Rajasthan's Invitation
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About Rajasthan
History of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together.
Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and
women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels,
elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there
in abundance.
But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect
to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape
from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether
it is a local fair or breathtaking view.
The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another,
and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing
natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.
The history of Rajasthan goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich
as its landscape, from the grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and
camel safaris to trekking. Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need
to check into one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will
make it possible for them to be treated like royal guests.
Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities with a fast-moving westernised
lifestyle, or exploring historic towns or quaint villages, you will always find
the people warm and friendly. And if you want to move away from the regular
tourist beat, it is very easy to organise your own tour.
Accommodation could be a palace hotel, a smaller heritage hotel in the country,
a guesthouse, a tent or a village hut- the choice is yours. But whatever you
choose, you holiday in Rajasthan will be an unforgettable experience and we
hope this publication will help you make the most of your time here. Rajasthan
has a superb range of shops, catering to every taste and pocket.
It is among the richest states in the country as far as handicrafts are concerned.
The craftsmen here have been creating the most opulent and richest of treasure.
Stone, clay, leather, wood ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles
are given the most brilliant forms.
Each little village had its own mohulla of craftsmen who were patronised by
the local people as well as visitors to the village. Today, the Government encourages
the local handicrafts as well as the small-scale industries and retail outlets
have been set up in the major cities. Tourists can choose from the large variety
on display, and at very reasonable prices.
Culture of Rajasthan
Rajasthan-
the land of royalty is a glittering jewel set in the golden sands of a barren
deserts landscape. The light that reflects off the golden sands engulfs a land
renowned for its vibrant colors, people in bright clothes and beautiful jewelry,
living in cities dotted and dominated by towering forts and palace that rise
from the sands like mirage.
The brightness of its life, the legends of its heroism and romance are all captured
in the vibrant and evocative music of this desert land. There is a richness
and diversity in Rajasthani music which comes from a tradition that is old and
undisturbed, and from a culture that has imbibed the best from its neighboring
states of Sindh, Gujurat, Malwa, Mewar, Haryana and Punjab.
Music which rich evocative heroic plaintive and joyful governs all aspects of
Rajasthani lives. The voices both male and female are strong and powerful. The
numerous songs sang by the women reflect the various feminine moods and strong
family ties that govern their lives, Peepli and Nihalde are songs imploring
the beloved not to leave her or to return to her as soon as he can.
There are songs about the family comparing every member to the numerous ornaments
worn by women. The festivals of gangaur and teej, celebrating marital bliss
and the brief but splendid moonsoon of Rajasthan call for special songs without
which no celebration is complete.
Men and women of Rajasthan sing devotional as well as festive songs. Songs by
the saint-poets like Kabir, Meera and Malookdas are part of the folk repertoire.
They are sung all night during the raatjagas (all night soirees spent singing
devotional songs) which are held as thanks giving to a particular deity. The
resonant singing of the Rajasthani folk is accompanied by music from simple
instruments like the Baara and Algoza, that usally give a beat or a drone to
offset the poetry.
Fairs and festivals bring an even greater riot of colour and music into lives
of these desert people .Holi the festival of colours,brings forth the joyous,lively
rhythms of the change and dhamal songs Marriage ,childbirth ,the visit of the
son-in-law, all call for song and music. Even children have their own special
songs called the saanjhi and the Ghulda. Favorites that are sung at all times
are the Panihari Eendoni, the famous Kurjan Digipuri-ka-raja and the Rasiya
songs of the Braj region.
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