RAJASTHAN- The Desert Paradise

Rajasthan is known for its cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. It was also called Rajputana (the country of the Rajputs). Rajasthan has many tourist attractions and quality tourist facilities. This historical state of India attracts tourists and vacationers with its rich culture, tradition, heritage, and monuments. Apart from this there are many sanctuaries and national parks. The capital of Rajasthan is “the pink city” Jaipur.

HISTORY OF THE STATE –

The state of Rajasthan in India  was the site of the Indus Valley Civilization. In medieval period Prithviraj Chauhan defeated the invading Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191. In 1192 CE, Muhammad Ghori decisively defeated Prithviraj at the Second battle of Tarain. After the defeat of Chauhan in 1192 CE, a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. 

The Rajputs put up resistance to the Islamic invasions with their warfare and chivalry for centuries. The Rana's of Mewar led other kingdoms in its resistance to outside rule. 

But the Mughal Emperor Akbar expanded the empire into Rajputana in the 16th century CE. He laid siege to Chittor and defeated the Kingdom of Mewar in 1568. He also laid siege to Ranthambore and defeated the forces of Surjan Hada in the same year. Akbar married Rajput princess Jodha.

Since the early 1700s, the Maratha Empire began expanding northwards, led by Peshwa Baji Rao I of Pune. This expansion finally brought the newly founded Maratha Empire in contact with the Rajputs. Rajasthan saw many invasions by the Marathas, under military leadership of Holkars and Scindhias.

Most of Rajputana passed under the control of the Maratha Empire and continued to pay tribute to Pune till the British East India Company replaced the Marathas as paramount rulers.

After independence many different provinces were emerged in one state named as Rajasthan. Today there are 33 districts, 105 sub-divisions, 37,889 villages, 241 tehsils and 222 towns in Rajasthan.

 

CONNECTION OF THE STATE

Rajasthan covers an area of 342,239 square kilometres (132,139 sq mi) or 10.4 percent of the total geographical area of India. The largest Indian state by area is Rajasthan and it is seventh largest state  by population.

Rajasthan is located on the north-western part of India, it shares a border with Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west, along the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Apart from this it is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

CLIMATE

There is very hot and dry summer in Rajasthan and cold during the winters. Rainfall and humidity are very low in the state. Some part of Rajasthan in east can be characterized by high humidity and better rainfall. In summers the temperature even rises to 46 degree but the nights at desert are cold.

LOCATION – Rajasthan is one of the must visit places in India & has many tourist places –

·        Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

·        Jaisalmer

·        Bikaner

·        Udaipur

·        Fatehpur

·        Mount abu

·        Pushkar

·        Jodhpur

·        Ranthambore

·        Sariska tiger reserve

·        Keoladeo national park

·        Desert national park

·        Camel rides in thar desert

·        Cattle fair, pushkar

·        Lakes in Udaipur

·        Jain temples

·        Folk dance

·        Desert camping

·        Jal mahal

RIVERS/LAKES –

·        Ramgarh Lake

·        Luni River

·        Chambal River

·        Parbati River

·        Lake Pichola

·        Banas River

FOLK DANCE, SONG, LANGUAGE –

The Ghoomar dance of rajasthan have gained international recognition. Folk music is a large part of the Rajasthani culture. The Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindr, Gair dance, Kachchhi Ghori, and Tejaji are examples of traditional Rajasthani culture.

Folk songs accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, and sarangi are also sung. The state is very rich in its culture and heritage. Folk dance and folk songs of Rajasthan are world famous.

Rajasthani print in clothes, handicrafts, zari in clothes and wooden item, pottery items are also well known. Teez festival of Rajasthan is also very famous.

State is also rich in various food items dal-bhati choorma is one of the traditional Rajasthani dish People do speak Marwari in the state.

EDUCATION :

Education status of Rajsthan has improved a lot with time. Today literacy rate is 61% in the state. Apart from Cbse,Icse there is Rajasthan board of secondary education. Hindi and English are primary language used in education. Kota city is the hub of education for not only Rajasthan but for whole India. Students from whole country take coaching in Kota for medical and engineering entrance exams.