Why is India's Jodhpur Called the 'Blue City'?

While everyone knows Jodhpur is nicknamed the Blue City, there is no definitive explanation for how or why the sobriquet came to be. However, here are some of the theories as to why India’s Jodhpur is known as the Blue City.
First things first, of course, not all Jodhpur is painted blue, only the old town area near the Mehrangarh Fort has buildings mainly painted in blue hues. Standing atop the Mehrangarh Fort and gazing at the blue-patterned houses is a delight for the eyes and a great photo opportunity.

Theories suggested for the blue hues
The colour blue is associated with Lord Shiva
Legend has it that the colour blue is associated with Lord Shiva, who during the time of Samudra Manthan (also, known as Churning of the Ocean Milk) gulped down vicious poison called Halahala, in order to save the planet. This venom turned his body blue, and since then, his followers consider it to be a sacred colour. Owing to its sacredness, many of his followers who were settled in the region daubed their houses in blue hues , thus the town received the moniker, Blue City.
Blue defines the Social Status
Yet another belief is that the blue colour is determinant of social status. This story goes back centuries when the Hindu caste system was considered to be the basis for determining the social status. According to the local lore, the Brahmin community (the priestly caste of India) painted their houses blue in order to differentiate themselves from the lower-caste communities, and since that time, blue is linked with the Brahmins. You might well hear these buildings referred to as Brahmin houses.

To keep termites away
There are those who believe that the blue colour help deter termites. According to this idea, termites damaged many historic structures and buildings in the city. So, in order to keep their property safe from these unwelcoming pests, the residents painted their houses with blue paint. This paint is a mixture of copper sulphate and limestone that not only wards off bugs, but also imparts a soothing and calming effect. The residents who advocate this theory strictly oppose the belief that blue is associated with the Brahmins. In their favour, they state that there are just as many families from other castes living in the blue-painted houses.
To keep the houses cool
Some locals believe that the colour blue is a good reflector of sun rays, so painting the house like this will keep their house cool in warmer months.
Speaking to locals will get you a host of new theories and reasons. Regardless of the truth, the blue landscape is aesthetically pleasing nonetheless.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.