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Rajasthan is situated in the north-western part of India. The state, covering an area of 342,239 square kilometers, is dotted with marvelous palaces and forts. Rajasthan had been a part of the republics of Saka Satraps, Hunas, Arjunyas, Malavas, Yaudhyas, Kushans and Guptas and was also a constituent of the Mauryan Empire. The forts and palaces sprawled across the territory bear the rich imprints of the past rulers.
The southern part of Rajasthan is about 225 km from the Gulf of Kutch and about 400 km from the Arabian Sea. Rajasthan is bounded by Pakistan in the west and north-west; by the State of Punjab in the north; by Haryana in the north-east; by Uttar Pradesh in the east, by Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Gujarat in the south-west.
The Aravali mountain ranges that run from Delhi to Gujarat cut through the State almost vertically. The Aravali ranges divide the State through south-east and north-west. The north-west region covering two-thirds of the state consist mostly of a series of sand dunes. Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and part of the Jhunjhunu districts form part of this region. The eastern region has large fertile tracts
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Music and Dance of Rajasthan
A tour with About Rajasthan offers an opportunity to learn more about the folk dance and music of Rajasthan. The folk dance and song of Rajasthan represent an important part of the cultural heritage of the state. Gair Ghoomar, Gauri, Raika and Jhoria are few folk dances of the state. Ghoomar dance is particularly performed by women and Gair is only performed by men on the occasion of Holi. Matka-bhawai, Kachhi Ghodi, Kalbeila and terah taali are other dance performances. |
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Fairs and Festivals
Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan bring life to the barren land. All fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are an important part of the culture and fill the colors in air. The people of Rajasthan celebrate every festival with great joy and enthusiasm. These festivals give a peek into the lifestyle of people. Be it teej or diwali, every festival has its own importance. Camel race and horse race are other traditional and local festivals that attract travelers. |
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Rajasthan cuisine
Referred to as 'the land of Kings', Rajasthan boasts of many a fine kitchen - both within the palaces and outside. Princely kitchens have produced many an incomparable and exotic delicacy of shikar (game) meat. The smoked Rajasthani kebab - sule - is bare-be-cued in about a dozen different ways. At the other extreme is Maheshwari Cuisine or the vegetarian cuisine of the Maheshwars of the Marwar or the Jodhpur area. All this forms the Culture of Rajasthan. Beside the spicy delicacies, each of the regions of Rajasthan is distinguished by its popular sweet - ladoos of Jaisalmer, mawa kachori of Jodhpur, malpuas of Pushkar, dil jani of Udaipur, mishri mawa and ghevar of Jaipur, sohan halwa of Ajmer, mawa of Alwar, and rasgullas of Bikaner, to name a few. Bikaner also has a whole range of other savories and snacks like the world famous Bikaner ki bhujia. |
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Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan
The patronage for artisans of the state was extended by the kings and rulers who turned to them to embellish their zenanas, the women's wings of the palaces, and the durbar or courts. Ateliers were created where artists were treated with due respect and paintings, jewellery and pottery, stone and wood carving, textile and rug weaving, was accorded due place. Major craft traditions in Rajasthan include Tie-and-Dye Textiles, Hand block Printing, Quilting, Jewellery, Gems and Stones, Blue Pottery, Leather Craft, Woodcarving, and local Painting traditions. |
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