Jodhpur was founded in the 15th century by Rao Jodha, and served as the capital of the kingdom of Marwar under the Rathore dynasty until after Indian Independence in 1947.

Jodhpur district comprises three distinct physiography units, the alluvial plains, sand dunes and escarpments.

The western and north-western parts of Jodhpur district are characterised by sand dunes.

With exception of some parts of Bilara and Osian tehsil, land surface of the district is nearly flat and sandy.

Other notable places of interest are the Umaid Bhawan Palace which a portion currently[when?]

[8] All tehsils are development blocks and have panchayat samities,[9][10] except Jodhpur which is an urban agglomeration governed as a Municipal Corporation.

[9] According to the 2011 census Jodhpur district has a population of 3,687,165,[4] roughly equal to the nation of Liberia[13] or the US state of Oklahoma.