The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
February 7 - Mehranghar Fort
Litle has changed at the Mehrangarh Fort since it was built in the 15th century. It is probably the most impressive fort in Rajasthan (Jodhpur was the historic center of the realm. While all Rajasthani forts dominate the skyline, this one is the grandaddy of them all, with walls rising over 400 feet in some places. As we have seen before, the fort was also the home of the maharajah and the place is also a museum showing the details of life in another time.
The Hindus believe in predestiny and palm readers have long been valued advisors. One of the country's most respected palmists holds forth in a small office inside Mehrangarh Fort. Mr. S.L. Sharma is one of Jodhpur's most delightful and unusual citizens. He has been an astrologer and palmist for 50 years and I found his insights into my personality, health, work (and love life) were amazingly accurate. (I can't yet attest to the accuracy of his prediction that I would live to 85, but stay tuned!)
In case you were wondering why Jodhpur is called the blue city, here is a photo of the old part of town over the battlements of the fort. The blue color originally marked the homes of the Brahmins, India's highest caste. It also had the effect of being a natural insect repellent. The maharajah used to reside in the fort but now the royal family lives in the Umaid Bhawan Palace, part of which is a hotel.
© 2009 Restaurant Doctor
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