On NH 65 heading to Jodhpur
The Blue City
Jodhpur is known by many names: Sun City, Gateway to Thar and Brahmpuri are only some. Its most well-known moniker is The Blue City. Many of the houses to the north of Mehrangarh Fort are painted blue. The reason for the homes' color varies with the person you ask. Here are some of the reasons I have heard or read:
- Brahmins are the religious leaders and skin of the gods is usually blue in color
- The color discourages mosquitoes from entering the city
- Chemicals to block termites tinted the originally white paint
- This marked religious homes during the Jaipur-Jodhpur war, keeping inhabitants safe
- Brahmins marked their homes to show themselves superior to neighbors
- The color keeps the home cool
Whatever the reason, it was an interesting sight, looking down from Mehrangarh Fort.
View of The Blue City from Mehrangarh Fort
