|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
History | Culture | Religion | Art & Crafts | Shopping | Folk Music & Dance | Rajasthani Cuisine | Climate | Rajasthan Forts | Rajasthan Tribals | Desert Safari | Travelling Around Rajasthan
Rajasthan's
medieval history is as rich in tales of vaour and chivalry as it is in folklore.
Deeply religious, the people built, besides their fortifications and their palaces,
splendid temples, elaborate wells, handsome mansions, and memorials to their dead.
While the kingdom celebrated their victories, their defeats were cataclysmic,
the warriors went to battlefield to kill or be killed, and when they lost, their
womenfolk underwent the elaborate if slightly macabre act of jauhar or voluntary
acceptance of death by jumping in a ritual fire-pit. With the defeat of Mughals,
the British came to terms with each Rajput ruler. With India becoming and independent
nation, Rajasthan came in to being by the union of 22 princely states and the
integration of the former State of Ajmer.
The typical village has always been difficult to spot till one is actually upon it. Its simplest hamlets, the most basic form of civilisation with a way of life that has probably remained unchanged since centuries, consists of a collection of huts that are circular, and have thatched roofs. The walls are covered with a plaster of clay, cow dung, and hay making a termite free ( antiseptic ) façade that blends in with the sand of the countryside around it. Boundaries for houses and land holdings called baras, are made of the dry branches of a nettle like shrub, the long sharp thorns a deterrent for straying cattle.
Religion has always played a very important role in the lives of Indian people right from medieval time. Numerous religions practised by Indians can sometimes bewilder the visitor but a general understanding and tolerance has always existed and accounted for the wonderful cultural unity that has kept the Indian spirit alive. What is true for the rest of India is true for Rajasthan as well. Almost all the major religions are represented here. Apart from the Hindus, who from a majority, there are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains. HINDUISM : With its roots going beyond 1000 BC, Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and there is a belief that we all go through a series of reincrnations and our rebirths are determined by our karmas, until we attain moksha. The central figure is the Hindu Trinity of Brahma the Creater , Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Vishnu the preserver is belived to have come to earth in ten incarnations - the popular ones being Rama and Krishna, the heroes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These are the two major sources of Hindu belief and obeservance and are based on historical legends, myths and folklore. Of equal importance to Hindus are the Vedas, the oldest written religious texts in the world , the Upanishads and the Puranas. These form the basis of the Hindu religion. Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklore. Custom which had to do with social welfare was promoted and kept alive over the years in the form of rituals and it still religiously followed. Several folk heroes are worshipped and one can see hundreds of simple shrines in every village. Stones are painted and established in tiny temples under trees and near wells. All forms of nature are worshipped and each area has its own local deity. Some of the major temples and important religious centres like Pushkar , Nathdwara, Deshnok, Amber exist in this state. JAINISM : Founded by Lord Rishabh and recorganised by Lord Mahaveer ( Born in 599 B.C.) it is one of the oldest living religions of the world. The foundamental Principles of Jainism are Ahinsa, Aparigraha, Anekant and the law of Karma. The Jains have built some of the most exauisite temples in Ranakpur, Mount Abu, Shri Mahaveerji, Osian, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, and other parts of Rajasthan. ISLAM : The largest minority in India, Muslims are followers of the prophet Mohammad who was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 AD. The world's greatest Sufi Shrine that of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti - lies in Ajmer. Another pilgrimage centre is the Atrki Dragah, the tomb of Himiuddin Nagori at Nagaur. The followers of these religions and the rulers, over the period, were instrumental in constructing a number of very important temples, mosques, churches which were built in different parts of the state. Some of the most exquisite carvings on marble, stone and wood were created by the believers and exist to this day as a living proof of the creative genius which continues to fascinate by its sheer brilliance. Other than the structures themselves, the very surroundings of these holy places can give the visitor a sense of peace and calm. There is also a large majority of Sikhs and Christians who have merged with other communities to give Rajasthan a cosmopolitan flavour.
The climate of Rajasthan can be neatly divided into four seasons: Pre- Monsoon, Monsoon, Post Monsoon, and Winter. Pre Monsoon, which extends from April to June, is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32° to 45°C. There is little relief from the scorching onslaught of the heat, particularly in the arid zone to the west and north west of the Aravalli Range, where temperatures often climb above 45° C. particularly in May and June. Mount Abu registers the lowest temperatures at this time. In the desert regions, the the temperature plummets as night falls. Prevailing winds are from the west and sometimes carry dust storms (known locally as and his). The only compensation is that the winds are usually accompanied by a slight reduction in temperatures, and sometimes by light showers. The Monsoon is a welcome arrival in late june in the eastern and south estern regions of the state, finally falling in mid July in the desert zones. It is preceded by dust and thunderstorms. Unless the rains are in substantial , the monsoon is accompanied by a decrease in temperatures, with average maximum temperatures of between 29.5° C to 32.2°C in the south and south east of Rajasthan and an average of above 37°C in the north and north western regions. Over 90% of Rajasthan's precipitation occurs during the monsoon period, and humidity is greatest at this time, particularly in August, although the humidity is less evident in the desert zone. The third season is the Post Monsoon. The monsoon has generally passed over the entire state by mid September. It is followed by a second hot season, with relatively uniform temperatures registered across the state. In October , the average maximum temperature is 33°C to 38° C and the minimum is between 18°C and 20° C. The forth season - of most interest to visitors is the Winter or Cold season, from December to March. There is a marked variation in maximum and minimum temperature, and regional variations across the state. January is the collest month of the year. Average temperatures at the following centers are as follows (minimums in brackets). Bikaner 22°C (9°), Jaipur 22.8° C (9°), Ajmer 22.8° (7.7°C), Jodhpur 24.4°C (9°C) and Kota 25°C (10.5°C). There is slight precipitation in the north and north -eastern regions of the state, and light winds , predominantly from the north and north-east . At this time, relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% in the morning and 25% to 35% in the afternoon. There is a wide variation in the distribution of rainfall across the state, with a reduction in the volume of rain as you proceed further west. In the south - east , over 1500mm can be expected, with most rain ( about 90% of the annual rainfall)) falling during the monsoon period ( mid -June to mid -September ). And an average of 55 days of rain. At the western extremity of Rajasthan, less than 100 mm may be registered in any one year, and rainfall is received on an average of only 15 days in the year.
CAMEL SAFARI
BY AIR Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan is well connected by air with Delhi and Mumbai and other major cities. Besides Jaipur other Rajasthan cities like Jodhpur and Udaipur are also connected by air with each other and other important Indian cities. BY TRAIN Travelling by train in Rajasthan used to be a slow process because much of the track was metre gauge and narrower than the broad gauge used the rest of the country. But now, as part of the national 'uni gauge' drive, some of the lines have now been covered and rest are expected to be upgraded in near future. Delhi-Jaipur is covered by Shatabdi Express (one of the fast trains in India). Other trains like the Intercity (Jodhpur-Delhi), Super Fast Express (Jammu-Delhi-Jaipur), Super Fast Express (Jaipur-Mumbai), Chetak Express (Delhi-Chittaurgarh), Mandore Express (Delhi-Jodhpur) and other trains connect the state to other major cities. BY ROAD The best way to travel around Rajasthan is to hire a chauffeur driven car as this way you not only travel in comfort but also get an opportunity to have a glimpse of rural life and villages. You will also be pleasantly surprised to know the cost of the car rental, which in most probability will be much lower than you would expect. We have a very large fleet of latest model cars, vans and coaches with English speaking, reliable and experienced drivers, who are well familiar with all places of interest in and around Rajasthan. We also have associate offices in all major towns to help you in case of any problem of whatever nature. We can offer you cars with unlimited mileage inclusive of driver, fuel, insurance and all taxes. It is truly all-inclusive and you don't have to pay even a penny more and there is no hidden cost. If you have an idea of your itinerary (the places which you would like to visit), then you can send us details of this and we can work out a special price as per your requirement. | ||||||
|
Contact
us for
|
Our
Contact Address
|
Our
Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
Designed
By : Webej Communications
|
||
The
earlier inhabitants of Rajasthan were part of an urban civilization that arose
4500 years ago. Recent excavations of the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization
reveal that the settlement penentrated deep into the heart of the desert. After
Indus valley civilization declined, other civilizations arose in other parts of
the world, and with them developed a sophisticated network of trade that linked
different continents. During that period, Europe was linked to Asia along a trade
route that traversed West Asia and journeyed through the desert to rich plains
of Hindustan (India) and beyond to China. These carvans attracted supporting commercial
services, and the sarais of the desert soon became settlements. The invaders followed
and then came the settlers who, in return for the protection they provided these
caravans, levied a tax on the goods they carried though their territory and thus
began transformation of the desert. Then came the Rajputs, part of the Kshatriya
clan of warriors who had once held much of Hindustan (India) under them. Broadly
Rajasthan was "Hindu", divided into seven areas with powerful principalities,
constantly involved in internecine warfare. These areas were Mewar of Udaipur
; Marwar of Jodhpur ; Bikaner and Kishangarh ; Kota and Bundi, also called Haratoi
; Amber or Jaipur ; Jaisalmer ; and finally the Thar Desert Stretching to the
river Indus, now in Pakistan. After the defeat of their legendry king Prthiviraj
Chuahan of Ajmer by Mahmud Ghori, the Rajput princes found it expedient to make
peace with the Mughal Emperors with exception of a few patiotic Rajputs who refused
to accept the suzerainty of the Mughals. Maharana Partap Singh of Chittaur (Mewar)
fought the mighty Mughal Emperor Akbar to his dying day. 
For
what is referred to as a desert, Rajasthan is amazingly populated. Its landscape
scattered with a number of villages and hamlets, telltale signs of tree graves
and populations of cattle being the only indication that there is such a settlement
in close proximity. 
If
a hamlet looks bleak, it is hardly surprising the resources for building these
homes, which are the most eco friendly living unit, are made with what is available
at hand and in Rajasthan and particularly so in its western desert regions, this
can mean precious little. A village that is even a little larger may have pucca
houses, or larger living units, usually belonging to the village zamindar family.
Consisting of courtyards, and a lorge nora or cattle enclosure, attached to one
side or at the entrance, these are made of a mixture of sunbanked clay bricks
covered with a plaster of lime. Floors are made with a mixture of pounded lime,
limestone pebbles and water. 
Rajasthan
is among the richest states in the country as far as arts and craft are concerned.
Artisans and craftsmen tracing their lineage to persons associated with royalty
of yore give brilliant forms to stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac, glass,
brass, silver, gold and textiles. The decorations of dwellings and other household
objects was but one aspect of the creative genius of the Rajasthanis. These wall
paintings cover every conceivable subject - from religious work to erotic texts,
from court scenes to religious festivals. The Shekhawati region is world renowned
for its frescoes and the region has earned the epitaph of ' Open Air Art Gallery'.
The distinctive style of miniature paintings in Rajasthan were being made since
early 16th Century under the royal patronage. The paintings play an important
role in perpetuating historical and cultural information by expressing themselves
on cloth. The 'Pichwai' is a cloth hanging placed in the temples of Vaishnav sect.
These pichwais depicting the various moods, seasons and festivals, are changed
according to the season. 'Phads' also are traditional paintings done by bhopas
- traditional singers of the deeds of legendary heroes. From the 16th century
onwards there flourished different schools of painting like the Mewar, the Bundi
- Kota kalam, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kishangarh and Marwar Schools. Rajasthan textiles
come in a range of hand - block prints, tie and dye and embroidered fabrics. The
Kota Doria sarees are known for there super light weight and prints. The Sanganer
and Bagru are known for their hand - block prints. Barmer for the Ajrak Prints.
Nathwada excels in wraps, quilt covers etc. the art of tie and dye or 'bandhani'
is world renowned for its great artistic style, intricate designs and patterns.
The best bandhani work comes from Jodhpur and Sikar. 
The
people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. After hard work in the harsh desert
sun and the rocky terrain whenever they can take time off they let themselves
go in gay abandon. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet
shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthani
into a fun-loving and carefree individual. The folk musical instruments are quite
simple but unusual. The singing communities like Mirasis, Dhadis, Langas, Manganiyars,
Kalbelias (snake charmers), Jogis, Sargads, Kamads, Nayaks or Thoris and the Bhawaris
are today known world over. In temples of vaishnav sect ' Haveli Sangeet' is very
much alive. Classical music also has a long tradition in Rajasthan. Many gharana
(school of music) flourished with royal patronage. The ''rupad''style of music
is a contribution of the Rajasthan singers. The melodious ' Maand' Raga is originally
a folk tune from Jodhpur. Among the folk dances of Rajasthan, 'Ghoomar' and 'Gair'
is to be accorded a special place. Both the dances are a circular dance, Ghoomar
exclusively for women and performed without sticks, the Gair on the other hand
is performed exclusively by men and with the sticks. There are other folk dances
like Geendar and Chang dance of Shekhawati, Bam or Rasiyadance, the Chari dance,
the Dhol dance of Jalore, the Terahtali, the Bhawai and kachhi Ghodi are the enchanting
dances of some of the social groups. 
In
Rajasthan food is very serious business and raised to the level of an art form.
Cooking here has its own flavour and the simplest, the most basic of ingredients
go into the preparation of most dishes. Rajasthani cooking was influenced by the
war - like lifestyle of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in
this region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without
heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh
green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking. In the desert belt
of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use the minimum of water and prefer, instead,
to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. Dried lentils, beans from indigenous
plants like sangri, ker, etc are liberally used. Gram flour us a major ingredient
here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi,
powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad. Bajra and corn is used all over
the state for preparations of rabdi, kheechdi, and rotis. Various chutneys are
made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.
Perhaps the best known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma
but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety
available. Besides spicey flavours, each region is distinguished by its popular
sweet - Ladoos from Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Malpuas from Pushkar, Jalebies from
most big cities, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Dil Jani from Udaipur, Mishri Mawa and
Ghevar from Jaipur, Sohan Halwa from Ajmer, Mawa from Alwar. 
There
can be no better way of experiencing life in the desert than through a journey
into its hinterland on camel back. A camel is not the easiest animal on which
to ride, but then the option, of walking in the sand, is even tougher one. The
rocking motion of the camel takes some time for getting used to. At first the
time seems to pass very slowly and one is not very comfortable with camel's movement
(forward-backward-forward-backward….), and the unchanging panorama of sheets and
waves of sand with a little scrub. After a while, the body adjusts to the motion,
and starts to move along with the camel, so that it is no longer uncomfortable.
A sense of great tranquility begins to sleep in: this is the primordial world,
away from cell phones and civilizations, as most people know it, the beginning
of time, of mankind. Camel safaris can range from just a day to several days,
and you can choose an options that best meets your needs and schedule. To give
you an idea, most safaris can traverse a distance of 30-40 kms a day. Best camel
safari points are the desert region that includes the entire Shekhawati belt,
Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and around Pushkar and Nagaur. Camel safari is only
recommended in winter season. 
JEEP
SAFARI 
State
Express