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History
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.
The Land and Topography
The State has an area of 343,000 sq km. The capital city is Jaipur.
The Aravali Range runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount
Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This
divides the state into 60% in the north west of the lines and 40% in the
southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little
water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and
northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east.
The area includes the Great Indian (Thar) Desert.
The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350 m above sea
level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. In the south
lies the hilly tract of Mewar. In the southeast a large area of the
districts of Kota and Bundi forms a tableland, and to the northeast of
these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the
Chambal River. Further north the country levels out; the flat plains of
the northeastern Bharatpur district are part of the alluvial basin of
the Yamuna River.
Language
As the state of Rajasthan was found by merging the princely states, it
has many dialects.
The four main dialects are Marwari (in western Rajasthan), Jaipuri or
Dhundhari (in the east and southeast), Malvi (Malwi; in the southeast),
and, in Alwar, Mewati is spoken, which shades off into Braj Bhasa in
Bharatpur district.
The main language written and spoken is Hindi.English is also commonly
understood, except at the grass root levels. However, tourist guides and
translators are also available in French, Spanish, German and Japanese.
Today's Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a vibrant state where tradition and history blend
with contemporary life styles. People are proud of their heritage and
yet open to change western values.
Modern Rajasthan is bringing in amenities like elsewhere in the world.
It has remarkable roads and transport systems. Its roads are trafficked
by some of latest cars and buses, rickshaws, camel carts and horse drawn
tongas as well as improvised tempos. The markets are lined with a
shopping extravaganza with some of its store being very posh.
Jaipur Hotels
http://www.hotelsjaipur.com
Jaipur Hotels with Tariff, Packages & Images in Heritage, Luxury, Deluxe
and Economy Categories.
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