RIDING COSTUME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 3

RIDING COSTUME

ORIGIN OF JODHPURS CITY IN INDIAN STATE That smart variety of riding breeches which we know as the "Jodhpur'' gets its name from the fact that its design is based on that of the costume worn by the soldiers in the service of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, one of the most picturesque and romantic States in India, states an overseas writer. In the heart of a fascinating State stands the capital city of Jodhpur, which has hardlv changed since it was built in the 15th century. Surrounded by a six-mile wall and entered by seven gates, the city i? dominated bv the ancient fort, standing oil a hill high above the rest of the town. Within its walls the ruler of the State lives, in one of India's finest medieval palaces, protected hv a smart guard in colourful uniforms and the worldfamous "Jodhpurs." Besides the fortified palace the Mnharaja of Jodhpur lias three other palaces in the capital itself, and more than a dozen in other parts of the State. Agriculture and cloth-making are the principal occupations of the people of Jodhpur. but modern industries have made considerable headway since the beginning of the present century and, in addition to tin, lead and iron mines, and a salt factory near Lake Sambhar, Jodhpur is also producing considerable supplies of ivory and hardware goods. One of the things which the town does not export is the article of apparol to which it has given its name.