Jodhpur is the historic center of the Marwar region. The district contains Mandore, the ancient capital of the Pratihara Rajput kings (6th-13th centuries), and the Pratiharas' temple city of Osiyan. Jodhpur was founded in the 15th century by Rao Jodha, and served as the capital of the kingdom of Marwar under the Rathore Rajput dynasty until after Indian Independence in 1947.
Jodhpur is famous for its rich history. It is also referred as the Blue City and "Sun City". Blue City is derived due to the blue tinge to the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Other notable places of interest are the Umaid Bhawan Palace which currently serves as a portion for the residence of current Maharaja Gaj Singh's family and remaining portion is a 5 star hotel under the Taj Group of Hotels.