Name: Jodhpur
Rating: 4.2

Ghanta Ghar, Jodhpur Overview

The Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur is a magnificent clock tower in the centre of the city, built by Maharaja Sardar Singh about 200 years ago. Known as the clock tower of Rajasthan, it is a popular landmark that signifies the start of Old Jodhpur. The tower offers a brilliant panoramic view of the city from the top. The area surrounding this imposing structure is bustling with locals presenting all sorts of products and services, making it the busiest and largest marketplace of Jodhpur. The markets and the tower are a must visit for travellers who want to witness and experience the culture and people of Jodhpur.

The clock tower is surrounded by street markets, with the most famous amongst them being Sardar Market, named after the late king. One can find a variety of people in this locality, representing all walks of life. At night, the tower comes to life when it is all lit up, making for a glorious end to a day well spent at this bountiful market.

History of Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur was built during the reign of Maharaja Sardar Singh (between late-19th Century and early 20th Century) as a prime landmark near the Mehrangarh Fort. The Clock was sourced from London and is believed to be bought from the company who made the Clock Tower in London. The area slowly became one of the most bustling areas of the city. Several shops came up and a marketplace, the Sardar Market, was set up. It was named after the Maharaja and since then, has been a shopper’s delight. During the time, products like spices, vegetables, clothing, tools etc. were available in the market. Today, the scene is quite modern as a lot more is sold and purchased at this market.

Architecture of Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Ghar is a good example of 19th Century stone masonry. It is made completely of sandstone, in harmony with the sandstone of the Mehrangarh Fort in the background. The tower is a five-tiered structure with a dome as the sixth level. The first level on the ground has a broader square-shaped structure with patios and jharokhas. This level is bounded with an octagonal stone fencing that makes the monument a roundabout and a landmark. The ceiling of the ground floor makes a balcony for the first tier which, along with the second tier, has carved stone jharokhas. The fourth tier is the stone clock. The fifth is a small chhatri or a gallery kind of a structure with arches and pillars.

How To Reach Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Ghar is located in Nai Sadak, near the Ghanta Ghar Market or Sardar Market. From the city centre, it is barely 4 kilometres away. Jodhpur has good public transport. Auto rickshaws, local buses and even cabs can be a good option other than self-driven vehicles. By road, travellers would have to take either the NH 62 – Ratanada Road route or the NH 62 – Harish Joshi Marg route.