History of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is situated in the North Western part of India and shares geographical boundaries with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in India. It also has a long international boundary with Pakistan. It has a total area of 342,214 sq. km and is the largest state in the country. About 4500 sq. km area of Alwar district of Rajasthan is included in the National Capital Region (NCR). The National Capital Region (NCR) centred around New Delhi, the Indian capital, is being developed in an integrated manner as an industrial growth centre with considerable Central Investment in infrastructural facilities. Seven Industrial Areas in the district of Alwar fall within this region and are 50 - 100 kms from New Delhi
Archaeological and historical evidence shows a continuous human habitation of the area dating back 100,000 years. Between the 7th and the 11th century AD, several dynasties arose, with Rajput strength reaching its peak at the beginning of the 16th c. Emperor Akbar brought the Rajput states into the Mughal empire; by early 19th century, they allied with the Marathas. Later, the British established paramountcy in the region. Raj- asthan soon emerged as a centre of Indian nationalism. When the new constitution went into effect in 1950, Rajput princes surrendered their powers to the Indian Union.
The People
There is majesty in every man of Rajasthan; they are after all the sons of kings. Rajasthan is a harsh, scorched land of savage summer heat but also full of the brightest colours. Countering the barren landscape with vibrant hues in their everyday wear and charming murals painted on their drab sepia-coloured mud homes, for the people, life is one big carnival. Even in the face of sure death. Here are many tales of desperate courage writ. Of men donning saffron robes and riding out to confront the enemy and women folk preferring death to dishonour. Even in everyday life today, the Rajput's sense of honour, family and tradition come foremost.
Culture
Rajasthan has made its contribution to Indian art; there is a rich literary tradition, especially of bardic poetry. Chand Bardai's poem Prithvi Raj Raso or Chand Raisa, the earliest manuscript of which dates to the 12th century, is particularly notable. A popular source of entertainment is the khyal, a dance drama composed in verse with festive, historical, or romantic themes. The typical folk dance of Rajasthan is the ghoomar, which is performed on festive occasions only by women. The geer dance (performed by men and women), the panihari (a graceful dance for women), and the kacchi ghori (in which male dancers ride dummy horses) are also popular.
JAIPUR
Jaipur, popularly known as Pinkcity, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and designed by the brilliant young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. The wide straight bazaars, raastaas (streets), galis (lanes), mohallas and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars are arranged in nine rectangular city sectors called chaukris. Encircled by a formidable wall, Jaipur was the only planned city of its time.
Places of interest are located mainly in the walled city. Places to visit are Amer Palace, Jai garh, Nahar Garh, Galtaji, Sisodiya Rani Ka Bagh, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall (Museaum), Birla Temple.
JODHPUR
Jodhpur, popularly known as Surya Nagari (Sun City). It was the capital of the former princely State of Marwar. Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. Rao Jodha got the Mehrangarh fort built, around this fort grew the city of Jodhpur.
A son of Rao Jodha named Bika founded the state of Bikaner. Jodhpur is primarily dry state.The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes and artistically designed dresses. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and hiplength jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy-tight, horse riding trousers - "Jodhpuris" took their name.
KOTA
The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota. Kota lies along the banks of the Chambal River. The historical palaces and temples are getting surrounded with signs of modern development such as the chemical and other industries that have come up here, as has the Chambal River Valley Project, an irrigation and power project. The city came up in the 12th century A.D, when the Rajput conquests began. Rao Deva founded Bundi as the capital of Kota. Kota was later to become a separate state in the 17th Century.
Places to visit are the Rao Madho Singh Museum, Govt. Museum, City Palace and Fort, Jagmandir, Haveli of Deaji
UDAIPUR
Udaipur is the pearl of India, the entrancing "City of Dawn". The land of the Rajputs, faithful to its glorious history and traditions. Here are lakes that come as a surprise in sandy Rajasthan and forested hills where wildlife still abounds. Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh and was the capital of Mewar State.
Places to visit are City Palace/Museum, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari.The temples of Eklingji, Nathdwara and Ranakpur, the fort of Kumbalgarh and Jaisamand Lake. Further away are the great fort of Chittorgarh, the spectacular temples of Mount Abu and the splendid palaces of Dungarpur.
BIKANER
It was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur. The most famous of all structures in Bikaner is the massive Fort with it's 986 mtrs. long wall, 37 bastions, 2 entrances and exquisite quality of stone-carving seen on the palaces and havelis inside the fort.
Lalgarh Palace , Bhandsagar temple complex, Devikund , camel breeding farm, Gajner, Karni Mata Temple are the places to visit.
ALWAR
Alwar once formed part of Jaipur state.Alwar was a part of 'Matsya Desh', most of it around 1500 BC was included in the territory of Matsya. In 1771 the then ruler of Alwar, Pertab Singh became its first independent ruler and thus became the youngest state in Rajputana. During the 1900's the ruling Maharaja became known throughout princely India for his wicked sense of humour.
In 1931 he visited Buckingham Palace and refused to take off his gloves when shaking hands with the British monarch. In 1933 the Maharaja was deposed and he left for Paris with more than 20 servants, he eventually died in 1937. Bala Quila , Vinay Vilas Mahal , Government Museum, Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park are the places to visit.
