INTRODUCTION
The Complete Rajasthan -- Take a desert- burning sand in the long summers,
large tracts of dune-decked plains, with scarce water and even scarcer vegetation
and create a habitation with the mind's eye, if you can. And the come to
Rajasthan to see if you imagination can begin to match where reality takes
over.
Rajasthan is one of the 26 states that, along, with seven union territories
forms the republic of India. Located in the north-west, it shares its borders
with Punjab, Hariyana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and and Gujarat and
an international borders with Pakistan. Rajasthan is one of the 26
states that, along, with seven union territories forms the republic of India.
Located in the north-west, it shares its borders with Punjab, Hariyana,
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and and Gujarat and an international borders
with Pakistan.
Rajasthan, this wild desert land invites you to a memorable tryst with itself.
Savor Rajasthan's unique culture that is a blend of the ancient and the
modern. Travel Rajasthan, check out must visit forts, palaces and monuments;
enjoy a luxurious stay at famous heritage hotels of Rajasthan or take a
Heritage Tour of distinct cultural heritage sites of Rajasthan
To the east of the Aravallis, Rajasthan is Cotton Country where peacocks
dance in celebration of rain. Kipling must have been thinking of Rajasthan
when he labeled India the 'land of camels and snake charmers'. Even today,
Rajasthan retains its medieval charm with the sounds of desert music wafting
from the distant sands and mounds of red chilies drying in courtyards ready
to be pounded.
CAPITAL OF RAJASTHAN :
Jaipur, the capital, is pretty in pink. Vegetable marts, jewellery
shops, camel-riding locals make it a busy and crowded metropolis.
History of Rajasthan : Archaeological and historical evidence shows
a continuous human habitation of the area dating back 100,000 years. Between
the 7th and the 11th century AD, several dynasties arose, with Rajput strength
reaching its peak at the beginning of the 16th century. Emperor Akbar brought
the Rajput states into the Mughal Empire; by early 19th century, they allied
with the Marathas. Later, the British established supremacy in the region.
Rajasthan soon emerged as a centre of Indian nationalism. When the new constitution
went into effect in 1950, Rajput princes surrendered their powers to the
Indian Union.
The Rajasthani People: There is majesty in every man of Rajasthan;
they are afterall the sons of kings. Rajasthan is a harsh, scorched land
of savage summer heat but also full of the brightest colours. Countering
the barren landscape with vibrant hues in their everyday wear and charming
murals painted on their drab sepia-coloured mud homes, for the people, life
is one big carnival, even in the face of sure death. Here are many tales
of desperate courage written of men donning saffron robes and riding out
to confront the enemy and womenfolk preferring death to dishonour. Even
in everyday life today, the Rajput's sense of honour, family and tradition
come foremost.
Culture in Rajasthan : Rajasthan has made its contribution to Indian
art; there is a rich literary tradition, especially of bardic poetry. Chand
Bardai's poem on Prithvi Raj Raso or 'Chand Raisa', the earliest manuscript
of which dates to the 12th century, is particularly notable. A popular source
of entertainment is the 'khyal', a dance drama composed in verse with festive,
historical, or romantic themes. The typical folk dance of Rajasthan is the
'ghoomar', which is performed on festive occasions only by women. The 'geer'
dance (performed by men and women), the 'panihari' (a graceful dance for
women), and the 'kacchi ghori' (in which male dancers ride dummy horses)
are also popular.
Festivals of Rajasthan :
Desert Festival in Jaisalmer and Nagaur Fair in February; Pushkar Fair
in November; Elephant Festival in Jaipur in March are popular events. The
18-day Gangaur festival is the most popular festival for girls, especially
married women. Urs in May in Ajmer; Teej or the Swing Festival in August;
Marwar Music Festival in October and Shilpgram Crafts Fair in December are
among other major festivals of Rajasthan..
