2. The history of human settlement in north Indian state of Rajasthan dates
back to about 5000 years ago with parts of North Rajasthan at the heart of
the Indus Valley Civilization.This region was long known as Gurjaratra that is
country protected or ruled by the Gurjars[1]before it came to be
called Rajputana, early in the Muslim period.[2] It is also the famous land of
the Rajput warriors renowned for their heroic deeds on the battlefield. The
majestic palaces, forts and other architectural edifices of historical
significance tell interesting tales of the Rajput rulers who once exercised
sovereignty over this northwesThe Jat king HARSHAVARDHAN who belonged
to vibhuti jat clan from Hariyana ,ruled over the not only rajasthan but also
indian ,after his death the rajput came in rajasthan history.Harshvardhan
used first time a word which name is RAJPUTRA,after this the people who
ruling that time called himself rajput or rajpoot. Parts of Rajasthan belonged
to the Indus Valley Civilization between about 3500 and 1750 BCE.
Excavations at Kalibanga in Northern Rajasthan have revealed the existence
of human settlements of the Harappan times on the banks of a river that
dried up later, which is believed to be the River Saraswati by some
scholars.[3] The historical evidence found inBairat reflects the presence of
Pre-Aryan people.
3.
4. Maharana Pratap of Mewar resisted Akbar in the famous Battle of Haldighati (1576) and
later operated from hilly areas of his kingdom. Bhils were Maharana's main allies during
these wars. Most of these attacks were repulsed even though the Mughal forces
outnumbered Mewar Rajputs in all the wars fought between them. The Haldighati war was
fought between 10,000 Mewaris and a 100,000 strong Mughal force (including many
Rajputs like Kachwahasfrom Dhundhar).
Over the years the Mughals began to have internal disputes which greatly distracted them at
times. The Mughal Empire continued to weaken and several groups across their kingdom
found opportunities to establish their power whilst the army was fighting somewhere else.
The Rajputs saw this as an opportunity to reassert their independence. With the decline of
the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Rajputana came under attack by the Marathas until
the Maratha general Scindia captured Ajmer.
Following their rapid defeat, the Rajput kings concluded treaties with the British in the early
19th century, accepting British sovereignty in return for local autonomy. Following the
Mughal tradition as well as its strategic location Ajmer became a province of British India,
while the autonomous Rajput states, the Muslim state Tonk, and the Jat states
(Bharatpurand Dholpur) were organized into the Rajputana Agency. Maharana
Pratap of Mewar resisted Akbar in the famous Battle of Haldighati (1576) and later
operated from hilly areas of his kingdom. Bhils were Maharana's main allies during these
wars. Most of these attacks were repulsed even though the Mughal forces outnumbered
Mewar Rajputs in all the wars fought between them. The Haldighati war was fought
between 10,000 Mewaris and a 100,000 strong Mughal force (including many Rajputs
like Kachwahasfrom Dhundhar).
5. Rajasthan attracted 14 percent of total foreign visitors during
2009–2010 which is the fourth highest among Indian states. It is
fourth also in Domestic tourist visitors.[22] Endowed with natural
beauty and a great history, tourism is a flourishing industry in
Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur and Ajmer-Pushkar, the lakes of
Udaipur, the desert forts of Jodhpur, Taragarh Fort (Star Fort) in
Bundi, and Bikaner and Jaisalmer rank among the most
preferred destinations in India for many tourists both Indian and
foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's
domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts
have been converted into heritage hotels. Tourism has increased
employment in the hospitality sector.
6. Rajasthan is famous for its forts, intricately carved temples, and
decorated havelis, which were built by Rajput kings in pre-Muslim
era Rajasthan. Rajasthan's Jaipur Jantar Mantar,Dilwara
Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace, miniature paintings in Bundi,
and numerous city palaces and havelis are an important part of the
architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the
ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink
hue. In Bundi, maximum houses are painted blue. At Ajmer, the
white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake is exquisite. Jain
Temples dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. Dilwara
Temples of Mount Abu, Ranakpur Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath
in Pali District, Jain temples in the fort complexes
of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, LodurvaJain temples,
Bhandasar and Karni Mata Temple of Bikaner are some of the best
examples.
[edit]Culture
7. Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural
traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life.
There is rich and varied folk culture from villages which is
often depicted and is symbolic of the state. Highly
cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct
style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The
music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day
relationships and chores, more often focused around
fetching water from wells or ponds.
The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance
of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. Folk
music is a vital part of Rajasthani
culture. Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindr,
Kachchhighori, Tejaji etc. are the examples of the
traditional Rajasthani culture. Folk songs are commonly
ballads which relate heroic deeds and love stories; and
religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and
banis (often accompanied by musical instruments
like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.) are also sung.
CULTURE
OF
RAJASTHA-
N
8. Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art.wall painting in bundi . The block prints, tie
and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and Zari embroidery are major export products
from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, and blue
pottery are some of the things commonly found here. Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise, with
beautiful goods found at low prices. Reflecting the colorful Rajasthani culture, Rajasthani
clothes have a lot of mirror-work and embroidery. A Rajasthani traditional dress for females
comprises an ankle length skirt and a short top, also known as a lehenga or achaniya choli. A
piece of cloth is used to cover the head, both for protection from heat and maintenance of
modesty. Rajasthani dresses are usually designed in bright colours like blue, yellow and
orange.
The main religious festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Shri Devnarayan
Jayanti, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami, as the main religion is Hinduism. Rajasthan's
desert festival is held once a year during winter. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the
people of the desert dance and sing ballads. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers,
acrobats and folk performers. Camels play a role in this festival.
9. Though a large percentage of the total area is desert,
and even though there is little forest cover, Rajasthan
has a rich and varied flora and fauna. The natural
vegetation is classed as Northern Desert Thorn Forest
(Champion 1936). These occur in small clumps
scattered in a more or less open forms. Density and
size of patches increase from west to east following the
increase in rainfall.
The Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, spread over an area of
3162 km², is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar
Desert, and its diverse fauna. Seashells and
massivefossilized tree trunks in this park record the geological
history of the desert. The region is a haven for migratory and
resident birds of the desert.
10. . One can see
many eagles, harriers,falcons, buzzards, kestrel and vultures. Short-toed
Eagles (Circaetus gallicus), Tawny Eagles (Aquila rapax), Spotted
Eagles (Aquila clanga), Laggar Falcons (Falco jugger) and kestrels are
the commonest of these.
The Ranthambore National Park located in Sawai Madhopur, is one of
the finest Tiger Reserves in the Country which became a part of Project
Tiger in 1973.
The Dhosi Hill located in district Jhunjunu, known as "Chayvan Rishi's
Ashram' where 'Chayawanprash' was formulated for the first time has
unique and rare herbs growing
The Sariska Tiger Reserve located in Alwar district, 200 km
from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur covers an area of approximately
800 km2.The area was declared a National Park in 1979.