Introduction to Rajasthan - India

Rajasthan - offers a travel experience like no other. The destinations in Rajasthan - Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner are all very different to each other, yet have a striking resemblance in terms of the overall travel feel and character. Find below the brief travel information on Rajasthan which may help to decide on the travel itinerary that you may wish to undertake in Rajasthan.

The traditional homeland of the Rajput’s, who are known for their chivalry, velour and heroism, who lived passionately and preferred to die by their unrelenting code, rather than submit and live. Ten thousand swords flashing in the desert sun threw a defiant challenge to the might of the Mughal Empire. A rare courage that spanned centuries is Rajasthan. A land of medieval forts and palaces on hilltops and of lakes which cast a spell on the visitor. Sun-drenched Rajasthan. The desert land of India, splashed with a myriad flamboyant colors, glowing with legend history and romance. There is so much to see and feel and experience in Rajasthan, Rajasthan's stirring story which is full of heroic deeds, forms a glorious chapter of Indian history. Formerly known as Rajputana, Rajasthan is land of rock and desert interspersed with fertile tracts, enchanting lakes and jungle. From the human angle state is a country that is still living in its historic past, despite change and modernity. It thus offers the visitor a spectacle of India in a way that cannot be matched by any other state. Home of the Rajput’s of ancient lineage, it is the legendary land of chivalry and knightly prowess. Its very name means the 'Abode of kings'.

The origin of Rajasthan goes back to the Harappa or Indus valley civilization. By 400 B.C. North India had come under the Suzerainty of the Persian Empire which was over-thrown by Alexander, the Hellene, in the 3rd century B.C

The Hellenes did not hold the north for long Chandra Gupta Maurya defeated them and established a dynasty. The breakup of the Mauryar Empire led to a series of invasions until the emergence of imperial Guptas (4th-6th century) who unified the larger part of the country and gave India its greatest period of art.

After the decline of the Guptas, the north was again subjected to innumerable invasions. By the 8th century most of the north-west desert was ruled by various clans in small kingdoms but the height of their power and glory was between the 13th and 16th century. There after their continuous inter-clam rivalry and the growing might of the Mughal empire finally eroded their strength. The British came to terms with each Rajput ruler. With India becoming an independent nation. Rajasthan formed by the merger of 22 princely states and became 3rd largest state in India by having an area of 342, 440 sq. km. with a population of 3,41,08,292. It lies between 23'3° and 30'12° north latitude 69100 and 781 7° longitude. Rhombic in shape, it is bounded by five other states—Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It is also bordering Pakistan in west-north-west.

The Land & People:—Nature has not been particularly kind to this wondrous land of warriors. It is divided in two portions by the Aravali range runs through the region. One part is the great Thar Desert that stretches from west to north-west in which you find Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, three gems in desert are which is largely a vast expanse of desert. Other part is the Aravali Mountains extending from north-west to south-west and has varied terrain of extensive hill ranges, fertile table lands, and dense forests. The highest point of the Aravali Mountains is in the South at Mount Abu bordering Gujarat which is called Guru Shikhar.

The people of state are a mosaie of many racial patterns. The Bhils and Minas are the oldest inhabitants. Later, the Rajputs conquered the region which eventually came to be known as Rajputana. Jains, Brahmins, Jats, Gujars, Mewati, Gadulia, Lohars, Patels and Ahirs are among the other important groups in states population.

The martial Rajputs claim descents from the royal heroes of India's great epics the Ramayan and the Mahabharat. He Sisodias, Rathors and Kachhawas trace their origin from the solar line, the Bhatis and the Tanwars from the Lunar line, the third groups of Rajputs clans, the Solankis, Parmars, Parihars and Chauhans are said to have sprung from a sacrificial fire at Mount Abu.

To know more one must plan a visit to Rajasthan, and for customized Rajasthan Tour Packages, contact Swan tours - one of the most prominent Travel Agents in India.

Rajasthan Travel Packages

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