OVERVIEW
Rajasthan literally means “Land of Kings”. It is located in the north-western part of India. It shares its borders with Pakistani province on the northwest and Sindh to the west, Punjab to the North, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the Southeast and Gujarat to the Southwest. Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City” is the state's capital.
Hindi is the primary spoken language, on the contrary Marwari, Malwati, and Jaipuri are the other languages spoken in various parts of Rajasthan.
The landscape is dotted with island palaces midst blue lakes, temples and fortresses built on rocky mountains of Aravallis. These palaces were constructed during the reign of Rajput dynasties, having elaborated gardens with pavilions and kiosks, and all the more adding to the grandeur and majestic charm of the land.
Rajasthanis are known for their bravery and chivalry. It is believed to be one of the oldest civilizations in the country. It is also known for its varied beauty and historicity. The first Aryan settlement here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The Influence of Jainism and Buddhism also flourished amongst these parts. Rajasthan is famous for its carved temple, decorated Havelis and, massive and grand forts.
There are many small scale industries that have come up in many parts of Rajasthan. Handlooms and handicrafts are the most sort of occupation in most districts. Mirror-worked skirts, rainbow-coloured dupattas, maujdi, ghagaras, etc. have been the core of handicrafts. Zari, embroidery, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, blue potteries are few of the major export products of Rajasthan.
Located in an arid region, the food comprises of millet and dairy products. Even though Rajasthani cuisine is as colourful as their clothes. Uses of spices like turmeric and red chilli make up for the drab unicolour of the desert. Dal Bati is a popular dish here. They were made by Rajputs during the war, where partly-cooked batis was placed in the sand a few spots away, and sand baked them over the period of time. Once ready, they were broken and eaten with ghee.
Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance form from Jaisalemar are internationally recognised. Folk songs and ballads are about heroic deeds, love stories, bhajans and banis, and often sung with instruments dholak, sarangi and sitar.
Colours of Rajasthan, men with proud moustache and all the women with twinkling anklets in rainbow-coloured skirts will be a treat to your eyes.
