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About Rajasthan A complete travel guide for Rajasthan (one of the most popular travel destinations in India) offers information on Rajasthan climate, history, culture, dance, music and the local transportation. Detailed information is available on various tourist spots in Rajasthan, hotels in those destinations, wildlife in Rajasthan, forts & palaces of Rajasthan and various festivals of Rajasthan. |
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    TurbanPride of Rajasthan " the Jodhpuri turban " 
Rhythmic Dance& Music "cultural beats" 
Life of Rajsthan "royal transportation" 
Royal TrasinPalace on Wheels "luxury & comfort" |
 History of Rajasthan :  Rajasthan has a rich and colourful history that makes it one of the most admired tourist destinations in India. The home of the heroic Rajputs known for their bravery and loyalty, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period. Rajasthan is the north-western region of India, and has remain independent from the great empires. Buddhism failed to make substantial inroad here; the Mauryan empire (321-184 BC), whose most renowned emperor, Ashoka, Converted to Buddhism in 261 BC, had minimal impact in Rajasthan, However, there are Buddhist caves and stupas (Buddhist Shrines) at Jhalawar, in Southern Rajasthan .Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilisation had its foundation here in north Rajasthan itself. The Bhil and the Mina tribes were the earliest dwellers of this area. Topography(geographic location) of rajasthan: In a more comprehensive way the topography of Rajasthan can be divided in the following ways- The State has an area of 343,000 sq km. The capital city is Jaipur. The Aravali Range runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the north west of the lines and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Great Indian (Thar) Desert CLIMATE OF RAJASTHAN Type Of Climate : Tropical Maximum Temperature : 46 degree Celsius Minimum Temperature : 8 degree Celsius Best Time To Visit : October To March Languages Hindi is the official language of the state. But the principal language is "Rajasthani", and the four major dialects are Marwari in the west, Jaipuri in the east, Malwi in the southeast and Mewati in the northeast. But Hindi language is replacing Rajasthani. Moreover, you will find English speaking people in all the major cities, and in remote villages also you will find someone who can speak and understand English. But other languages are completely unknown. You may ask Tour Operators to help you on this and they do have guides who knows almost all the languages. Music and Dance Rajasthani Dances: The Thar Desert of Rajasthan comes alive when its dancers take the center stage. Rajasthan has great variety of dances,  which are simple expressions of celebration and festivity.There are dances that follows a lineage of age old traditions, adhere to religious significance, display their daring attitude as well as complimenting various fairs and festivals. The different categories of dances in Rajasthan are:Rajasthani Music: Music here, also has strong religious flavour and is sung in dedication to various deities. Some religious songs are folk idioms of Saints, Surdas, Kabirdas, Meerabai and others. These songs are mostly heard in nightlong soirées. Music traditions are kept alive by entertainer like the Langas, Manganniyars, Mirasis and Dholis. The education in music of these groups began early and passed down from generation to generation. The folk musicians are apt in classical tradition. Songs normally began with an alap,  which set the tune of the song and then recital of the couplet that is called the dooba. The songs also have the taan, the pitch and the tibias -the triplet, which lends variance to the tune.Musical Instruments Architecture of Rajasthan : The architecture of Rajasthan is basically secular and draws a lot of inspiration from the Mughals, while the later day architecture also embraces European interiors. The structures like those of mahals, zenanas, diwan-I-aam, diwan-I-khas, sils, mandir, bagh chatris, and ramparts all display these art forms. One can trace the historic interventions in the Lodhi and Mughal periods and their absorption into the traditional architecture of Rajasthan The mixture and brilliance of Rajasthan's architectural heritage can amaze a visitor. Majestic forts, intricately carved temples and havelis (meaning mansion) and even step well make Rajasthan a paradise for an architecture buff. The desert state of Rajasthan is a land of irony  and extremes. This vibrant and striking region is the home of the Rajput warrior clans who had ruled here for many years. Rajasthan is also home to some of India's most romantic cities. The Rajputs were prolific builders and have dotted the arid Aravali landscape with their legacy of some most imposing and magnificent forts and palaces in the world. Today the structures defy time to tell the story of gallantry, courage and tragedy of the bygone era and its story of survival in the harsh Thar Desert.The majestic forts, intricately carved temples, and decorated havelis are part of the architectural heritage of Rajasthan.Many tourists visit Rajasthan to explore this traditional art. These Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan can be an inspiration for an architecture lover. When we talk about the architecture of Rajasthan the names, which strike our mind, are Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, and Jaisalmer Havelis. People & Religion Rajasthan People Rajasthan according to the 2001 census has a population of 56.5 million. Rajasthan has a large indigenous populace Minas (Minawati) in Alwar, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Dholpur areas. The Meo and the Banjara are travelling tradesmen and artisans. The Gadia Lohar is the Lohar meaning ironsmith who travels on Gadia meaning bullock carts; they generally make and repair agricultural and household implements. The Bhils are one of the oldest peoples in India, inhabit the districts of Bhilwara, Chittaurgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, and Sirohi and are famous for their skill in archery. The Grasia and nomadic Kathodi live in the Mewar region. Sahariyas are found in the Kota district, and the Rabaris of the Marwar region are cattle breeders Muslims form less than 10% of the population and most of them are Sunnis. There is also a small but affluent community Shiaite Muslims known as Bhoras in southeastern Rajasthan. The Rajputs though represent only a small proportion of the populace are the most influential section of the people in Rajasthan. They are proud of their martial reputation and of their ancestry Rajasthan Religion The religion and costumes of the tribes vary. They each have their own religion, costumes and profession. The religion followed by Rajasthanis, in general, is the Hindu religion. Various other religions are also prevalent in Rajasthan. Some of these religions are: Jain Religion The Jains follow the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. Mahavira stressed on the practice of Non-violence Sikh Religion Over time, there has been a considerable increase in the number of followers of Sikh religion. The Sikhs believe in formless God and worship their holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib' Some other major religions that are followed are Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Parsi religion Hinduism:Of all the Rajasthan religions, the predominant one is Hinduism. This religion consists in the worship of Brahma, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses Islam: The expansion of Islam in Rajasthan started with the conquest of Ajmer by Muslim invaders in the late 12th century. Ajmer was, in fact, the headquarters of Khwajah Moin-ud-Din Salim Chishti, the Muslim missionary Jainism:The main followers of this religion include the trading class and the wealthy section of society. The famous religious places of Jains in Rajasthan include Ossian Jain Temples, Dilwara Jain Temples, Ranakpur Jain Temple and so on. Sikhism :Over the years, the number of Sikhs in Rajasthan has increased to a considerable extent. Christians:The population of Christians in Rajasthan is quite small. Cuisine The cuisine of Rajasthani was highly influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in the desert region. Scarcity of water and lack of fresh green vegetables also had their effect on Rajasthani cooking. Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma but there is a wide variety to choose from in Rajasthani cuisine during your Rajasthan holidays. The bati, lachhedar paratha and besan ki missi puri are types of bread peculiar to Rajasthan.  Two meat specialties - lal maans (red meat), a fiery heavily spiced dish, and safed mass (white meat) cooked with almonds, cashew nuts and coconut - should not be missed during your Rajasthan tour. You can spice up vacations in Rajasthan by trying out the various chutneys that are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic. Some Mouthwatering Delicacies of Rajasthan are : Ker-Sangri on Bajara Roti Dried lentils, beans from indegenous plants like sangri, ker, etc are liberally used. Gram flour is a major ingrediant here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad. The daily food in Rajasthan typically comprises unleavened bread, made of wheat, barley, millet or maize. Rajasthani Dal-Bati-Churma Daily food mainly comprises of dal-bati (cooked lentils and roasted balls of dough), accompanied by a variety of dried or pickled berries cooked in different ways Chapatti The chapatti is a flat, unleavened bread. It complements both the texture and flavor of the food it scoops up, absorbing runny sauces, balancing strong flavors and smoothness. Frying Puris Puris are delicious, fried wheat bubbles which have varied uses; as snacks, scoops for food and as a complement to hot spices. Khud khargosh Khud Khasrgosh (Hare or rabbit meat cooked in a pit) is a Rajput specialty during summer, when the hare is lean. The hare is skinned and stuffed with spices, wrapped in dough and finally in layers of mud-soaked cloth. The ambrosial result is meat perfectly blended with the spices and dough. Lassi Natural yogurt is churned to remove the butter content for the making of Lassi or buttermilk a cooling summer beverage. Sula - Tender Morsels of Meat In Rajput cuisine, sula refer to tender morsels of meat, the most prized being wild boar spare ribs(bhanslas), marinated in a mixture of dry yogurt, browned onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, red chilli, and kachri, a small pod which tenderizes meat and lends a particular sharp-sour flavour to many dishes. The marinated meat is smoked, spitted on skewers, and grilled over hot coals. Sulas are made of chicken, pheasant, mutton, or fish. Soup A soup of legumes flavored with red chili peppers, yogurt or milk and sometimes a vegetable such as okra, jackfruit, eggplant, mustard or fenugreek leaf. Art & architecture Rajasthan is known for its traditional and colorful art. The block prints, tie and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blur potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is shoppers paradise.. Every place in Rajasthan has its own indigenous art and distinct craft practice. However, it is important to know what is available to shop in Rajasthan and where. CARPETS AND DURRIES An amazing variety of carpets in Persian, Kashmiri and Mughal styles can be fetched at real affordable prices. Durries are thick cotton floor spreads that are finely woven incorporating beautiful designs. Woven in the villages around Jodhpur, these are made using very beautiful light colors that now even adorn on the walls of up-market hotels! TEXTILES AND FABRICS The people of Rajasthan most commonly use tie and dye fabrics for their everyday use. This work is done everywhere, most finely in Jodhpur and Jaipur. Quilts of Jaipur are known all over the world for their lightweight, fine finish and warmth. Brocade and threadwork over shirts and odhanis are also historically famous of Jaipur. Extraordinary embroidery on skirts and wall cloths is a rare art of Barmer and the surrounding area. GEMS AND JEWELLERY Enameled jewellery, known as Kundan, is another high precision art of Jaipur in which gemstones are set into molten gold with extreme finesse. Gold and silver jewellery is famous everywhere, more particularly Jaisalmer is for silver and Udaipur for tribal silver ornaments. PAINTINGS Miniature paintings are today among the most sought after souvenirs from Rajasthan. All major centers of miniatures, namely Krishangarh, Udaipur, Jaipur and Marwar have their own styles of depicting religious and court scenes. Paintings of women is another theme, which Kishangarh has perfected as the Indian Mona Lisa. Leatherwear  Also known as juttees, these shoes come extraordinarily embroidered. Embroidered camel hides shaped into hats, stools, belts, purses and a number of items are available in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur and Barmer regions. Woodwork The furniture of Jodhpur reflects an appealing old look. Painted wooden furniture like chairs and almirahs are also commonly seen. As mementos, everything is found from huge piece of wooden statues to small pieces of wooden elephants and key rings. Stone Work The art is practiced in entire Rajasthan, the use of stone varies in different regions. The Silawats of Jaisalmer use yellow sandstone for carving balconies, the artists of Dausa use red sandstone for making railings and other garden sculptures and Jaipur is famous throughout the world for marble idols and figures. Antiquities These objects such as a brass pot or a nutcracker are extremely popular purchases from Rajasthan. Puppets Very expressive figures draped in beautiful clothes make inexpensive souvenirs to carry back home. Safety & Security of Rajasthan Rajasthan is a peaceful state and its people are friendly and well meaning. This piece of an advice is meant to caution but you should not be paranoid otherwise you miss knowing about the very vibrant people and culture of Rajasthan. Like anywhere else, reasonable caution is your best weapon against theft or worse. Rajasthan is very safe and there are no civil disturbances. |
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