Sunder Rajasthan
Capital : Jaipur
Districts :32
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi
Introduction to
Rajasthan
Rajasthan ( Raja of Kings) is a place of camels plodding over soft sand dunes of the Thar Desert. It is a state of men with proud mustaches and women with twinkling anklets in colorful swirling ghagras. The landscape is dotted with island palaces shimmering on idyllic blue lakes; temples and fortresses situated on hilltops of the rugged and rocky Aravalli; exquisite palaces built during the reign of some of its many erstwhile Rajput dynasties; and well laid out gardens with pavilions and kiosks, all of which add to the splendor and whimsical charm of this majestic land. However, Rajasthan is not only fort, palaces, and culture. The state is also one place in India, which has marched ahead with its development programs. Problems of the people have remained as the central idea and governance has been put in the hands of the villagers itself. Surely, this state is one destination in India, from where no one can return empty handed.
Rajasthan ( Raja of Kings) is a place of camels plodding over soft sand dunes of the Thar Desert. It is a state of men with proud mustaches and women with twinkling anklets in colorful swirling ghagras. The landscape is dotted with island palaces shimmering on idyllic blue lakes; temples and fortresses situated on hilltops of the rugged and rocky Aravalli; exquisite palaces built during the reign of some of its many erstwhile Rajput dynasties; and well laid out gardens with pavilions and kiosks, all of which add to the splendor and whimsical charm of this majestic land. However, Rajasthan is not only fort, palaces, and culture. The state is also one place in India, which has marched ahead with its development programs. Problems of the people have remained as the central idea and governance has been put in the hands of the villagers itself. Surely, this state is one destination in India, from where no one can return empty handed.
Geography
of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in
northwest India, Rajasthan borders Punjab in the north, Haryana and Uttar
Pradesh in the northeast, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Gujarat in the south.
On the western side it shares a long stretch of border with the neighboring
country Pakistan. Situated on the Thar Desert, Rajasthan protects the western
border of the country standing as the sentinel who never tires. Rajasthan is
diagonally divided into the hilly and rugged southeastern region and the barren
Thar Desert, which extends across the border into Pakistan. Within these
divisions however, it is a storehouse of varied physical feature or
topographical diversity. The arid Thar also boasts of Mount Abu the only hill
station in the state famous for its flora and fauna. While the Aravali hills
provide the much-needed relief to this arid land, the wide spread sand dunes of
the desert and arid region make it one of the toughest terrains in the world.
Jodhpur (the second biggest city of the state) is the edge of the dry and
shifting desert land from where on the not so arid but cultivable land starts.
Moreover, the rocky range of Amber, hilly range of Mewar, river basin of Bharatpur
and fertile Aravali range gives the topography of the state a unique look.
Brief History of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period. Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture, which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also speaks of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer).
Rajasthan is home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period. Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture, which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also speaks of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer).
The first Aryan settlement
here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The influence of Jainism and Buddhism,
also spread to this region. It witnessed the rule of the Magadha, Kushanas and
the Guptas, during which it was divided into Mahajanapadas and Janapadas.
Rajasthan formed part of the Mauryan Empire in about 130-150AD and the Guptas
ruled it in the 4th century. From about 640AD the Gujars, Pratiharas, Chauhans,
Gahlots etc established their independent Kingdoms.
Internal rivalry between
the Rajput Kingdoms led to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms,
which resisted the supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule declined
by about 1707AD and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were subdued by the
British who disintegrated many of its areas. After Independence Rajasthan was
organised into a state in 1956.
Districts of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has 32 districts: Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk and Udaipur.
Rajasthan has 32 districts: Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk and Udaipur.
Economy of Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, there are large number of small scale industrial units, which have sprung up all over the state. There are large deposits of zinc and copper and these are being exploited for the development of industries dependant on these metals. It has large deposits of gypsum and lignite and mica. It has a large production of cotton and the textile industries has been coming up in several places in Rajasthan. Among the other private sector industries are cement, ball bearings, sugar, caustic soda and other chemicals.
In Rajasthan, there are large number of small scale industrial units, which have sprung up all over the state. There are large deposits of zinc and copper and these are being exploited for the development of industries dependant on these metals. It has large deposits of gypsum and lignite and mica. It has a large production of cotton and the textile industries has been coming up in several places in Rajasthan. Among the other private sector industries are cement, ball bearings, sugar, caustic soda and other chemicals.
There are mainly two crop
seasons. The major crops sown during the months of June-July and harvested in
Sep-Oct are bajra, Jowar, Pulses, maize and ground nut. Main Rabi crops for
which sowing operations start during Oct-Nov and harvested in March-April include
wheat, barley, pulses, gram and oil seeds. Among oil seeds, rape and mustard is
the most important. Fruits and vegetables are also sown throughout the state
where soil especially suits this type of cultivation. Fruit trees grown include
orange, lemon, pomegranate, guava and mango. The main source of irrigation is
wells and tanks.
Rajasthan Travel Information
Rajasthan is a classic blend of beauty and historicity. Indeed, the State has so much going for it that it's difficult to decide where to start. The very images that it conjures up are steeped in romance and beauty. A line of supercilious camels silhouetted against a magnificent desert sunset. A blur of swirling color as a Rajasthani belle dances to hypnotic music. The handsome, hawk-like face of a Rajput man, fiercely mustachioed, regally turbaned, reflecting an arrogance and power that can be traced several centuries back. It is the unyielding facade of a splendid fort or the delicate kiosks and balconies embellishing a palace wall. The bold, colorful sweep of a phat painting, depicting sword-bearing chieftains going off to battle, rainbow-hued dupattas, ghagras and cholis, twinkling with the light of a hundred tiny glinting mirrors. All of which add to attractions of this wonderland we call-Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is a classic blend of beauty and historicity. Indeed, the State has so much going for it that it's difficult to decide where to start. The very images that it conjures up are steeped in romance and beauty. A line of supercilious camels silhouetted against a magnificent desert sunset. A blur of swirling color as a Rajasthani belle dances to hypnotic music. The handsome, hawk-like face of a Rajput man, fiercely mustachioed, regally turbaned, reflecting an arrogance and power that can be traced several centuries back. It is the unyielding facade of a splendid fort or the delicate kiosks and balconies embellishing a palace wall. The bold, colorful sweep of a phat painting, depicting sword-bearing chieftains going off to battle, rainbow-hued dupattas, ghagras and cholis, twinkling with the light of a hundred tiny glinting mirrors. All of which add to attractions of this wonderland we call-Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is famous for
the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis. Jantar
Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces,
Jaisalmer Havelis are true architectural heritage. Jaipur, the Pink City, is
noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink
hue. There are many destinations i.e. Ajmer, Alwar, Badnore, Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Deeg, Dundlod, Jaipur, Jaisalmer,
Khimsar, Kota, Kumbhalgarh, Mandawa, Mount Abu, Nawalgarh, Pushkar, Ranthambore
Tiger Reserve, Ranakpur, Samode, Sariska National Park, Sambhar Lake, Udaipur,
Dungarpur, Ghanerao, Kanak Valley, Sariska, Sardar Samand and Maharani.
Rivers of Rajasthan
Main Rivers in Rajasthan are Ahar River, Banas River, Berach River, Chambal River, Gambhir River, Ghaggar-Hakra River, Gomati River, Kali Sindh River, Lavanavari, Luni River, Mahi River, Parbati River, Sarasvati River, Sukri and West Banas River,
Main Rivers in Rajasthan are Ahar River, Banas River, Berach River, Chambal River, Gambhir River, Ghaggar-Hakra River, Gomati River, Kali Sindh River, Lavanavari, Luni River, Mahi River, Parbati River, Sarasvati River, Sukri and West Banas River,
Food of Rajasthan
The land of Rajasthan is
broadly divided into the Western desert regions and the Eastern and Southern
parts, which are water rich regions and hence more fertile as far as
agriculture is concerned. Therefore people in these regions have more choices
with agricultural produces in their meals. The meals in this region mainly
revolve around millet being the basic cereal, which grows well in the arid
conditions and cow's milk. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have had
their effect on cooking, to the extent that in some regions milk, buttermilk
and clarified butter have replaced the water in cooking. Due to the conditions
of the desert land the people use either creepers, bushes or any other plant as
vegetables, which the environment has to offer. Other vegetables grown in
plenty are the melons and the cucumbers.
The Rajasthani cuisine is
particularly colorful with the use of spices like yellow turmeric and red
chilli making up for the drab monochromatic landscape of the desert. The bati
was a popular dish used by the Rajputs during battles where the part cooked
batis were buried in spots of the desert to be retrieved in times of long
marches. The hot sand would act like an oven and bake these. They were broken
and eaten with pouring ghee over them. The popular dals in the region are ahar
(tur) dal, moong dal and panchmel
Arts & Culture of Rajasthan
Every region has its very own dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads, which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc. 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, blue potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is also famous for textile, semi-precious stones and Handicraft.
Every region has its very own dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads, which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc. 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, blue potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is also famous for textile, semi-precious stones and Handicraft.
(Pradeep saini)
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