SCORPION

Rajasthan has been the house of royalty in India. Also called the Land Of Princes Rajasthan is a perfect destination to witness the magnificent lives the Maharajas of Rajputana must have led. The history of Rajasthan dates back to as early as the times of man’s first communal life.

The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's first and oldest civilizations, was located in part of what is now Rajasthan. Rajasthan was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization. The history of Rajasthan is filled with numerous legends of heroic acts of the Rajput Kings who began to rule Rajasthan from as early as 9th century AD. Traditionally the Rajputs, Naths, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Gujars, Meenas and some other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties to protect their culture and the land. Millions of them were martyred for this land but left their significance behind in terms of the plethora of destinations that one can savor here.

In terms of geography, it is famous for having one of the oldest mountain ranges in India called the Aravallis cradles the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, and its world-famous Dilwara Temples, a sacred pilgrimage for Jains.  And the sun kissed Thar Dessert which has an edge parallel to the Sutlej Indus river valley.

The cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Amber are all living examples of the royalty that once resided in Rajasthan. The Forts, Palaces and Havellis in these Cities are all testimony to this. The Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner, City Palace of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort keeps the traveler or tourist mesmerized by their beauty. The chivalrous Kings of Rajputana Prithviraj Chauhan and Maharana Pratap of Mewar fought many wars to save the honor of their land, people and traditions. The State of Rajasthan was formed at the time of Independence of India when the Rajputana's 18 Princely States, two chieftain and one British administered province were merged. The main languages spoken in Rajasthan are Rajasthani and Hindi and chiefly four dialects Jaipuri, Mewati, Malwi and Braj Bhasa.

Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is rich and varied folk culture from villages which is often depicted symbolic of the state. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds.

The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds and love stories; and religious or devotional songs often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc are also a major cultural entity.

The State of Rajasthan apart from its heritage status is famous for its Wildlife Reserves and Religious pilgrimages. Though a large percentage of the total area is desert, and even though there is little forest cover, Rajasthan has a rich and varied flora and fauna. The natural vegetation is classed as Northern Desert Thorn Forest. These occur in small clumps scattered in a more or less open forms. Density and size of patches increase from west to east following the increase in rainfall. Some of the rare species of animals like Chinkara, Blackbuck, Great Indian Bustard and several migratory birds are found exclusively in Rajasthan. Sariska, Bharatpur Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Tal Chappar Sanctuary are one of the few places in Rajasthan where the rich and diverse Flora and fauna of Rajasthan can be viewed.

Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery are some of the things commonly found here. Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise, with beautiful goods found at low prices. Reflecting the colorful Rajasthani culture, Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror-work and embroidery. A Rajasthani traditional dress for females comprises an ankle length skirt and a short top. A piece of cloth is used to cover the head, both for protection from heat and maintenance of modesty. It is a wonderful fusion of both the Hindu and Muslim traditional wears. One may wonder as to how warm the ladies might be feeling on a hot day where temperatures can soar to as high as 45 degree Celsius. Rajasthani dresses are usually designed in bright colors like blue, yellow and orange.

One could call Rajasthan as the cultural capital of India. Its rich diverse culture seen in the forms of numerous attractions and destinations is a must visit place for one at least once in their lives. For the camera here never stops clicking. Moving through the vast expanse of the Great Indian Desert on a camel gives you a true taste in to the lifestyle of the people. Rajasthan is a visual treat for its vibrant and colorful lifestyle, something that will keep the traveler rapt with attention an experience he will cherish for the lifetime.

Ritu Naiya