Rajasthan India

Rajasthan India 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 form - people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, cuisine and physiography. Rajasthan in India 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 Rajasthan India 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 in India 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. Rajasthan India 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 of Rajasthan India is Jaipur.


History
History of Rajasthan India 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 India, the word 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 India.


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 India offers some of the most unusual wildlife sanctuaries in the country, where the roars of jungle animals merge 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 was colour washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England when they 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 India. 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.