Story of Jodhpur's Mandore Garden, Birthplace of Mandodari

Mandore is an ancient city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan whose history is intertwined with Ramayana era. However, according to modern historians, the Pratiharas of Mandavyapura ruled in this ancient city in the 6th century CE. Monuments of history, ancient temples and ruined architecture have made this place not only a tourist center but also a living museum. Mandore Garden is one of the most precious tourist spots whose history can’t be ignore at any means. Spending time in Mandore Garden will not only give you a scent of forgotten history but you can feel relaxed and pleasant in its good environment. Mandore was the place of the Pratiharas Dynasty of Mandavyapur.

Temples in Mandore

History of Mandore Garden

This dynasty made an alliance through marital relationship with Rathore Chief Rao Chunda 

(r. c. 1383-1424) to protect his kingdom from the rapid attack of  the Tughluq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

A king of the Mathore Dynasty, Rao Chunda married a Pratiharas princess. This king was given as one of the gifts of the wedding dowry, the Mandore Junagarh Fort. After the Rathore Dynasty took over in 1427. Members of the Rathore Dysnasty, settled in Mandore, also Rao became the Mewar Kingdom administrator, unfortunately Rao was killed by the Mewar King Rana Khumba in 1438 taking over as king. Actually aside from controlling Mandore, Rao Ranmal has also become Mewar's administrator to assist Maharana Mokal (Rana Kumbha 's father). Since the murder of Maharana Mokal in 1433, Ranmal proceeded to act as the Mewar administrator on the side of Rana Kumbha. In 1438, Rana Kumbha decided to bring an end to the coalition government arrangement.

Later descendants of Rao tried to take back Mandore, but not until 1453 this was accomplished, the Mandore gardens was again under the Pratiharas Dysnaty. After some battles, and attempted invasions by Mhugals from Gujarat and Malwa, for security reasons the capital was moved, and settled in the Mehrangarh Fort. This is interesting history of the Mandore Garden, a place to be visited. Enjoy and ponder on the old glories of India.

Monuments of Mandore Garden

Mandore Garden's main tourist attractions include the beautiful garden, a temple of 33 crore gods, Hall of Heroes, Royal cenotaphs, Government Museum. Another major attraction is the Mandore Gardens, with its beautiful collection of memorials, and its high rock terraces.

The shining jewel is the Mandore Gardens, abandoned for 700 hundred years, but still blooming, and in a remarkably good condition. Besides the flourishing gardens, there is the Mandore Palace, also the 33 koti of gods and other deities can be found here, inside the temple images of the gods, and goddesses had been curved there is also, an area with royal cenotaphs, and these buildings are good examples of the construction, and architecture technology of long ago. In between these structures, these cenotaphs, are separated by corridors, it is amazing how well preserved they are, perhaps the dry, low humidity air has contributed to preserving these magnificent structures. At sundown the setting sunlight brighten these cenotaphs with a golden glow. 

Here is where the Royal Maharajas will be remembered for all eternity. Their names are also in the corresponding cenotaphs. There is one cenotaph that even shows the Maharaja's horse, and his wife, that asked to be immolated with him upon his death. There is also an amazing carving, of 16 heroes carved on a single rock. There is also a beautiful temple dedicated to Ravana, as he was believed to be the son in law of ancient the city of Mandore. The ancient Mandore city is claimed to be the birthplace of Ravan 's wife queen  Mandodari by some Ramayana experts and local guides. 

Beside these interesting features, there is the Government Museum, with ancient artifacts, remnants of a glorious past. Then there are the beautiful gardens, still gift for our eyes, and this area, like a paradise for photographers, professional, or amateur. For the visitors that want to climb the hill, the ruins of the Mandore Palace can be seen. These magnificent area, also has a charming love story.