RAJASTHAN

 

 

 

Introduction

Rajasthan ‘Land of Kings’ or ‘Land of Kingdom’ is India’s largest state by area. The state located on northwest part of country and is a home of cultural diversity. Its features include the ruins of Indus Valley Civilization, Temples, Forts and Fortresses in almost every city.

Rajasthan divided into 9 regions; Ajmer State, Hadoti, Dhundhar, Gorwar, Shekhawati, Mewar, Marwar, Vagad and Mewat which are equally rich in its heritage and artistic contribution. These regions have a parallel history which goes along with that of the state.

 

History

Ancient Period, up to 1200 AD

Rajput clans emerged and held their sway over different parts of Rajasthan from about 700 AD. Before that, Rajasthan was a part of several republics. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire. Other major republics that dominated this region include the Malavas, Arjunyas, Yaudhyas, Kushans, Saka Satraps, Guptas and Hunas.

 

The Rajput clans ascendancy in Indian history was during the period from the eighth to the twelfth century AD. The Pratihars ruled Rajasthan and most of northern India during 750-1000 AD. Between 1000-1200 AD, Rajasthan witnessed the struggle for supremacy between Chalukyas, Parmars and Chauhans.

 

Medieval Period, 1201 – 1707

Around 1200 AD a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur and Ajmer. Ranthambore was also under their suzerainty. At the beginning of the 13th century AD, the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan was Mewar.

 

Modern Period, 1707 – 1947

Rajasthan had never been united politically until its domination by Mughal Emperor – Akbar. Akbar created a unified province of Rajasthan. Mughal power started to decline after 1707. The political disintegration of Rajasthan was caused by the dismemberment of the Mughal Empire. The Marathas penetrated Rajasthan upon the decline of the Mughal Empire. In 1755 they occupied Ajmer. The beginning of the 19th Century was marked by the onslaught of the Pindaris.

 

 

Capital	Jaipur
Date of Formation	30th March 1949
Number of Districts	33
State Border	Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
International Border	Pakistan
State Flower	Rohida (Tecomella undulate)
State Bird	Godawan or Great Indian Bustard
State Animal	Camel, Chinkara
State Tree	Khejru (Prosopis Cineraria)
State Dance	Ghoomar
State Game	Basketball
Language	Rajasthani (official language) Bhili, Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, Gujrati (other spoken language)
Stambh	Vijay Stambh, Tazia Tower
Rivers	Luni, Banas, Kali, Sindh, Chambal
Soils	Sandy, Saline, Alkaline, Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Black Lava, Nitrogenous soils
Tribes	Bheel, Garasia, Dhanka

 

Land & Environment

In the west, Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile; this area includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. In the south-western part of the state, the land is wetter, hilly, and more fertile. The climate varies throughout Rajasthan.

 

Flora & Fauna

• The forest vegetation that accounts for 9% in Rajasthan is deciduous and has thorny trees, grasses and shrubs.
• The tree species found are teak, bamboo, varied species of acacia and khejri.
• Some National Parks house numerous species of herbs and plants that have medicinal values.
• The fauna of Rajasthan consists of 23 species of lizards and 25 species of serpents including the Spiny Tail Lizards and the Russel’s Vipers.
• Other wildlife species include Antelopes, Indian Gazelles or Chinkaras, endangered Great Indian Bustard, Black Bucks, the Nilgai or the bluebull, wild cats, silver foxes and so on.
• There are about 450 species of avifauna including various migratory birds.

 

Fairs and Festivals

• Camel Festival, Bikaner

The camel festival is organised by the Department of Tourism in January every year in Bikaner.

• Nagaur Fair, Nagaur

The fair is held every year in January-February in Nagaur, is a trading fair for cattle and camels.

• Mewar Festival, Udaipur

This 18-day festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring and coincides with the festival of Gangaur.

• Gangaur Festival, jaipur

Gangaur is celebrated in the month of chaitra (March-April)

• Kaila Devi Fair, Karauli

The fair is held in March or April in Kaila village in Karauli district

• Mahavir Ji Fair, Karauli

This fair is held at Mahavir Ji between March and April to commemorate Shri Mahavir Swami

• Summer Festival, Mount Abu

The three-day festival is held at Mount Abu in June every year and is a feast of folk and classical music

• Teej Festival, Jaipur

Held during the monsoons in July Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati

• Gogaji Fair

Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area Goga/Jahar Peer

• Kaliteej, Bundi

Teej festival, the celebration of the monsoons (July-August)

• Ramdevra Fair, Jaisalmer

The Ramdevra Fair is held in Ramdevra village in Jaisalmer in August or September

• Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

Held in October in Jodhpur, this annual two-day event attempts to showcase the art and culture of the Jodhpur.

• Dusshera, Kota

Kota Dussehra is quite unique for it is more than just the beginning of a festive period.

• Pushkar Fair, Ajmer

Pushkar fair is held in November in Pushkar, Ajmer

• Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar

This three-day fair is held at Jhalrapatan near Jhalawar either in November or December

• Kolyat Fair, Bikaner

The place is the sacred site where Kapil Muni is supposed to have meditated.

 

Folk Dance and Music

• Ghoomar Dance

Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan and also a State Dance

• Gair dance

Gair is one of the popular, famous and folk dance which is performed by the Bhil community

• Chari Dance

Chari folk dance of Rajasthan belongs to Gujjar community of Kishangarh and only womens perform in this dance.

• Kachhi Ghodi

This dance is performed by men on dummy horses.

• Fire Dance

This is a very difficult dance to perform and is carried out by the Banjara community.

• Terah thali

This folk dance is performed by the Kamada tribes who are traditional snake charmers.

• Kathputlis

It is the old tradition of stories from mythology and legends are told through puppets

• Pabuji Ki Phach

This Performing Art is associated to the life and the gallantry activities of Pabuji

• Maand

It is quiet similar to the Thumri or the Ghazal.

 

Handicrafts

• Textile

Bandhani or Bandhej are two such gorgeous forms that portray the rich culture of Rajasthan.

• Handmade Jewellery

In Jewellery, meenakari is one of the most attractive and popular forms, which are mostly enamelled gold.

• Carpets & Durries

Most of these carpets, which come in stunning designs, are made and knotted by hands.

• Blue Pottery

There are many craftsmen in Jaipur who prepare blue pottery in Rajasthan by using blue, green and white colours.

• Wooden Furniture

Carved wooden furniture of different styles and design are made in different parts of the state with motif

• Rajasthan Quilts

The unique selling point of these Jaipuri quilts or Jaipur rajais is that these are light and soft

• Mojaris/Jutis

These are beautifully embroidered pieces with varied patterns and designs.

• Marble Crafts

This craft produces marble carved wall hangings, sculptures, statues, furniture, flower vases, fireplaces, statues, and so on.

• Ivory

Ivory bangles of Rajasthan is popular crafts of the state.

• Rajasthani Paintings

Rajasthan Paintings including murals, frescoes and miniature paintings are popular crafts of the state.

 

Painting

• Miniature Paintings

The art of Miniature painting was introduced to the land of India by the Mughals

• Gemstone Paintings

In this painting style shades of colour are provided by the semi-precious stones instead of artificial or vegetable

• Phad Paintings

Paintings on cloth portraying the epic lives of the local hero-gods are popularly known as Phad paintings.

• Kajali Paintings

No brushes are used in Kajali painting. The only tools used are hand and cloth.

 

Fort and Palaces

• City Palace, Jaipur

It is a palace complex in Jaipur that houses the famous Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal.

• Amber Fort and Palace, Jaipur

The Amber Fort, more generally known as the Amer Fort, is one of the most popular fort.

• Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

The Jaigarh Fort, located on one of the peaks of the Aravalli range of hills is built about 400 m above the Amber

• Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur.

• Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand

The fort is best known as the birthplace of one of the greatest warriors of India, Maharana Pratap.

• City Palace, Udaipur

City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture.

• Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

The Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India and the grandest fort in the state of Rajasthan.

• Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

The fort is enclosed by high and sturdy walls and encloses several palaces and temples within its complex.

• Golden Fort, Jaisalmer

It is called the Sonar Qila in the local language as it is made of yellow sandstone.

• Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

The Junagarh Fort, originally called the Chintamani Fort.

• Gagron Fort, Jhalawar

Gagron fort was established in 1195 A.D by King Bijaldev of the Parmara Empire.

• Jantar Mantar Observatory, Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the best preserved among all these structures and has been included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

 

Lakes

• Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer

This artificial lake, spread over 13 kms is situated in the Ajmer city

• Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur

Fateh Sagar Lake said to be the pride of the City of Lakes of Udaipur, it is an artificial lake

• Gadsisar Lake, Jaisalmer

The Gadsisar Lake, an artificial waterbody, was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer.

• Jaisamand Lake, Udaipur

Jaisamand lake, famous by the name of Dhebar lake, is the second largest artificial lake in Asia.

• Kaylana Lake, Jodhpur

An artificial water body, is located at distance of 8 kms west of Jodhpur city on the Jaisalmer road.

• Nakki-Lake-Mount-Abu

Nakki Lake truely defines romance in Rajasthan. it is also largest manmade lake at the height of 11,000 meters

• Pichola Lake, Udaipur

Pichola Lake, an artificial lake was developed in 1362 AD.

• Pushkar Lake, Pushkar

The Pushkar Lake is a semi-circular shaped sacred water body, also known as ‘TirthaRaj’.

• Rajsamand Lake, Rajsamand

Rajsamand lake is also famous as ‘Rajsamudra lake’.It is built by Maharana Raj Singh ji in 1660.

• Sambhar Lake, Jaipur

Sambhar Lake also popularly known as “Salt Lake of Rajasthan” as it is a source of large amount of salt production.

• Sardar Samand Lake, Pali

The Sardar Samand Lake was developed by Maharaja Umaid Singh in the year 1933.

 

Religious Places

• Birla Mandir, Jaipur

The temple is situated at the foothill of Moti Dungari Hill

• Jain Temple, Ranakpur

The most remarkable feature about the temple is that it has a beautiful carving made out of a single rock of marble

• Dargah Sarif, Ajmer

It is the maqbara or grave of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinudeen Chisti and attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists

• Akbari Masjid, Jaipur

The Jama Masjid (Mosque) of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur City

• Todgarh Church, Ajmer

Church constructed by Father William Robb in Todgarh, Ajmer

• Shepherd Memorial Church, Udaipur

Hospital Road, Udaipur

• Sun Temple, Jhalawar

It is situated in the heart of Jhalrapatan in Rajasthan, is famous for a shikhara (peak of a temple).

• Shrinathji Temple, Nathadwara

The Holy place of the divinity form of Lord Krishna and is the presiding central deity of the Vaishnava sect

• Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

It is located in the City Palace complex. The temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Lord Krishna).

• Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

Moti Dungri temple is perched on a small hill, and is surrounded by an exotic palace.

• Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu

The Jain Delwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometres from Mount Abu

• Salasar Balaji, Churu

Salasar Dham attracts innumerable Indian worshipers throughout the year.

• Khatushyamji Temple, Sikar

Khatushyamji is located 65 Km. away from Sikar and 80 Km. from Jaipur via Reengus.

 

Wildlife

• Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur

The Keoladeo National Park is one of the richest bird sanctuaries in the world

• Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur

Ranthambore National Park is a treat for every wildlife and nature lover

• Sariska Tiger Reserve, Alwar

Sariska Tiger Reserve has beautiful location and Aravali hills and Kankarwadi Fort makes it more attractive

• Darrah Sanctuary, Kota

This hilly sanctuary with thick forests is worth a visit.

• Tal Chapper Sanctuary,Churu

Famous for “The Black buck”

• Sajjangarh Sanctuary, Udaipur

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 5kms in the West of tourist city Udaipur

• Desert National Park, Jaisalmer

The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna.

• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges – The Aravali.

• Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Rajsamand

Is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan.

• Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

The forested Sanctuary provides rich pastures for a variety of Deer

• Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary boasts of great natural beauty ​and is home to a wide variety of bird and animal life.

• National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

​The sanctuary is also called the ​National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Bhensrodgarh S​anctuary

I​t was established in 1983 and covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous forest.

• Todagarh Sanctuary

Nature loving tourists can view a variety of birds, ​animals, and plant life by way of trekking along nature trails.

• Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

A large number of species like the wildfowl, deer, antelope, chinkara, blackbuck etc. are found here.

• Jaisamand Sanc​tuary

T​he sanctuary is an expanse of dense woodland over a great area of 52 sq km.

• Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary

It ​is located in Shergarh village with varied species available to the nature lovers.

• Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary

It is filled with plenteous trees which include Khair, Salar, Khirni, Ber,Babool and Dhok.

• Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary

It is best known for its eco-tourism which includes Balas and Kundal which are enriched with bio-diversity.

• Jamwa Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary provides recreational activities for tourists that include jungle safaris.

• Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Nahargarh Biological Park of Jaipur is a delight for wildlife lovers.​

• Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

A noticeable wild life protection place in Chittorgarh,is located Bassi on the western boundary of Vindhyachal Ranges.

 

Heritage Properties

• Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur
• Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur
• Bhanwar Niwas, Bikaner
• Brijraj Bhawan Palace, Kota
• Cannaught House, Mount Abu
• Castle Mandawa, Mandawa
• Hotel Diggi Palace, Jaipur
• Bhanwar Vilas Palace
• Kesroli The Hill Fort, Kesroli

 

Facts

• Sambhar Lake is the largest inland saline wetland of India.
• Kalibangan – Indus valley civilization site
• The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in the Banswara district.