Which city of India is known as the 'Blue City'?

Jodhpur, in Rajasthan, is known as the "Blue City" because many of the houses in its old city, especially around the Mehrangarh Fort, are painted in shades of blue.

Why the houses are blue:

There are several explanations:

• Traditionally, Brahmins painted their houses blue to show their status; later, other communities also began to do so.
• The blue colour, made with indigo and lime, is believed to help keep the houses cool in the hot desert climate.
• Copper sulphate and lime used in the paint are said to help keep away termites and insects.
• When seen from the ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort, the old city looks like a sea of blue.

About Jodhpur:

• It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, as the new capital of the Marwar kingdom.
• It is also called the "Sun City" because of its bright, sunny weather throughout the year.
• It is known as the "Gateway to the Thar Desert".
• It is the second-largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur.

Famous monuments:

• Mehrangarh Fort: built by Rao Jodha in 1459 on a rocky hill; one of the largest forts in India.
• Jaswant Thada: a white marble cenotaph.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace.
• Mandore Gardens: the earlier capital of Marwar.
• Jodhpur is famous for "jodhpurs" (riding breeches), handicrafts, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the bandhani tie-dye textiles.

Colour nicknames of other cities:

• Jaipur: "Pink City" (painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales).
• Jaisalmer: "Golden City" (its yellow sandstone buildings and Sonar Qila glow golden in sunlight).
• Udaipur: "White City" and "City of Lakes".
• Bikaner: "Camel Country".

Other nicknames:

• Chandigarh: "City Beautiful".
• Bengaluru: "Garden City".
• Kolkata: "City of Joy".

Why not the other options?

• ✗Jaipur is the "Pink City".
• ✗Udaipur is the "White City" and "City of Lakes".
• ✗Jaisalmer is the "Golden City".