Toorji Ka Jhalra

Toorji Ka Jhalra, Being in Jodhpur is one of the most regal experiences you can ever have when visiting the desert state of Rajasthan. The whole city throws towards you a plethora of history, ethnicity and cultural exuberance that will definitely make your travel plans a sure shot trip down the Rajput memory lane. There are a many royal and noble establishments in Jodhpur since it was one of the prime centers of the Rajputana Empire during the second millennium into the Common Era.

One of such fine structures in the Jodhpur is certainly the Toorji Ka Jhalra. It is primarily a step well that was built is more recent times than other standing structures in Jodhpur. Toorji Ka Jhalra was built for the consort of Rajput King Maharaja Abhaysingh. It was a common myth back in the days that building a step well for the queens & consorts bring property to the kingdom. This is the very reason why there are so many step wells in Jodhpur became there were many noblemen in the city too at that time. However, Toorji Ka Jhalra is one of the most beautiful step wells with many platforms and a wonderful Kund or pond in the center. There are many cafes and hotels surrounding Toorji Ka Jhalra. The Gangaur festivities are very regal here

History of the Stepwell
Toorji Ka Jhalra was built during the reign of Maharaja Abhai Singh Rathore. He ruled Jodhpur between 1724 and 1749. During that time, the female members of the Royal families, especially the Queens, would participate and head projects to build public water works. Maharaja Abhai Singh Rathore’s wife, the Queen of Marwar (Jodhpur) headed this project and thus Toorji Ka Jhalra was built in the 1740s and was used by the locals for centuries till the city underwent modernization and the well was completely abandoned. In order to restore this historical heritage, the debris inside the well were cleared and the waterbody was cleaned up. The place has, ever since, been recognized as a tourist attraction.

Architecture of Toorji Ka Jhalra
Toorji Ka Jhalra, like many other stepwells, was designed to accommodate the fluctuating water table. The structure is made such that it provides access to groundwater all through the year. The architecture includes a series of diverging and converging steps leading to the water table. The entire well is made up of red sandstone and runs over 200 feet deep. It has two access levels of water and a separate tank at the bottom. The stepwell originally had a Persian Wheel which was driven with the help of bullocks by making them walk in a circle over the platform on the top to draw water.

Toorji Ka Jhalra also has tiny chambers/ cabinets under most staircases that probably were used to keep a lantern or light a fire to aid climbing up and down during the night. The Jhalra is also adorned with sculpture of Gods, Goddesses and animals. The water spouts in the stepwell are also carved out of stone. The topmost level has a patio in the traditional Chhatri style. The two levels of the stepwell also have protruding Jharokhas and a corridor from where one can get a good top view of the well. The walls have some carvings but the structure mostly is simple yet quite elegant.

How To Reach Toorji Ka Jhalra
Toorji ka Jhalra is located in Gulab Sagar Makrana Mohalla on Sutharo ka Bas Road in Jodhpur. From the city centre, the attraction is located about 4.5 kilometres away and can be accessed via the NH 62 – Ratanada Road route. There is another route, which is a longer road, to the stepwell that goes through NH 62 – Harish Joshi Marg (6.2 kilometre stretch from the city centre). The Jodhpur Bus Station and the Jodhpur Airport are located about 6 kilometres away from Toorji Ka Jhalra. The Railway Junction is just about 2.5 kilometres away from it. Public transport works just fine for tourists to reach the attraction. Many reach the central area of Sardar Market or Ghanta Ghar and explore the region till the stepwell on foot. But taxis or auto rickshaws can be easily hired in Jodhpur or one can also take a local bus ride.