Overview

Rajasthan, earlier known as Rajputana – the home of the Rajputs, has, since November 2000, taken over the mantle of the largest state in India from Madhya Pradesh (in terms of area). The Rajputs are a martial community, who ruled over this area for centuries. The history of the Rajputs is full of tales of heroism and chivalry, of valour and sacrifice. Such legends have helped to create a glorified picture of Rajasthan, which is further enhanced by the presence of innumerable forts and monuments, which help to keep alive the romance of a bygone era.

Today, Rajasthan is equally famous for its variety of local crafts, such as tie and die, (bandhni), gems and jewellery, silver meenakari and ceramics. The presence of India’s only desert – the Thar Desert and its attendant camel population also adds a touch of uniqueness to the state. More recently, Rajasthan has hit world headlines, being the site of India’s latest nuclear explosions (Pokharan). Economically, Rajasthan is among the backward states of India, and literacy levels too, are comparatively low.

However, Rajasthan is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India, because apart from its grand forts and palaces, it also has some of the most beautiful specimens of Jain architecture as well as exciting wildlife including the magnificent tiger.

Geography
Location :

Rajasthan shares an international boundary with Pakistan on the west and northwest. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh border it to the north, northeast and southeast respectively, while Gujarat flanks it in the southwest.

Physiography :

The Aravalli hills running across the state from west to east, is the chief topographical feature, with a peak height of 1700 mts. To the northwest is the Thar Desert, an arid sandy region. The Chambal valley to the southeast is an extremely rugged area with sharp ridges and deep ravines.

Climate :

Rajasthan is the driest state in India, with some areas receiving less than 40 cms annually. Being a land locked region, Rajasthan does not have any moderating influence and summer temperature can be extremely high – between 30° C – 35° C. In winter, the desert areas experience very chilly nights and average temperature stays around 10°C -15° C.
Water Resources :

The Chambal, the principal river, and its main tributary, Banas, drain the eastern plains, while the River Luhi, flows into the Rann of Kutchh. Western Rajasthan is totally arid with not a single river flowing through it.

Minerals :

Rajasthan has rich deposits of zinc concentrates, gypsum, silver ore, asbestos, feldspar, copper and mica. It accounts for India’s entire output of emeralds and garnets. The state also abounds in salt, rock phosphate, marble and red stone deposits.

History

It is believed that an ancient culture similar to the Indus Valley existed in Rajasthan between 1000 BC – 3000 BC. The earliest recorded history however, begins with the Rajput Chauhans holding absoluted power between 7th century and 12th century AD. After them, the Guhtlots of Mewar became powerful.

The other states, which gained prominence, were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar. But by 1818, most of them had accepted subordinate alliance with the British, At the time of independence, Rajasthan consisted of several fragmented states and kingdoms, a few of which came together to form the Matsya Union (1948). Gradually, other states began to join in and in 1949, it became known as the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately, in 1958, the present state of Rajasthan came into being with Ajmer, Abu Road and Sunel Tappa joining in.

Places of Interest

The chief towns are Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Bikaner, each with its own history and resplendant past.The desert state of Rajasthan is one of the most exciting destinations in India. Its magnificent forts, palaces, beautiful lakes and historic temples recreate the magic of the Rajput era. It is a fascinating and colourful land where the vivacity of its people, their multi hued costumes and crafts and the exuberance of their celebrations add up to an unforgettable experience. Rajasthan has something to offer everyone. The most important places on the tourist circuit are Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh Fort, Bundi, Mt. Abu, and the Randthambore, Sariska and Bharatpur Sanctuaries.

Jaipur :

The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur (also known as the Pink City), can be traced back to the eighteenth century (1727), when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the then ruler, and his architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, built the city according to the principles of town planning laid down in the Shilpa Shastra’ (ancient Hindu treatise on architecture). Built primarily of pink sandstone, Jaipur’s forts, palaces, ‘Jharokas’ and ‘Jalis’ are typical of a style of architecture that is symbolic of Rajasthan. Jaipur epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. Inspite of growing into a modern and bustling metropolis, it still retains the flavour of romance and history. The principal places of interest in and around Jaipur are: Amber fort (earlier capital – 11th century) Nahargarh Fort, Gaitor (Cenotaphs), Ramgarh Lake, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Central Museum.

Jodhpur :

It is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, and finds mention in the Mahabharata. But the modern city dates back to 1459 AD, when Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs built it. Today, two forts – one fairly medieval and the other a marvel in modernity form the main landmarks of the city. Jodhpur is located just on the fringe of the Thar Desert and is a gateway to the wondrous world of sand dunes, shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny scrubland. The city, with its stately palaces, fine buildings and gracious mausoleums and temples, is also the second most important commercial centre. Local places of interest are Mehrangarh Fort, Museum and Zoo, Umaid Museum, Old Fort Museum, Mandore Gardens and Balsamand Lake Gardens.

Udaipur :

Udaipur, the City of Lakes was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, son of the legendary Maharana Pratap of Mewar and symbolizes the valiant spirit of the Rajputs. It was here that Pratap put up his heroic battle against Emperor Akbar. It was here that Rani Padmini preferred to walk into a funeral pyre rather than be captured by invaders. It was here too, that Meerabai, royal poetess and devotee of Krishna was born and died. Udaipur today is being developed and modernised. It has expanded much beyond the bastion that earler surrounded it and could be penetrable only through 11 gates. The ruins of the bastion can still be seen, as also the forts and palaces that are still relatively intact. The art treasures to be found here are truly magnificent.

Ajmer : Ajmer is a famous pilgrimage for Muslims and Hindus alike. It is the place where the Dargah (Tomb) of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chistie, is located. Ajmer is also well known for the annual Pushkar Fair, which takes place at Pushkar (11 kms) during the months of October/November. The biggest and most colourful Camel/cattle fair in the world takes place here during the month of Kartik, and it is on the full moon day of Kartik that thousands take a dip in the picturesque lake. Places of interest in Ajmer are the Dargah, Shahjahan’s mosque, Adhai-di-ka Jhopra, Taragarh Fort, the Museum, Pushkar Lake, Man Mahal, Foy sagar.

Bikaner :

Bikaner is a marvel in architecture. Built amidst the rocky shrubland and sand dunes of the Thar Desert, one is astounded by the majesty of the seven kilometre long embattled wall with ornate gates. The imposing palaces, richly sculpted temples of red and yellow sandstone constitute some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. Bikaner was once a major trading city on the route of the traditional caravans, which moved between Africa and West Asia towards the East and Far East, several centuries ago. Rao Bikaji founded it in 1488. An enlightened ruler of this dynasty, Maharaja Ganga Singh dug up the Ganga Canal to satiate the parched lands of his rain starved people. Bikaner is a handsome city with the fort as the central point. Its battlements have never succumbed to foreign invasion. Places worth visiting here are: Junagadh Fort, Lallgarh Palace, Fort Museum, Ganga Museum, Anup Sanskrit Library and a Camel breeding farm. The Karni Mata Temple, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and the Devi Kund are located close to Bikaner.

Jaisalmer :

Jaisalmer is the city of the Golden Fort, an amazing structure of yellow sandstone that rises from the shimmery sands of the Thar Desert. Legend has it that Lord Krishna once prophesised that a descendant of his clan – the Yadavas would raise the capital of his kingdom here. Rawal Jaisal, who shifted his capital from Lodurva, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD. Today, Jaisalmer is an unparalleled habitat of Havelis, each filigried and exquisitely carved. The principal sights here are ‘the Citadel’, the Jain temples, Nathmaligi Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli, a Salim Singh Ki Haveli and the Haveli Museums. Excursions from Jaisalmer include Barmer, Lodurve, Wood Fossil Park, Desert National Park and Camel Safaris.

Chittorgarh :

This was the ancient capital of Mewar under the Rajputs from the 7th to the 16th century. It is one of the most magnificent of the Rajput forts, which was sacked thrice by invaders but rose everytime to regain its glory. Chittorgarh, the mightiest of Rajput citadels stands today, redolent with memories of chivalry, valour and sacrifice. The chief places of interest here are the fort, Jai Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha’s Palace, Padmini’s Palace, the Meera Temple and the Government Museum.

Mt. Abu :

Located on a plateau, 1200 mts above sea level, Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is a quiet retreat with a charming lake. But it is more famous for the superb temple complex of Dilwara, which have few equals in marble architecture. There is a story that the son of the Himalayas – Arbuda (Abu in short), – a serpent, came down to this spot to rescue Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva. That is how the place derived its name. The main places of interest are the Dilwara Temples dedicated to the Jain Thirthankaras, the Adhar Devi Temple, Nakki Lake, Gaumukh Temple and the Sunset Point.

BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTURAY (KEOLADEO GHANA BIRD SANCTUARY) :

Not far from Delhi (182 kms), Bharatpur was founded by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal in 1733. The Sanctuary is only 3 kms from the city. Area : 29 sq.km. Highlights : Bharatpur is one of the most spectacular waterbird sanctuaries in the country. Migratory birds come from as far as Siberia and no less than 500,000 birds of 325 species have made their way here. The varieties include Open bill stork, Painted stork, Egret, Darter, White Ibis, Spoon bill and Grey heron. Getting There : Only 3 kms from Bharatpur. It is connected by road and rail to Delhi (182 kms), Agra (54 km), Jaipur (174 km) and other places in Rajasthan. Best time to visit : October – January Activities : Bird watching, Excursions to Bharatpur Fort, and Deeg, the earlier capital of Bharatpur rulers.

Getting There

Thanks to its importance as a tourism destination, Rajasthan has well developed road networks that connect all the major towns and cities. Jaipur is connected by road to Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The main railway junctions are Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur. Regular air services connect Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur with Delhi and Mumbai.

People and Culture
Festivals :

Rajasthan is a land of endless festivals, colourful and exuberant, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the land. The major ones are Holi, Gangaur, Dussehra, Diwali, Sivaratri. Some fairs and festivals unique to Rajasthan are Pushkar Mela (Ajmer), Elephant festival during Holi, Teej (arrival of Monsoon) the Desert Festival (Jaisalmer), and Kolayat Fair, (held at the shrine of Kapil Muni near Bikaner). The Bhil Fair and Eklingji Fair are held in Udaipur in November.

Music and Dance :

The folk dances of Rajasthan are a visual treat as women in swirling skirts and colourful cholis perform a variety of dances with sticks (dandiyas), urns and lamps. The men wear dhotis and a short jacket and a colourful pagri (big turban). The dances, like the people, are vivacious and graceful, and serve to highlight the vibrancy of Rajasthani culture.

Rajasthan is also the land, where Meerabai sang her immortal bhajans, and folk musicians played the Sarengi. The kajris – folk songs associated with Holi and monsoon are also characteristic of this region.

Art and Craft :

Rajasthan is world renowned for its variety of handicrafts and exquisite craftsmanship. Jaipur is perhaps India’s largest centre of precious/semi precious gems and stones. Sanganer is famed for its textile block printing, papermaking and Jaipur blue pottery. The ‘tie and dye’ technique of textile designing is also unique to Rajasthan. Brocades, Jodhpur Jutis (ornamental shoes), Marble statuettes, Ivory carving, enamel work are some of the other crafts typical of this region. Another speciality is the woollen Namda, which is made only at Karauli and Tonk.

Architecture :

Rajasthan is a source of unending wonder, for architecture aficionados. From the splendid forts perched on hillsides, resplendent palaces with their exquisite marble inlays, wall murals and eye catching mirror work, to ancient temples with their intricate carvings in marble and stone, this land breathes its royal heritage through every pore of its Mahals and Havelis.

Unique Features

Rajasthan is the only desert state of India. The romance of a desert adventure complete with camels and fortresses, add a unique flavour to this region. Rajasthan is symbolic of the Rajput legend. Throughout history, these people have come to epitomize honour, courage, chivalry and sacrifice – values that are eternally revered. Every fort and monument in the state stand testimony to the heroism and bravery of this race. Rajasthan is the land of Phad paintings. These originated as pictorial tales carried as scrolls by balladeers, who narrated in song the legend of Pabuji – a local hero, on auspicious occasions to the accompaniment of a folk instrument – Ravanhatta. Phads are now available in smaller panels.