Rajasthan is a wonderful land of praiseworthy history and culture. It is a land where the awe-inspiring legends of heroism and romance still resonate from its equally amazing architectures. Rajasthan is a land where historical monuments still stand to tell the tale of the bygone era. The magical land of Rajasthan exhibits splendor and royalty in every walk of life. The fascination of Rajasthan is unparallel in the world for its legacy, traditions, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. It is truly said that Rajasthan is a huge open-air museum with artifact so well preserved for the travelers and the inquisitive of the day.

Rajasthan is a destination where one can find wonderful blend of natural beauty, amazing history and amazing lifestyle of Rajasthani people seeped in an age-old tradition. The magical land of Rajasthan is gifted with invincible forts, magnificient palaces, waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. Rajasthan is a destination which enchants the visitors with its magical charm. In fact, everything about Rajasthan is breathtakingly amazing. It offers everything what a tourist can ask for?

History of Rajasthan

Among 28 states of the sub-continent of India Rajasthan is one. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur which is also popularly known as the Pink City. The history of Rajasthan is so rich that every roadside village has its own tales of heroism and sacrifice.

Ancient Period, up to 1200 AD

During the period of 700 AD Rajput clans emerged and began to spread their influence and hold control over different parts of Rajasthan. Before emergence of Rajput clans, Rajasthan was a part of several small states. It was a part of Mauryan Empire. Malavas, Hunas, Guptas, Satraps, Saka, Kushans, Yaudhyas, Arjunyas, Malavas are some other republics which dominated this region.

In the history of Rajput clans dominance was during the period from the 8th to the 12th century AD. During the period of 750-1000 AD, Rajasthan and most of northern India was ruled by the Pratihars. During the period of 1000-1200 AD, the historical land of Rajasthan witnessed the struggle for dominance between Chlukyas, Chauhans and Parmars.

Medieval Period, 1201 - 1707

During period of 1200 AD major part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. Nagaur and Ajmer were main centres of their powers. Ranthambhor was also under their control. From the beginning of the 13th century Mewar was emerged as the most powerful and prominent state of Rajasthan.

Modern Period, 1707 - 1947

Before the domination of Mughal emperor Akbar, Rajasthan had politically never been united. It was Akbar who established a united province of Rajasthan. The declination of Mughal power started after 1707. On the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas entered Rajasthan.

In 1755 Marathas controlled over Ajmer. During this period the Pindaris also attacked Rajasthan. In 1817-18 the British Government concluded agreements of alliance with almost all the stated of Rajputana. This British established their rule over Rajasthan and that time Rajasthan was called Rajputana.

Before independence Rajasthan was called as Rajputana. After independence in 1947 it attained its present name Rajasthan.


Culture of Rajasthan

When we talk about Rajasthan at first come in our mind is its proud culture. Our discussion is incomplete without paying some words for its culture. Rajasthan is globally known for its rich and proud culture. In fact, one of the most prime reasons why Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is no doubt its rich and proud culture. The desert state of Rajasthan is best known for its exotic and rich culture that still remains intact. Its strict devotion to the tradition and culture is really noteworthy. Rajasthani people are very fond of colourful costumes. Rajasthani men’s love for colourful turbans and Rajasthani women’s love for ornaments like colourful bangles, anklet, armlet, rings and earrings as well as full Ghaghra (Skirt) are well-known.

Everything of Rajasthan like interesting paintings, soulful music, colourful handicrafts, folk dance & music, religion, resplendent fairs & festivals and breathtaking art & architecture show the rich culture of Rajasthan.

Hindi is widely spoken in all over in Rajasthan but there are also local dialects in Rajasthan. These are Jaipuri, Marwari, Mewati, Malwi and Rajasthani. There are also English speaking people in the cities of Rajasthan. Hindi is the official language of Rajasthan.


Music and Dance are the important part of Rajasthani culture. For the Rajasthani people celebration is a way of life. Every region of Rajasthan has its own music and dance. The Kalbeliya dance from Jaisalmer and Ghoomer dance from Udaipur are well-known around the world and have universally fame. Folk music and folk dance are the vital part of Rajasthani culture. Folk music and folk dance show the past glory, legends, chivalry and history of the region.

Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are the best way to experience the exotic culture of Rajasthan. Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan such as Desert Festival, Pushkar Festival, etc, add more colours and liveliness to the lives of Rajasthani people. Most of the festivals in Rajasthan include exotic activities like camel & elephant processions, camel & elephant races, folk performance and many more.

Apart from fairs and festivals of Rajasthan, forts and palaces of Rajasthan also show the exotic culture of Rajasthan and narrate the saga of bygone era. Really the desert land of Rajasthan is a perfect place for culture vultures.



Handicrafts of Rajasthan

One of the most colourful regions in India Rajasthan is a land which is endowed with invincible forts, splendid palaces, waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. One can observe an unusual diversity in the state of Rajasthan in its all forms – life style of people, culture, traditions, customs, costumes, cuisine, dialects and music. But Rajasthan is famous not only for its magnificent monuments but also for handicrafts.

Popularity of Rajasthani handicrafts is not only in India but also all over the world. The handicrafts of Rajasthan are famous for its variety, the use of lively colours, exception artistic work which all show the tradition and culture of Rajasthan.

Some of important Rajasthani Handicrafts are following

Wooden Handcrafted Furniture: - Rajasthan is famous for wooden handcrafted furniture. Specially, Barmer and Jodhpur are famous for the craft of wooden furniture. Kishangarh and Shekhawati have their own style of ornate furniture.

Blue Pottery: - Rajasthan is famous for blue pottery articles. Blue pottery is an art which has its origins in Persia. Some blue pottery articles are flower base, surahis, pots and jars, lampstands, doorknobs and other household items.

Metal Crafts: - Rajasthan is also famous for metal crafts. During one’s Rajasthan tour one can see and purchase various type of beautiful metal craft items such as figurines, pill boxes, brass enameled swords & shields and other useful items.

Textile: - Rajasthan is popular for its die technique. Dyed and block printed fabric of Rajasthan are very popular.

Jewelry: - The desert land of Rajasthan is rich in jewelry. Every region of Rajasthan has its own unique style of wearing ornaments. In the state of Rajasthan men are also very fond of ornaments as well as women. During one’s Rajasthan tour one can see and purchase traditional Rajasthani jewelry.

Leather-ware: - Rajasthan is famous for designer Jooties with embroidered uppers, designer leather hand bags and other leather items.

Miniature paintings: - Rajasthan is also famous for its exotic paintings. The paintings of Rajasthan are lively and multi-hued.


People of Rajasthan

The Rajasthanis are energetic people who have tendency to enjoy every moment of life. They know how to enjoy their life better. Their life is full of happiness which is filled by the enchanting fairs and festivals that they celebrate with full zeal & cheerfulness. Generally Rajasthanis are simple. They are untouched with the fast pace of modern times. These factors make Rajasthan one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Rajasthani women are famous for their gorgeousness and beauty. The beauty of legendary Maharani Padmini Devi of Chittaurgarh and Maharai Gayatri Devi, present day Rajmata of Jaipur is famous all over the world. History says that Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was so obsessed with the beauty of Maharani Padmini Devi that he attacked over the Chittaurgarh for her hand but he did not succeed.

Maharani Gayatri Devi was considered to be amongst the ten most beautiful women in the world in her heydays. And her beauty has not reduced one bit till today. Rajasthani women are symbol of truth, dignity and beauty.

Rajasthani women are very fond of colourful clothes and jewellery. Like women Rajasthani men are also very fond of colourful costumes and jewellery. Each category of Rajasthani people either they are village folks or Rajas & Ranis; they love to put on colourful costumes and wear jewellery.

Rajasthan men folk are very fond of Turban tying. They wear colourful Turban on their head. Turban tying is a unique practice of Rajasthan. There are about more than 1000 different styles and types of Turbans in Rajasthan. It is said that at every 1 km the style and type of turban becomes changed.

People use specific turbans on specific occasions. In past years, the profession of the people decided the caste of the people. Rajasthan is a land where people of various castes and sub-castes reside. Rajputs are the major residents of Rajasthan. The other castes of Rajputs are Brahmins and Vaishyas.








Some broad categories in which the people of Rajasthan can be classified:

Rajput – The Warrior Class
Brahmins – The Priest Class
Marwari and Jains – The Trader Class
Jats and Bishnois – The Pastoral Class
Muslims – The Craftsman Class
The Tribals
Nomads – The people with no homes

Climate Of Rajasthan

The climate of Rajasthan varies with the seasons of the year. There are fours seasons in Rajasthan – summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. In summer the weather of Rajasthan is very hot and in winter very chilly.

Summer – April to June
Monsoon – Late June to September
Post-monsoon – October to November
Winter – December to March

Except summer the magical land of Rajasthan can be visited any time through the year. But the best time to visit Rajasthan is during the month of winter when the climate of Rajasthan is very pleasant. Visiting Rajasthan in monsoon is also a unique experience. One can enjoy the best of natural beauty of Rajasthan on camel safari in Rajasthan desert only in monsoon.
Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan, can be visited in summer. Mount Abu has very pleasant and cool climate through the year even in summer.

Places To Visit in Rajasthan

Ajmer
Alwar
Bikaner
Bharatpur
Jaipur
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Udaipur

Some Frequently Visited Sites in Rajasthan

Amber Fort
Bishnoi Village
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bundi Fort
City Palace
Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz Ajmer
Deeg Palace
Dilwara Temple
Hawa Mahal
Jaisalmer Fort
Jal Mahal
Kumbalgarh
Mehrangarh Fort
Puskar
Ranakpur Jain Temples
Ranthambore National Park
Shekhawati Havelis
Sariska National Park


Important Telephone Numbers

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Govt. Tourist Offices

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Common Dos and Don'ts for Rajasthan Travel

• Don't forget to lock your hotel room before going outside for the purpose of sightseeing or shopping.

• Never take a lift from a person you don't know. Women and those who are roaming around after dark should specially follow this advice.

• Whenever you go out of your hotel room, do not carry excess cash with you.

• Also, keep your jewelry and other expensive items locked in your hotel room, along with your passport and return tickets.

• Don't allow any unknown person to enter into your hotel room.

• Always prefer to take taxis and auto rickshaws from prepaid booths or kiosks. In the other case, negotiate on the fare beforehand only.

• Don't check into a hotel or guesthouse suggested by the taxi or auto rickshaw driver.

• Do not consume drinks or eatables offered any an unknown person.

• Go for shopping only in reputed or respectable shops.

• Exchange your currency only from authorized money exchangers and don't forget to take a receipt.

• It is advisable not to wear too revealing or scanty clothing.

• Don't stay out after it gets too dark.