Read More on Toorji Ka Jhalra
History
Toorji Ka Jhalra was constructed during Maharaja Abhai Singh Rathore's reign. Between 1724 and 1749, he was the ruler of Jodhpur. During that period, female members of the Royal families, particularly the Queens, would take part in and lead programmes to construct public water systems.
Toorji Ka Jhalra was erected in the 1740s by Maharaja Abhai Singh Rathore's wife, the Queen of Marwar (Jodhpur), and was used by the inhabitants for centuries until the city was modernised and the well was completely abandoned. The debris inside the well was cleared, and the waterbody was cleaned up, in order to restore this ancient legacy. Since then, the location has been renowned as a tourist destination.
Architecture
Toorji Ka Jhalra, like many other stepwells, was built to withstand changing water levels. The construction is designed to allow access to groundwater throughout the year. A sequence of diverging and converging steps lead to the water table in the building. The well is built entirely of red sandstone and is more than 200 feet deep. There are two water access levels and a separate tank at the bottom. The stepwell used to have a Persian Wheel that was powered by bullocks walking in a circle across the platform on top of the stepwell to draw water.
Toorji Ka Jhalra also features little chambers/cabinets beneath most staircases, which were likely used to keep a lantern or start a fire to facilitate climbing up and down at night. Sculptures of Gods, Goddesses, and animals can also be found on the Jhalra. The stepwell's water sprouts are likewise carved out of stone. The topmost level contains a classic Chhatri-style terrace. The stepwell's two levels also have projecting Jharokhas and a hallway from which one may obtain a fine view of the well. There are few carvings on the walls, but the building is generally plain yet lovely.
Activities
- You can click photos and record videos all around the magnificent structure.
- One can also swim in the pond inside this Stepwell.
Tips for visiting
- Locals enjoy a dip or a dive in Toorji ka Jhalra, which is used as an unofficial swimming pool.
- The water is clean, as evidenced by the presence of swimming fish.
- There are many rooftop cafes and restaurants around the area that are often packed, and the view from the cafe is spectacular.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the location is early in the morning or late in the evening to experience the relaxing atmosphere. People can be seen swimming and diving into the waves from the elevated platforms, giving the impression of a joyous existence.
Nearby Atractions
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaswant Thada
- Mandore Garden
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Flying Fox
Nearby market/ shopping places
- Clock Market: This market is famous for the sale of clocks of different types.
- Sardar Market: Here you can get good quality spices, clothes and vegetables.
- Neelkanth Market: This market is famous for luxurious sarees one can purchase for weddings.
- Mochi Market: Mochi market is famous for its variety of handmade shoes.
Nearby Hotels
- Zostel
- Shangri-La The Heritage Home Stay
- The Arch Boutique Homestay
- RAAS Jodhpur
- Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli
Interesting Facts About Toorji Ka Jhalra
- The stairs of this step well, like other step wells, follow the changing water table down to provide convenient access to water all year.
- For decades, this well was submerged and clogged with trash. It was only recently drained, cleaned, and restored.
- The well's original system consisted of a Persian Wheel circling the platform on top, which drew water up to two distinct access levels and a separate tank and was propelled by a pair of bullocks.