Rao Jodha Ji's statue at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Rao Jodha ji(1438-89), one of the greatest rulers of Rathore clan and founder of Jodhpur city, formed an alliance with several Rajput clans like Deora's and Bhati's & attacked & defeated Delhi sultante, capturing Merta, Phalodi,

Pokran, Bhadrajun, Sojat, Jaitaran, Siwana, Nagaur and Godwar from the Delhi Sultanate. These areas were permanently captured from Delhi and became a part of Marwar, making it 1 of the powerful state of Rajputana.

Rao Jodha ji made a treaty & tactical alliance with Rana Kumbha,

the treaty came to known as 'Awal-Bawal ki Sandhi' in 1453. The treaty aimed at recognition of power of Rao Jodha in Rajputana and taking on of muslim sultanantes around Rajputana in Gujarat and Delhi.

Rana Kumbha's grandmother Hansa Bai was aunt (Bua sa) of Rao Jodha.

Hansa Bai played an important role in formation of this alliance. Rao Jodha ruled from Mandore before foundation of Jodhpur but by 1459, it became evident that a more secure headquarters was required. Chidia-tunk, a high rocky ridge, nine km to the south of Mandore was chosen

for the new city of Jodhagarh (Mehrangarh). Jodhagarh was on the important Delhi to Gujarat trade route and it greatly benefited from the trade of silk, opium, sandalwood and copper, hence suffered repeated attacks from Delhi Sultanates. Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a 125 m high

hill, provided an important stronghold for the Rathores, and became one of the most impregnable forts of Rajasthan.
Rudyard Kipling famously said the following lines about Mehrangarh fort once:
“It's palace that might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning sun”

Jodhaji was succeded by Rao Satal Ji Rathore, a famed martyr of rathore clan who died succumbing to injuries in Battle of Peepar, where Satal ji defeated & beheaded Gudla Khan,an afghan warlord for capturing 140 maiden girls of Marwar.

A fair is organised every yr in his memory.