History
of Rajasthan
The history of Rajasthan dates back to 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich
as its landscape. There is something for everyone in this land - those looking
for an action packed holiday will find endless opportunities, right from jungle
and desert safaris, adventure tours or just a laid-back cushy royal experience
in one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels found in each and every
part of Rajasthan.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a major
force to reckon with medieval India. Passionately attached to their land, family
and honour, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric
code of conduct. Myths and legends of their valour, gallantry, sacrifice and
courage are legion. 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), although he died on the same battlefield in the following
year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of
the Mughal, and continued to raid on them even after his defeat. He died in
1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal
rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading Rajput clans
finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct State
service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and
farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and expand his
empire because of his close ties with the proud Rajputs, the men who made formidable
enemies and also steadfast and loyal friends.
Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities, or exploring historic towns
or quaint villages, you will find the people very warm and friendly. Rajasthanis,
are one of the most flamboyant and multi-hued people of the Indian sub-continent,
known for their cultural and artistic works, rich lifestyle and rusticity blended
with modern ideals. Their history has been witness to many acts of valor and
bravery shown by these people, which has passed on from generation to generation.
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, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, and an international
border with Pakistan. The 3,42,274 sq km of its topography comprises 22 former
princely states that merged at the time of Indian independence.
Geographically, located between 22 and 30 north latitude, and 69 and 78 east
longitude, the region consists of the Aravalli hills, the plateau of Hadoti
and the Malwa tableland that blocks the flow of the monsoons to the region,
creating the vast desert land that lies to the west. Temperatures here can be
sub-zero in winter nights, though at 12 to 25 degree Celsius during
the
daytime, this is the best time for visitors to travel within the state. Summers,
not surprisingly, are hot and dry, and though the fierce winds have now ceased
as a result of the large-scale plantation, the temperature hovers in the vicinity
of 45 degree Celsius during the day.
From the most discerning and seasoned traveler to the first-timer, Rajasthan
has something for everybody. Beautiful vistas to imperial locales, artistic
antiquities to traditional handicrafts, exotic wildlife to unusual getaways,
sufficient memories of memorable vacation to last forever.
It is among the richest states in the country as far as handicrafts are concerned.
The craftsmen here have been creating some of the most exotic and unusual forms
of arts through generations. Stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac, glass,
brass, silver, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant forms, for visitors
to take back the vivacity and wealth of the Indian state of Rajasthan.
