PHALODI

city, Rajasthan state, northwestern India. Located in the Great Indian (Thar) Desert, Phalodi is an old caravan centre, believed to have been founded in the 15th century. Architectural monuments include a fort and palaces. The city is connected by road and rail with Jodhpur and is a trade centre for camels, sheep, hides, and salt. Local manufactures include metal utensils, camel's-hair mats, and pottery. Just north lies the Phalodi salt source, a large saline depression of the desert. Camels are bred nearby. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 39,264.