural folks and understanding the rural customs. Check out for the various objects including the musical instruments and how they came to be, colourful puppets, grass and other things.

The museum has a conference and presentation facility to help know the details of the museum. There are workshop, cultural evening with folk music and dance.

Enjoy a day at this idyllic village amidst the beautiful flora and fauna.