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Brief Information About
Rajasthan
The history of India dates back almost five thousand years, and
Rajasthan plays a crucial and unique role, especially with regard to the
development of Indian culture. Its impressive story reaches through a
heroic past. Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against the desert
landscape and the purity of its dry and sandy reaches, the miniature
elegance of its small villages and impeccably maintained forts brings
alive the story of the yore. The appearance of its grand forts perched
on rocky hills still tell the story of the bravery of its men and the
stoic sacrifice of its women, and the chivalrous old world manners of
all.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a
major force to reckon with medieval India. Passionately attached to
their land, family and honour, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and
followed a strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their
valour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There are many
heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought
successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain
(1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the following year.
Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of
the Mughal, and continued to raid on them even after his defeat. He died
in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to
Mughal rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading
Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went
into direct State service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the
behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to
consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties with the
proud Rajputs, the men who made formidable enemies and also steadfast
and loyal friends.
History
| The Land and Topography |
Language |
Today's
Rajasthan |
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Brief Information About
Jaipur
A holiday at the Pink City of
India, Jaipur is like a dream come true. The magnificent Mahals will do
magic to you. City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and the Jal Mahal top the
list of must visit palaces at Jaipur. Camel ride on the sand dunes, picnic
at the nearby Ramgarh Lake, movie at the famous Raj Mandir theatre, and
elephant polo at the Rambagh palace are must dos at Jaipur. The Kundan
jewelry and the blue pottery of Jaipur are world-renowned. The hand block
printed Sanganeri and Bagru cotton fabrics make excellent souvenirs. |