Amer Fort- Jaipur
The Fort's in-house Kali temple popularly referred to as the Shila Devi Temple is shrouded in mystery. The temple is conspicuous by its awesome silver doors and silver lions.
City Palace Jaipur
The city palace was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh and the royal family still uses a section of the palace.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
The Hawa Mahal was designed by renowned architect Lal Chand Usta and is built of red and pink sandstone and is a living testimony of Rajput architectural grandeur.
Jantar Mantar Jaipur
antar Mantar was conceptualised with the primary aimof unraveling the mystery of outer space. In the days of yore, Jantar Mantar served the purpose of carrying out astronomical observations and also inspired and motivated many to become interested in the science of astronomy, at a time when the society at large had become entangled in silly superstition and religious bigotry.
Chittorgarh Fort
The Fort has several Majestic Palaces, each one more beautiful than the other. For instance the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace to name just a few of the palaces that are housed inside the fort all exemplify with the saga of gallantry, courage and heroism of the redoubtable Rajputs.
Fateh Prakash Palace, Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent to it. The road leads through seven gates to the main gate Rampol (meaning Gate of Ram).
Lake Palace, Udaipur
The LakePalace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel.
Luni Fort, Jodhpur
The fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards towers, water, wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The palace was also built with superficial intentions of providing employment to famine stricken farmers. The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace hotel.
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make a visual extravagance.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
This fort and it's palaces were built between 1588-1593 by raja Raj Singh, a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It has a 96 mt long wall, with 37 bastions and 2 entrances. The main entrance of the fort is Suraj pol or sun gate.
Bikaner Fort
The fort's 37 bastions are nicely complimented with a number of palaces, towers, pavilions and temples. There is the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal which is adorned with mirrors and art works.
Jaisalmer Fort
The fort has 99 towers some of which possess cannons even today. In the Chauhata Square the majestic palaces of Maharawals are located. To reach the palace, one has to climb a flight of steps.
Mehrangarh Fort
The majestic MehrangarhFort is one of India's largest forts and located in the picturesque city of Jodhpur.
Today's Rajasthan
Modern Period (1707 - 1947)
The demise of Aurangzeb marked the end of the Mughal Dominion around 1707 and the Marathas headed by Shivaji, gained supremacy in Northern India including Rajasthan. In 1775 they captured Ajmer.
However the British colonial power put an end to the Maratha ascendancy in the late 17th century and established their suzerainty in the state of Rajasthan and other parts of India. In 1817-18 the British Raj resolved treaties of alliance with most of the states of Rajputana (currently known as Rajasthan).
The Rajput rulers were allowed to maintain their prestige and positions but the original powers were transferred into the hands of the British; in fact the Rajput Rajas became mere puppets in the hands of the British rulers.
However over-dominance of the British colonial powers led to discontentment and discord and this resulted in the sepoy mutiny and the great revolt of 1857 wherein the political powers of the East India Company was transferred to the British Crown.
Emergence of the state of Rajasthan- The Rajputana State of Rajasthan consisted of nineteen princely states and at the time of Indian Independence which was later united into a single whole following a prolonged process of integration.
At first in 17th March, 1948, the south-eastern and the southern states of Rajputana and Mewar merged together to form the United State of Rajasthan.
At that time Udaipur became the capital of the state and the Maharaja or the chieftain of Udaipur was conferred upon the title of Rajpramukh (head of state) and the Manikya Lal Varma became the prime minister of the new state.
Then in 1949, the kingdoms of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur signed the Instrument of Accession and united with the state of Rajasthan and the Maharaja of Jaipur - Man Singh II became the Rajpramukh. Later the state of Matsya consisting of Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli and Dholpur was integrated with Rajasthan.
In 1stNovember, 1956, finally the entire state of present day Rajasthan came into existence with the amalgamation of Ajmer-Merwara, Abu Rd and a portion of Dilwara. It became the largest state in geographical expanse.
Constitutionally, the chieftains or princes of the kingdoms of Rajasthan were granted adequate remuneration known as privy purses to fulfill their financial obligations. Some of the most eminent states of Rajasthan that enjoyed the privilege of privy purses were- Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Tonk, Dholpur, Jaisalmer and Nimrana .However in 1970, the prominent political personality put an end to this practice.
Currently, including the new district of Karauli, there are 32 districts, 105 sub-divisions, 37889 villages, 241 tehsils and 222 towns in Rajasthan.
Overall Rajasthan is a vibrant state where tradition and history blend with contemporary life styles. People are proud of their heritage and yet open to change western values.
The demise of Aurangzeb marked the end of the Mughal Dominion around 1707 and the Marathas headed by Shivaji, gained supremacy in Northern India including Rajasthan. In 1775 they captured Ajmer.
However the British colonial power put an end to the Maratha ascendancy in the late 17th century and established their suzerainty in the state of Rajasthan and other parts of India. In 1817-18 the British Raj resolved treaties of alliance with most of the states of Rajputana (currently known as Rajasthan).
The Rajput rulers were allowed to maintain their prestige and positions but the original powers were transferred into the hands of the British; in fact the Rajput Rajas became mere puppets in the hands of the British rulers.
However over-dominance of the British colonial powers led to discontentment and discord and this resulted in the sepoy mutiny and the great revolt of 1857 wherein the political powers of the East India Company was transferred to the British Crown.
Emergence of the state of Rajasthan- The Rajputana State of Rajasthan consisted of nineteen princely states and at the time of Indian Independence which was later united into a single whole following a prolonged process of integration.
At first in 17th March, 1948, the south-eastern and the southern states of Rajputana and Mewar merged together to form the United State of Rajasthan.
At that time Udaipur became the capital of the state and the Maharaja or the chieftain of Udaipur was conferred upon the title of Rajpramukh (head of state) and the Manikya Lal Varma became the prime minister of the new state.
Then in 1949, the kingdoms of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur signed the Instrument of Accession and united with the state of Rajasthan and the Maharaja of Jaipur - Man Singh II became the Rajpramukh. Later the state of Matsya consisting of Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli and Dholpur was integrated with Rajasthan.
In 1stNovember, 1956, finally the entire state of present day Rajasthan came into existence with the amalgamation of Ajmer-Merwara, Abu Rd and a portion of Dilwara. It became the largest state in geographical expanse.
Constitutionally, the chieftains or princes of the kingdoms of Rajasthan were granted adequate remuneration known as privy purses to fulfill their financial obligations. Some of the most eminent states of Rajasthan that enjoyed the privilege of privy purses were- Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Tonk, Dholpur, Jaisalmer and Nimrana .However in 1970, the prominent political personality put an end to this practice.
Currently, including the new district of Karauli, there are 32 districts, 105 sub-divisions, 37889 villages, 241 tehsils and 222 towns in Rajasthan.
Overall Rajasthan is a vibrant state where tradition and history blend with contemporary life styles. People are proud of their heritage and yet open to change western values.
Weather of Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan located in the western part of India has varying climate like its varying topography. The rocky Aravali, the western arid plains, the eastern fertile plains experiences different climatic conditions. The weather or climate of the Rajasthan can be broadly classified into four districts seasons.
They are -
1. Pre-monsoon
2. Monsoon
3. Post-monsoon
4. Winter
1. Pre-monsoon - This season is the most parched and sultry season of the year. It is actually the hot season that precedes the monsoon and extends from April to June. The temperature ranges from 32 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius. The desert in the west and the north west of the Aravali region becomes drier due to the scorching heat of the sun and the highest temperature is recorded about 45-48 degree Celsius during May and June. The sole hill station of the state - Mount Abu records the lowest temperature. In the arid regions however temperature falls steeply at night. Heavy winds blow from the western boundary and bring dust storms are known as Andhi.
2. Monsoon- The monsoon brings relief to the sultry and sun-baked terrain of Rajasthan during the month of June in the eastern region and mid- July in the western arid regions. The temperature drops from 40 to 35 degree. With the fall in temperature, humidity increases. The state receives maximum rainfall during this period. There is a second phase of monsoon that continues from July to September.
3. Post-Monsoon- This season is followed by the monsoon that commences from mid-September and continues till November. This season is once again characterized by heat and the average maximum temperature varies from 33 degrees C. to 38 degrees C. The average minimum temperature is between 18 degrees C and 20 degrees C.
4. Winter-The season with most favorable conditions is winter. In fact it is the beat time for the visiting Rajasthan. The glorious beauty of Rajasthan can only be experienced during this season. Winter in Rajasthan extends from December to March and January is the coldest month of the year. Temperature varies throughout the state and the lowest temperature recorded is 0 degree C especially in the Churu (city). There is slight rainfall in the north and north eastern region of the state. During this period, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning and 25% to 35%during noon time. On the average basis, winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F).
Average rainfall- The Average rainfall varies throughout the state. The western part that consists of the desert receives an annual rainfall of 100 mm (about 4 inches) .The South Eastern part of Rajasthan receives annually 650 mm (26 inches). The state receives a maximum rainfall during the monsoon season during the months of July to September.
The average temperature experienced by the state is-
Months
January to March
April to June
July to September
October to December
Temperature
5oC - 25oC
35oC - 45oC
30oC - 40oC
20oC - 30oC
They are -
1. Pre-monsoon
2. Monsoon
3. Post-monsoon
4. Winter
1. Pre-monsoon - This season is the most parched and sultry season of the year. It is actually the hot season that precedes the monsoon and extends from April to June. The temperature ranges from 32 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius. The desert in the west and the north west of the Aravali region becomes drier due to the scorching heat of the sun and the highest temperature is recorded about 45-48 degree Celsius during May and June. The sole hill station of the state - Mount Abu records the lowest temperature. In the arid regions however temperature falls steeply at night. Heavy winds blow from the western boundary and bring dust storms are known as Andhi.
2. Monsoon- The monsoon brings relief to the sultry and sun-baked terrain of Rajasthan during the month of June in the eastern region and mid- July in the western arid regions. The temperature drops from 40 to 35 degree. With the fall in temperature, humidity increases. The state receives maximum rainfall during this period. There is a second phase of monsoon that continues from July to September.
3. Post-Monsoon- This season is followed by the monsoon that commences from mid-September and continues till November. This season is once again characterized by heat and the average maximum temperature varies from 33 degrees C. to 38 degrees C. The average minimum temperature is between 18 degrees C and 20 degrees C.
4. Winter-The season with most favorable conditions is winter. In fact it is the beat time for the visiting Rajasthan. The glorious beauty of Rajasthan can only be experienced during this season. Winter in Rajasthan extends from December to March and January is the coldest month of the year. Temperature varies throughout the state and the lowest temperature recorded is 0 degree C especially in the Churu (city). There is slight rainfall in the north and north eastern region of the state. During this period, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning and 25% to 35%during noon time. On the average basis, winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F).
Average rainfall- The Average rainfall varies throughout the state. The western part that consists of the desert receives an annual rainfall of 100 mm (about 4 inches) .The South Eastern part of Rajasthan receives annually 650 mm (26 inches). The state receives a maximum rainfall during the monsoon season during the months of July to September.
The average temperature experienced by the state is-
Months
January to March
April to June
July to September
October to December
Temperature
5oC - 25oC
35oC - 45oC
30oC - 40oC
20oC - 30oC
Language used in Rajasthan
As the state of Rajasthan was found by merging the princely states, it has many dialects. The four main dialects are Marwari (in western Rajasthan), Jaipuri or Dhundhari (in the east and southeast), Malvi (Malwi; in the southeast), and, in Alwar, Mewati is spoken, which shades off into Braj Bhasa in Bharatpur district.
The main language written and spoken is Hindi.English is also commonly understood, except at the grass root levels. However, tourist guides and translators are also available in French, Spanish, German and Japanese.
The main language written and spoken is Hindi.English is also commonly understood, except at the grass root levels. However, tourist guides and translators are also available in French, Spanish, German and Japanese.
History of Rajasthan
History of Rajasthan- The history of the Indian state of Rajasthan is about 5000 years old and the mythological origin of this gigantic land is related to the famous myth of Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The history of Rajasthan can be classified into three parts owing to the different epochs- Ancient, Medieval and Modern. The ancient history of Rajasthan belongs to 1200 AD when Rajasthan was a part of different dynasties including the glorious Mauryan Empire in around (321-184 BC). The Dundhmer region was the first Aryan settlement and the first inhabitants of this area were the Bhil and the Mina. The earliest Rajput dynasty that emerged around 700 AD was the Gurjara Partiharas and since then Rajasthan was cited as Rajputana (the land of the Rajputs). During the eighth - twelfth century AD, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties. The armed conflicts and the struggle for supremacy among the Parmars, Chalukyas, and Chauhans around 1000-1200 AD resulted in a lot of bloodshed.
In this medieval era around 1200 AD, the major regions of Rajasthan such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor came under the Mughal hegemony headed by the Mughal ruler- Akbar. The most famous Rajput warriors who represented the vigor and valiance of the Rajput dynasty and whose tales of chivalry are still imprinted in the sands of Rajasthan were Rana Uday Singh, his son Rana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan and others.
With the end of the Mughal regime in 1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in 1775. The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the British suzerainty in 1817-18. In 1stNovember, 1956 the state of present day Rajasthan came into existence after the amalgamation of the princely states.
In this medieval era around 1200 AD, the major regions of Rajasthan such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor came under the Mughal hegemony headed by the Mughal ruler- Akbar. The most famous Rajput warriors who represented the vigor and valiance of the Rajput dynasty and whose tales of chivalry are still imprinted in the sands of Rajasthan were Rana Uday Singh, his son Rana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan and others.
With the end of the Mughal regime in 1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in 1775. The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the British suzerainty in 1817-18. In 1stNovember, 1956 the state of present day Rajasthan came into existence after the amalgamation of the princely states.
Rajasthan Geography
Geography of Rajasthan- Rajasthan, lying between 23º30´ and 30º11’North latitudes and 69º 29’ and 78 º 17’ East longitudes at the northwestern part of India is one of the biggest states in the country. The state shares its north-western and western boundary with the Indo-Pakistan international border that extends about 1,070 km and touches the major districts Barmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan is edged by Pakistan in the west and northwest, the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the north and northeast. The state of Madhya Pradesh lies in the southeast and Gujrat in the southwest. The Tropic of Cancer passes across the southern point of the state in the Banswara district. The capital city of Rajasthan is Jaipur.
Rajasthan has an area of 3, 42,239sq.km comprising of the 11% of the total geographical area of India. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions .A massive portion of the state of Rajasthan( about 70% of total landmass) is desiccated and encloses the biggest Indian desert- the Thar Desert known as the 'Maru-kantar'. This desert region embraces the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
The oldest chain of fold mountains- the Aravali Range spearheads the state into two geographical zones. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state which houses the loftiest summit of the Aravali ranges- Guru Shikhar Peak.
The soil and vegetation of Rajasthan alters with its wide-ranging topography of the state and the availability of water. Rajasthan soils are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous), Clay, loamy and black lava and so on. Only 9.36% of the total geographical region lies under forest vegetation. The flora and fauna are particularly endemic to the arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry, waterless regions of the “Desert State of India”. The wildlife consists of 23 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes, various species of the deer family and450 species of avifauna.
Rajasthan experiences extreme climate or weather and consists of four distinct seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and winter.The average temperature in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer the average temperature range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F) making the region parched and draught-prone.
Rajasthan has an area of 3, 42,239sq.km comprising of the 11% of the total geographical area of India. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions .A massive portion of the state of Rajasthan( about 70% of total landmass) is desiccated and encloses the biggest Indian desert- the Thar Desert known as the 'Maru-kantar'. This desert region embraces the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
The oldest chain of fold mountains- the Aravali Range spearheads the state into two geographical zones. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state which houses the loftiest summit of the Aravali ranges- Guru Shikhar Peak.
The soil and vegetation of Rajasthan alters with its wide-ranging topography of the state and the availability of water. Rajasthan soils are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous), Clay, loamy and black lava and so on. Only 9.36% of the total geographical region lies under forest vegetation. The flora and fauna are particularly endemic to the arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry, waterless regions of the “Desert State of India”. The wildlife consists of 23 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes, various species of the deer family and450 species of avifauna.
Rajasthan experiences extreme climate or weather and consists of four distinct seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and winter.The average temperature in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer the average temperature range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F) making the region parched and draught-prone.
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