Weather :
25° C
Timings :
Any time of the day
Time Required :
1 hrs
Entry Fee :
No entry fee
About Toorji Ka Jhalra
Built-in 1740, Turji ka Jhalra, Built in 1740, Turji ka Jhalra,, is an intricate design of the stepwell, one of the few remaining structures depicting the traditional water, one of the few remaining structures depicting the traditional water management systems of Jodhpur. This architectural wonder was built by the queen-wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh, symbolizing the centuries-old tradition of the region where royal women supervised public waterworks. The design and structure help viewers understand the lifestyles of past generations, who used it in its prime for their time, with the site serving as a local watering hole.This 250-year-old structure was built in Jodhpur. More than 200 feet deep, it was once adorned with intricate carvings of niches depicting dancing elephants, medieval lions, cow dungeons, and various deities. There were two levels of access and a separate tank to receive water from a wheel system driven by oxen. Its impressive design attracts many tourists and is regarded by locals and visitors alike as a fun place to engage in harmless, recreational water sports to beat the heat.
History
Turji ka Jhalra was built during the reign of Maharaja Abhay Singh Rathore. He ruled Jodhpur between 1724 and 1749. During that time, female members of royal families, especially queens, participated and led projects to build public water works. The queen of Marwar (Jodhpur), wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh Rathore, led the project and thus Turji ka Jhalra was built in the 1740s and was used by the local people for centuries until the town was built. Modernization did not take place and the well was completely abandoned. To restore this historical heritage, the debris inside the well was cleared and the reservoir was cleaned. Since then this place has become a center of tourist attraction.
Architecture
The Turji ka Jhalra, like many other wells, was designed to accommodate the ups and downs of water. The structure is built in such a way that it provides access to ground water throughout the year. The architecture consists of a series of separating and converging steps leading to the water table. It has two access levels for water and a separate tank at the bottom.Turji ka Jhalra also has small chambers/cabinets at the bottom of most stairs that were probably used to light lanterns or fires to help one climb up and down during the night. Jhalra is also decorated with idols of deities and animals. The water spout in the stepwell is also carved out of stone.The two levels of the stepwell also have raised windows and a corridor from where one can have a good view of the well. There are some carvings on the walls but the structure is mostly simple yet quite beautiful.
