|
Jaswant Thanda,
Jodhpur
Jaswant Thada, located
half way up the interminably long road that climbs onwards to the
fort, is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Taking pride of place amongst the onrnamental gardens and chattris is
the fabulous white marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899.
The cenotaphs of other rulers , in the same neighbourhood , are
relatively simplerThe Jaswant Thada is a peculiar monument to death.
The son of the Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built this in memorial of his
father. However, the son was unable to follow a family tradition of
ever larger and more impressive memorials because inefficient and
incapable administration (as we were told) of the kingdom had drained
it of the financing necessary to build a more fantastic one. It was
small, but still had features that were delicate and unique. Some
stones are so thin and highly polished that the sunlight illuminates
them, causing a warm glow inside. Also, the building has wonderful
views over the city and of the fort.

|