The Region of Death?

The city and surrounding area used to be known as Marwar, which means “the region of death.” Perhaps because of the forbidding desert. Perhaps because of its fearsome Rajput inhabitants.

On the hill perched above the city remains one of the largest and most impressive forts in India, the Mehrangarh Fort. Its massive walls are up to 116 feet (36m) high and 69 feet (21m) thick.

To ensure good blessings, a man was buried alive in the foundations. In exchange, his family still lives in an estate bequeathed to them by the maharaja almost 600 years ago. Right or not, it seems to have worked: the fort has never been militarily conquered.

Today, the city of Mahrwar is known as Jodhpur, the second largest in Rajasthan. We spent a day wandering its winding streets.