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| About Rajasthan |
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History of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period. Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture, which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also speaks of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer).
The first Aryan settlement here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The influence of Jainism and Buddhism, also spread to this region. It witnessed the rule of the Magadha, Kushanas and the Guptas, during which it was divided into Mahajanapadas and Janapadas. Rajasthan formed part of the Mauryan Empire in about 130-150AD and the Guptas ruled it in the 4th century. From about 640AD the Gujars, Pratiharas, Chauhans, Gahlots etc established their independent Kingdoms.
Internal rivalry between the Rajput Kingdoms led to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms, which resisted the supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule declined by about 1707AD and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were subdued by the British who disintegrated many of its areas. After Independence Rajasthan was organised into a state in 1956. |
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Rajasthan (desert) |
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Jaigarh (Jaipur) |
Art & Culture of Rajasthan
Every region has its very own dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads, which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.
Rajasthan is known for its traditional and colorful art. The block prints, tie and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blue potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is also famous for textile, semi-precious stones and Handicraft. |
Places to See of Rajasthan
Rajasthan India tourism highlights the kaleidoscope images of the princily state which conjures up - from the imposing forts and delicate palaces in Jaipur and Jodhpur, the lake cities of Udaipur and Pushkar, the painted towns of Shekhawati, the sand dunes of Jaisalmer to the national parks of Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Sariska - dazzle tourists from the world over.
Government of Rajasthan
Rajasthan assembly has 200 members. Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress are the main political parties in the state. Vasundhara Raje of Bharatiya Janata Party is the prominent leader and the current Chief Minister of the state. |
Fair & Festival of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has an unending cycle of fairs and festivals throughout the year. They are perhaps the most colourful and spectacular in the whole of India. Rajasthani festivals give an insight to the colourful life style of the Rajasthani people and are mesmerizing with their folk dances, music, drama and animal races. Some of the main Fairs and festivals are Teej, Gangaur and the Pushkar Fair, Desert festival, Elephant Festival and the Camel festival which are now known worldwide. |
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Fair(Rajasthan) |
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Festival ( Rajasthan ) |
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Districts of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has 32 districts: Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk and Udaipur.
Rivers of Rajasthan
Main Rivers in Rajasthan are Ahar River, Banas River, Berach River, Chambal River, Gambhir River, Ghaggar-Hakra River, Gomati River, Kali Sindh River, Lavanavari, Luni River, Mahi River, Parbati River, Sarasvati River, Sukri and West Banas River. |
Food of Rajasthan
The Rajasthani cuisine is particularly colorful with the use of spices like yellow turmeric and red chilli making up for the drab monochromatic landscape of the desert. The bati was a popular dish used by the Rajputs during battles where the part cooked batis were buried in spots of the desert to be retrieved in times of long marches. The hot sand would act like an oven and bake these. They were broken and eaten with pouring ghee over them. The popular dals in the region are ahar (tur) dal, moong dal and panchmel (combinations of 5 dals). |
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Food (Rajasthan) |
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Food ( Rajasthan ) |
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State Symbols
State Tree - Khejari
State Flower - Rohida
State Bird - Godawan or Great Indian Bustard
State Animal - Chinkara (an antelope) |
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