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{{AI-generated|date=October 2025}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2019}}
[[File:Lodurva Temples.jpg|thumb|300px|Lodrawa Jain Temple]]
{{Infobox settlement
'''Lodrawa''' (aka Lodurva, Lodarva or Laudrava) is a village in [[Jaisalmer district]], Rajasthan, [[India]]. It is located 15 kilometers to the north-west of [[Jaisalmer]]. Lodrawa was the ancient capital of the [[Bhati|Bhatti]] dynasty until [[Rawal Jaisal]] founded the [[Jaisalmer state]] and moved the capital to Jaisalmer in 1156 CE.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news/27346177_1_jaisalmer-rawal-jaisal-trikuta-hill|title=Jawahar Niwas: Grace of Jaisalmer|last=Singh|first=Ranjeni A|date=31 May 2002|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=14 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103234011/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news/27346177_1_jaisalmer-rawal-jaisal-trikuta-hill|archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="rjt">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/NearJaisalmer4.aspx|title=Bada Bagh|website=Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215034310/http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/NearJaisalmer4.aspx|archive-date=15 December 2012|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/AboutJaisalmer.aspx|title=About Jaisalmer|publisher=Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228074848/http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/AboutJaisalmer.aspx|archive-date=28 December 2012|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref>
| name              = Lodrawa
| image_skyline      = Lodurva Temples.jpg
| image_caption      = [[Lodhurva Jain temple]]
| coordinates        =
| subdivision_type  = Country
| subdivision_name  = India
| subdivision_type1  = State
| subdivision_name1  = [[Rajasthan]]
| subdivision_type2  = District
| subdivision_name2  = [[Jaisalmer]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date  = 8th century CE
| named_for          =
| government_type    = Village
| area_footnotes    =
| area_total_km2    =
| elevation_m        =
| population_as_of  = 2023
| population_total  =
| population_density_km2 =
| population_demographics_type1 =
| population_demographics1_title1 =
| population_demographics1_info1 =
| population_rank    =
| population_note    =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = Hindi, Rajasthani
| postal_code_type  =
| postal_code        =
| area_code          =
| registration_plate =
| website            =
| footnotes          =
| blank_info_sec1    =
| mapframe = yes
| native_name_lang  = hi
| other_name        = Lodurva, Lodarva or Laudrava
| founder            = Rawal Deoraj
}}
'''Lodrawa''' (aka Lodurva, Lodarva or Laudrava) is a village in [[Jaisalmer district]], Rajasthan, [[India]]. It is located 15 kilometers to the north-west of [[Jaisalmer]]. Lodrawa was the ancient capital of the [[Bhati|Bhati Rajputs]] until [[Rawal Jaisal]] founded the [[Jaisalmer state]] and moved the capital to Jaisalmer in 1156 CE. According to historical sources, the city was originally under the control of the [[Lodhi Rajputs|Lodhis]].{{sfn|Tod|1832|p=1198}}
 
== Rule of the Lodha Rajputs ==
Before coming under Bhatti control, Lodhorva was ruled by the [[Lodha|Lodhi Rajputs]](also referred to as Lodra Rajputs), a prominent Chandravanshi Rajput clan in the region. Lodhorva during their rule was described as "an immense city with twelve gates," highlighting its political and military importance.{{sfn|Tod|1832|p=1198}} The Lodha Rajputs played a crucial role in establishing Lodhorva as a fortified city and cultural center prior to its annexation by the Bhattis.
 
== Conquest by Deoraj Bhatti ==
The fall of the Lodha Rajputs came with the strategic conquest by Deoraj Bhatti, a powerful Bhatti Rajput chief. According to Colonel James Tod in *Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan*, Deoraj was approached by a discontented Purohit (priest) who had taken sanctuary with him after being wronged by the Lodha ruler. The Purohit advised Deoraj to take Lodhorva for himself.
 
To do this, Deoraj proposed marriage to the daughter of [[Nripbhan]], the Lodha Rajput chief. Arriving at Lodhorva with a force of 1,200 chosen horsemen disguised as a wedding procession, Deoraj was allowed entry into the city. Once inside, the Bhatti warriors launched a surprise attack and seized Lodhorva. Deoraj married the Lodha chief's daughter, established a garrison, and returned to his own capital at Derawar, marking the end of Lodha Rajput rule in Lodhorva.{{sfn|Tod|1832|p=1198}}
 
This event not only marked the political demise of the Lodha Rajputs in Lodhorva but also represented the beginning of Bhatti dominance in the region, eventually leading to the founding of Jaisalmer.
.
 
== Decline and Abandonment ==
Over the centuries, repeated invasions and the harsh desert environment led to the decline of Lodhorva. The city was eventually abandoned when [[Rawal Jaisal]], a Bhatti descendant of Deoraj, considered it too exposed to external threats. After conspiring with the Sultan of Ghor to attack his nephew Bhojdeo, who then ruled Lodhorva, Jaisal founded the fortified city of [[Jaisalmer]] further into the desert, which became the new seat of power.{{sfn|Tod|1832|p=1198}}
 
== Legacy of the Lodha Rajputs ==
Although their rule over Lodhorva ended, the Lodha Rajputs remain historically significant as one of the early ruling clans in the desert frontier of Rajasthan. Their fall became a defining moment in the rise of the Bhatti Rajput power and the founding of one of the region's most iconic cities—Jaisalmer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news/27346177_1_jaisalmer-rawal-jaisal-trikuta-hill|title=Jawahar Niwas: Grace of Jaisalmer|last=Singh|first=Ranjeni A|date=31 May 2002|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=14 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103234011/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news/27346177_1_jaisalmer-rawal-jaisal-trikuta-hill|archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="rjt">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/NearJaisalmer4.aspx|title=Bada Bagh|website=Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215034310/http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/NearJaisalmer4.aspx|archive-date=15 December 2012|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/AboutJaisalmer.aspx|title=About Jaisalmer|publisher=Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228074848/http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/AboutJaisalmer.aspx|archive-date=28 December 2012|access-date=21 December 2012}}</ref>


The village and the surrounding area are famous for their historic temples, mostly [[Jainism|Jain]], originally constructed in the pre-12th-century [[Māru-Gurjara architecture|Maru-Gurjara style]] of the [[Chalukya Empire]] and reconstructed in a similar but more ornate revivalist style in the 17th century.
The village and the surrounding area are famous for their historic temples, mostly [[Jainism|Jain]], originally constructed in the pre-12th-century [[Māru-Gurjara architecture|Maru-Gurjara style]] of the [[Chalukya Empire]] and reconstructed in a similar but more ornate revivalist style in the 17th century.


==History==
==History==
In the 9th century, Deoraj, a famous prince of the [[Bhati]]  clan, captured Lodrawa from the Lodha Rajputs and made it his capital. The city stood on an ancient trade route through the [[Thar Desert]], which also made it vulnerable to frequent attacks. [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] laid siege on the city in 1025 CE. It was again ransacked by [[Muhammad of Ghor|Muhammad Ghori]] in 1178 CE, leading to its abandonment and the establishment of the new fortified capital of [[Jaisalmer]] by [[Rawal Jaisal]] in 1156 CE. Jaisalmer was situated 16 km away on the Trikuta Hill, where the [[Jaisalmer Fort|present fortress]] stands today.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sonar Qila|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/archive/sonar-qila/48364/0|publisher=[[The Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]] |date=9 January 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)|author=Lindsay Brown  |author2=Amelia Thomas |publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2008|isbn=1-74104-690-4 |page=335 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb68kC&pg=PA335&dq=Lodhruva&hl=en&sa=X&ei=fg0MT971LczhrAe5_4izBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Lodhruva&f=false }}</ref>
Rawal Deoraj of the Bhati clan established Lodhruva as the capital in the 8th century CE.{{sfn|Tod|1832|p=239}}<ref>{{cite book |title=The Rough Guide to India | series=Rough Guides |url={{Google books|aL_kDAAAQBAJ|pg=PT307|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref> The city stood on an ancient trade route through the [[Thar Desert]], which also made it vulnerable to frequent attacks. [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] laid siege on the city in 1025 CE. It was again ransacked by [[Muhammad of Ghor|Muhammad Ghori]] in 1152 CE, leading to its abandonment and the establishment of the new fortified capital of [[Jaisalmer]] by [[Rawal Jaisal]] in 1156 CE. Jaisalmer was situated 16&nbsp;km away on the [[Trikuta|Trikuta Hill]], where the [[Jaisalmer Fort|present fortress]] stands today.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sonar Qila|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/archive/sonar-qila/48364/0|publisher=[[The Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]] |date=9 January 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)|author=Lindsay Brown  |author2=Amelia Thomas |publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2008|isbn=978-1-74104-690-8 |page=335 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb68kC&dq=Lodhruva&pg=PA335 }}</ref>


Lodrawa was also the setting for the doomed love story of Princess Mumal and Mahendra, a prince of [[Amarkot]], recounted in local folklore and songs.<ref>{{cite news |title=A story around every dune Published: Sunday, |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/books-and-more_a-story-around-every-dune_1152595-all |publisher=[[DNA (newspaper)|DNA]] |date=24 February 2008  }}</ref>
Lodrawa was also the setting for the doomed love story of Princess Mumal and Mahendra, a prince of [[Amarkot]], recounted in local folklore and songs.<ref>{{cite news |title=A story around every dune Published: Sunday |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/books-and-more_a-story-around-every-dune_1152595-all |publisher=[[DNA (newspaper)|DNA]] |date=24 February 2008  }}</ref>


==Visitor's attractions==
==Visitor's attractions==
{{Main|Lodhurva Jain temple}}
{{Main|Lodhurva Jain temple}}
Lodrawa is a popular tourist destination, known for its architectural ruins and surrounding sand dunes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/07/15/tra06.asp|title=Camel safari in India|date=15 July 2007|work=Sunday Observer|access-date=14 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429203817/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/07/15/tra06.asp|archive-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> Lodrawa is also famous for the [[Jain temple]] dedicated to the 23rd [[Tirthankara]], [[Parshvanatha]]. The original temple was destroyed in 1178 AD when [[Muhammad of Ghor|Muhammad Ghori]] attacked the city, but it was reconstructed by Seth Tharu Shah in 1615, with further additions in 1675 and 1687.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jaindharmonline.com/pilgri/jaisal.htm|title=Jain Temples Jaisalmer|website=Jaindharm online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818175311/http://www.jaindharmonline.com/pilgri/jaisal.htm|archive-date=18 August 2007|access-date=14 June 2019}}</ref> Restored using state-of-the-art methods in the late 1970s, the temples are reminders of the city's former glory.<ref name=lonely>{{cite book |title=Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)|author=Lindsay Brown |author2=Amelia Thomas  |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|year=2008|isbn= 1-74104-690-4|page= 335|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb68kC&pg=PA335&dq=Lodhruva&hl=en&sa=X&ei=fg0MT971LczhrAe5_4izBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Lodhruva&f=false }}</ref> Other old temples in the area are dedicated to the deities Rishabhanatha, Sambhavanatha, [[Hinglaj|Hinglaj Mata]], [[Chamunda]], and [[Shiva]].
Lodrawa is a popular tourist destination, known for its architectural ruins and surrounding sand dunes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2007/07/15/tra06.asp|title=Camel safari in India|date=15 July 2007|work=Sunday Observer|access-date=14 June 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429203817/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/07/15/tra06.asp|archive-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> Lodrawa is also famous for the [[Jain temple]] dedicated to the 23rd [[Tirthankara]], [[Parshvanatha]]. The original temple was destroyed in 1178 AD when [[Muhammad of Ghor|Muhammad Ghori]] attacked the city, but it was reconstructed by Seth Tharu Shah in 1615, with further additions in 1675 and 1687.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jaindharmonline.com/pilgri/jaisal.htm|title=Jain Temples Jaisalmer|website=Jaindharm online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818175311/http://www.jaindharmonline.com/pilgri/jaisal.htm|archive-date=18 August 2007|access-date=14 June 2019}}</ref> Restored using state-of-the-art methods in the late 1970s, the temples are reminders of the city's former glory.<ref name=lonely>{{cite book |title=Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)|author=Lindsay Brown |author2=Amelia Thomas  |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|year=2008|isbn= 978-1-74104-690-8|page= 335|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb68kC&dq=Lodhruva&pg=PA335 }}</ref> Other old temples in the area are dedicated to the deities [[Rishabhanatha]], [[Sambhavanatha]], [[Hinglaj|Hinglaj Mata]], [[Chamunda]], and [[Shiva]].


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
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== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


{{Reflist}}
===Sources===
*{{cite book |last=Tod |first=James|author-link=James Tod |title=Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han: Or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India | volume=2 |url={{Google books|OYVIAQAAMAAJ|page=1198|plainurl=yes}} |date=1832 |publisher=[[Smith, Elder & Co.|Smith, Elder and Company]] }}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 30: Line 90:
* [http://wikimapia.org/1042614/Lodurva Lodurva] at [[wikimapia]]
* [http://wikimapia.org/1042614/Lodurva Lodurva] at [[wikimapia]]
* [http://vimeo.com/11662309 Legend of Mumal and Mahender in Rajastahni folksong]
* [http://vimeo.com/11662309 Legend of Mumal and Mahender in Rajastahni folksong]
{{coord missing|Rajasthan}}
* [https://archive.org/details/annalsantiquitie02todj/page/542/mode/2up Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan – Lodhorva section]


[[Category:Villages in Jaisalmer district]]
[[Category:Villages in Jaisalmer district]]
[[Category:History of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Jaisalmer district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Jaisalmer district]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Rajasthan]]

Latest revision as of 04:26, 14 March 2026

Template:AI-generated

Lodrawa
Lodurva, Lodarva or Laudrava
Lodhurva Jain temple
CountryIndia
StateRajasthan
DistrictJaisalmer
Founded8th century CE
Founded byRawal Deoraj
Government
 • TypeVillage
Languages
 • OfficialHindi, Rajasthani

Lodrawa (aka Lodurva, Lodarva or Laudrava) is a village in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, India. It is located 15 kilometers to the north-west of Jaisalmer. Lodrawa was the ancient capital of the Bhati Rajputs until Rawal Jaisal founded the Jaisalmer state and moved the capital to Jaisalmer in 1156 CE. According to historical sources, the city was originally under the control of the Lodhis.[1]

Rule of the Lodha Rajputs[edit | edit source]

Before coming under Bhatti control, Lodhorva was ruled by the Lodhi Rajputs(also referred to as Lodra Rajputs), a prominent Chandravanshi Rajput clan in the region. Lodhorva during their rule was described as "an immense city with twelve gates," highlighting its political and military importance.[1] The Lodha Rajputs played a crucial role in establishing Lodhorva as a fortified city and cultural center prior to its annexation by the Bhattis.

Conquest by Deoraj Bhatti[edit | edit source]

The fall of the Lodha Rajputs came with the strategic conquest by Deoraj Bhatti, a powerful Bhatti Rajput chief. According to Colonel James Tod in *Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan*, Deoraj was approached by a discontented Purohit (priest) who had taken sanctuary with him after being wronged by the Lodha ruler. The Purohit advised Deoraj to take Lodhorva for himself.

To do this, Deoraj proposed marriage to the daughter of Nripbhan, the Lodha Rajput chief. Arriving at Lodhorva with a force of 1,200 chosen horsemen disguised as a wedding procession, Deoraj was allowed entry into the city. Once inside, the Bhatti warriors launched a surprise attack and seized Lodhorva. Deoraj married the Lodha chief's daughter, established a garrison, and returned to his own capital at Derawar, marking the end of Lodha Rajput rule in Lodhorva.[1]

This event not only marked the political demise of the Lodha Rajputs in Lodhorva but also represented the beginning of Bhatti dominance in the region, eventually leading to the founding of Jaisalmer. .

Decline and Abandonment[edit | edit source]

Over the centuries, repeated invasions and the harsh desert environment led to the decline of Lodhorva. The city was eventually abandoned when Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti descendant of Deoraj, considered it too exposed to external threats. After conspiring with the Sultan of Ghor to attack his nephew Bhojdeo, who then ruled Lodhorva, Jaisal founded the fortified city of Jaisalmer further into the desert, which became the new seat of power.[1]

Legacy of the Lodha Rajputs[edit | edit source]

Although their rule over Lodhorva ended, the Lodha Rajputs remain historically significant as one of the early ruling clans in the desert frontier of Rajasthan. Their fall became a defining moment in the rise of the Bhatti Rajput power and the founding of one of the region's most iconic cities—Jaisalmer.[2][3][4]

The village and the surrounding area are famous for their historic temples, mostly Jain, originally constructed in the pre-12th-century Maru-Gurjara style of the Chalukya Empire and reconstructed in a similar but more ornate revivalist style in the 17th century.

History[edit | edit source]

Rawal Deoraj of the Bhati clan established Lodhruva as the capital in the 8th century CE.[5][6] The city stood on an ancient trade route through the Thar Desert, which also made it vulnerable to frequent attacks. Mahmud of Ghazni laid siege on the city in 1025 CE. It was again ransacked by Muhammad Ghori in 1152 CE, leading to its abandonment and the establishment of the new fortified capital of Jaisalmer by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 CE. Jaisalmer was situated 16 km away on the Trikuta Hill, where the present fortress stands today.[7][8]

Lodrawa was also the setting for the doomed love story of Princess Mumal and Mahendra, a prince of Amarkot, recounted in local folklore and songs.[9]

Visitor's attractions[edit | edit source]

Lodrawa is a popular tourist destination, known for its architectural ruins and surrounding sand dunes.[10] Lodrawa is also famous for the Jain temple dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. The original temple was destroyed in 1178 AD when Muhammad Ghori attacked the city, but it was reconstructed by Seth Tharu Shah in 1615, with further additions in 1675 and 1687.[11] Restored using state-of-the-art methods in the late 1970s, the temples are reminders of the city's former glory.[12] Other old temples in the area are dedicated to the deities Rishabhanatha, Sambhavanatha, Hinglaj Mata, Chamunda, and Shiva.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Beyond The Dunes: Journeys In Rajasthan, by Juhi Sinha. Penguin Global. ISBN 978-0-14-306306-3.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Tod 1832, p. 1198.
  2. Singh, Ranjeni A (31 May 2002). "Jawahar Niwas: Grace of Jaisalmer". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  3. "Bada Bagh". Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  4. "About Jaisalmer". Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan. Archived from the original on 28 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  5. Tod 1832, p. 239.
  6. The Rough Guide to India. Rough Guides.
  7. "Sonar Qila". Financial Express. 9 January 2004.
  8. Lindsay Brown; Amelia Thomas (2008). Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Lonely Planet Travel Guides). Lonely Planet. p. 335. ISBN 978-1-74104-690-8.
  9. "A story around every dune Published: Sunday". DNA. 24 February 2008.
  10. "Camel safari in India". Sunday Observer. 15 July 2007. Archived from the original on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  11. "Jain Temples Jaisalmer". Jaindharm online. Archived from the original on 18 August 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  12. Lindsay Brown; Amelia Thomas (2008). Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra (Lonely Planet Travel Guides). Lonely Planet. p. 335. ISBN 978-1-74104-690-8.

Sources[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]