Rajasthan
is a vibrant, exotic state where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of
colors against the vast backdrop of sand and desert. It has an unusual
diversity in its entire forms - people, customs, culture, costumes, music,
manners, dialects, cuisine and physiography. The land is endowed with
invincible forts, magnificent palace havelis, rich culture and heritage,
beauty and natural resources. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art &
Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.
It is one of the 26 states that, along with seven union territories, form
the republic of India. So rich is the history of the land that every
roadside village has its own tales of valour and sacrifice, the winds sing
them and the sands shift to spread them. Rajasthan is spicy, but then, what
is life after all without little bit of spice, Rajasthan provides abundant
scope to explore it.
The panoramic outlook of the state is simply mesmerizing, with lofty hills
of Aravali's - one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world and the golden
sand dunes of the Great Indian Desert - the only desert of the
sub-continent. No other region in the country is a conglomeration of so many
paradoxes. It is a land of superlatives, everything over here is
breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating!
Location
Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. It is
bounded on the west and northwest by Pakistan, on the north and northeast by
the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast
by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by
the state of Gujarat. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip
in the Banswara district. The state has an area of 132,140 square miles
(342,239 square kilometers). The capital city is Jaipur.
History
History of Rajasthan is marked by story of bloodshed, heroism and scarifies
as the erstwhile Rajputana kings were perpetually locked in armed conflict
with their neighbors. Many of these legends have come to us in the form of
ballads sung by folk singers or in the accounts of bards and court poets.
Many more find mention in history. The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th
and 10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon with in medieval India.
There are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who
fought successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of
Tarain (1191). Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood
the might of the Mughals, and continued to make raids on them even after his
defeat. At present there are 32 districts (including the new district of
Karauli), 105 sub-divisions, 241 tehsils, 37889 inhabited villages and 222
towns in the State.
Culture
In Rajasthan, the spectacular is commonplace. Many civilizations forged by
waves of settlers ranging from ancient Indus Valley urbanites to pastoral
Aryan herdsmen, Bhil forest dwellers, Jain merchant princes, Jat and Gujjar
cultivators, Muslim craftsmen, and the Rajput warrior aristocracy have all
shaped this region called the land of kings. Colorful costumes, festivals,
and customs relieve the tedium of coping with a harsh, demanding land.
People come here to savor its splendors, and imbibe its enviable heritage.
Discover it all in the fairs and festivals like Pushkar and Desert Festival,
dances like Kalbelia, Rajasthani cuisine, and crafts of Rajasthan.
People
In olden days, the profession of the people decided their caste. This
system has now been broken. Today, individuals have the freedom to opt for
any profession irrespective of caste. The profession based caste system has
now been transformed into birth-based caste system. People of various castes
and sub-castes reside in Rajasthan.
The Rajputs, who were the rulers of most of the erstwhile princely states
of Rajasthan, form a major group of residents of Rajasthan. Rajputs are
generally stoutly built people of good height. The Rajputs generally
worshipped the Sun, Shiva, and Vishnu. Vedic religion is still followed by
the Rajputs. All the auspicious and inauspicious activities are done in
accordance to the Vedic traditions. The other castes found in Rajasthan are
Brahmins and Vaishyas.
Flora and Fauna
The unique state of Rajasthan offers some of the most unusual wildlife
sanctuaries in the country, where the roar of jungle animals merges with the
whisperings of time. The dry deciduous forests of the state stalk their
wildlife from tigers and panthers to deer and wild bear. The rock formations
of the Aravali hills and the surrounded dense forests and lakes are the
natural habitat of a number of rare tree as well as animal species.
Travel Attractions
Jaipur - The Capital
Way To Desert Journey
Widely known as ' Pink City', Jaipur is colour washed pink to welcome
Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England visited India in
1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest ruler - Jai
Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by
formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the
only city in the world, which is subdivided in to nine rectangular sectors
symbolizing nine division of universe.
Places of Interest : Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber
Fort, Birla Mandir, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargargh Fort, Sisodia Garden, Birla
Planetarium.
Jaisalmer - The
Magic Of Golden Fortress
This golden city rising from the heart of 'Thar' desert was founded in 1155
Ad. The rulers of Jaisalmer were feared bandits chiefs who lived off the
forced levies on the great caravans that crossed their area en route to
Delhi. One of the last princely bastions, this settlement is known for the
aesthetic sense represented by its palaces and havelis. Even today these
palaces are inhabited. Jaisalmer is known for its colorful celebrations and
festivals. Biggest draw of tourist from over the all over the world. Places
of Interest: The Golden Fort with 99 bastions, Havelis, Gadisar Lake, Royal
Cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, Lodurva Jain Temples, Sand Dunes at Sam & Khudi
and Fossil Park-Aakal.
Bharatpur - The Favourite Bird Retreat
The 55 Kms journey By Road from Agra drives to the town of Bharatpur, the
eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary-
'Keoladeo Ghana National Park' - one of the finest in Asia rich for its
avian variety. Every year the rare Siberian cranes come to spend the winter
in the warmer climate of Bharatpur. Places of Interest: Bharatpur Fort, Deeg
Palace & Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
Mount Abu - A
Plateau Atop Aravali Hills
The only hill resort of Rajasthan, crowning at the highest peak of the
Aravali hills at altitude of 1220 meters. It is not the only one of the
prettiest hill stations in the country, but also a major Rajput centre. Mt.
Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before it became Jain pilgrimage center. The
biggest draws for Mt. Abu are Dilwara Temples. The hill boasts of a rich
vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs.
Places of Interest: Dilwara Temple, Adhar Devi Temple, Guru Shikhar, Sunset
point, Nakki Lake, etc.
Ajmer &
Pushker - Harmony Of Composite
Culture
'Ajmer' owes its composite culture to the reign of many dynasties that
came, ruled and left, behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions
culture. Ajmer is situated in a valley surrounded by the Aravali hills, 131
Kms West of Jaipur. It is also associated with remarkable historical events.
'Dargah Khwaja Sahib' the landmark of Ajmer. One of the holiest Muslim
shrines in the country. The city has some splendid master pieces of
Indo-Islamic architecture. Places Of Interest: Taragarh Fort, Khwaja
Moinuddin - Chisti Dargah, Brahma Temple, Man Mahal, Bathing Ghats and the
Lake.
Jodhpur - The Sun
City Of India
The home of Rathores - The awesome princely city of Rajasthan founded in
1459 A.D. by Rao Jodhaji today one of largest city of Rajasthan. Once the
capital city of Marwar state. Crowning at it is the imposing Mehrangarh
fort. The old city is situated at foothill of a hillock. The city built in a
high wall 10 kms. long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid Bhavan
Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of North India. The city carries rich
heritage and culture and flourishing industry of wood, cattle, camels, salt
and agricultural crops.
Places of Interest - Meharangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Girdikot,
Mandore Garden, Umaid Bhavan, Mahamandir Temple and Bishnoi Tribal Village
where deer's are held sacred.
