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Jaswant Thada, located half way up the
interminably long road that climbs onwards to the fort, is the
traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur. Taking
pride of place amongst the onrnamental gardens and chattris
is the fabulous white marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built
in 1899. The cenotaphs of other rulers , in the same neighbourhood
, are relatively simplerThe Jaswant Thada is a peculiar monument
to death. The son of the Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built
this in memorial of his father. However, the son was unable
to follow a family tradition of ever larger and more impressive
memorials because inefficient and incapable administration (as
we were told) of the kingdom had drained it of the financing
necessary to build a more fantastic one. It was small,
but still had features that were delicate and unique.
Some stones are so thin and highly polished that the sunlight
illuminates them, causing a warm glow inside. Also, the
building has wonderful views over the city and of the fort.
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