Jodhpur, a beautiful city, has an interesting story behind its formation. It was a musical warning which helped save Rao Jodha from enemy’ attacks who later became the founder of Jodhpur.
About 565 years ago, on this very day, the ruler of Marwar, Rao Jodha, began the construction of a fort on a strategic hill to the south of Mandore. The settlement that grew around this fort would go on to be known as Jodhpur. But the story behind Jodhpur’s foundation, marked on 12 May, is as compelling as the city’s rich heritage. Before delving into Rao Jodha’s legacy, it’s important to understand the story of his father, Rao Ranmal.
The Legacy of Rao Ranmal
After the death of his father Rao Chunda, Ranmal was living in Mewar. In 1427, he captured Mandore by defeating and killing the local ruler Satta and his sons. Later, when Rana Mokal, Ranmal’s nephew, was assassinated in Mewar, Ranmal avenged his death and placed Rana Kumbha—a minor at the time—on the throne. Ranmal then stayed in Mewar to manage its administration during Kumbha’s minority.
However, the political tides turned. One night, while Ranmal slept on a cot, Mewari warriors launched a surprise attack. Tied to his bed, he fought valiantly but was eventually killed.
A Musical Warning and the Rise of Rao Jodha
It is said that Rao Jodha, Ranmal’s son, was sleeping far from Mewar during the attack. A clever Nagarchi (royal musician), sensing danger, played a cryptic tune on his shehnai to alert the prince:
“Jodha, if you can, run—your Ridmal is being killed.”
Recognizing the warning, Jodha fled and, along with about 700 Rathores, fought his way back to Marwar.
In 1454, he avenged his father’s death by defeating Akka and reclaiming Mandore. Rana Kumbha, now ruling Mewar, sent an army to challenge him. A prolonged conflict followed, but neither side emerged victorious.
The Aanwal-Baanwal Border Agreement
Eventually, a unique peace agreement was reached, famously known as the Aanwal-Baanwal Border Agreement. According to this pact, the boundary of Marwar would extend up to where babool (baanwal) trees grew and the territory of Mewar would stretch as far as aanwal trees were found.
This natural demarcation became a symbolic way of settling borders without further bloodshed.
The Birth of Jodhpur
On 12 May 1459, Rao Jodha laid the foundation of a new fort atop Chidiyanath Ki Toonk, a hill about 12 km south of Mandore. A year later, in 1460, the idol of Chamunda Devi was moved from Mandore and consecrated in the new fort, marking the spiritual establishment of Jodhpur.
Since then, Jodhpur Foundation Day has been celebrated every year on 12 May. Some also observe it on Nirjala Ekadashi, based on the Indian lunar calendar.