Rajasthan (India)

       General Information about Rajasthan

Mother India, the vast Subcontinent constituting the world's largest democracy, an intriguingly complex religious and cultural tapestry with her great mercantile classes, sprawling bureaucracies and exploding economy, remains one of the most visually memorable and bewitching journeys ever.

Of all her states, Rajasthan is perhaps the most tribally diverse, artistically decorative, architecturally magnificent and regal in India. It is impossible to experience and absorb in a single trip the magnitude of what India offers:

the incredible light, the austere and atmospheric landscapes of desert and ancient Aravali mountains, the romance of Rajasthan’s heritage and chivalry, the hospitality and humour of the people whether from regal lineage or simple, dignified desert-dwellers, and their arts and crafts.

Rajasthan

Area 342,236 km² (132,138 sq mi)

Capital Jaipur

Largest city Jaipur

Districts 32

Population approximately 58 million

Language(s) Hindi, Rajasthani

Gujarati is also spoken

Governor Shilendra Kumar Singh

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje

Website: www.rajasthan.gov.in

Rājasthān is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert), which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan. The region borders Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. Rajasthan covers an area of 342,239 km² (132,139 mi²).

History of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a rich and colorful history making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Historical traditions are that Rajputs, Nath, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Gujars, Meenas and some other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties to protect their culture and the land. Millionsof them were martyred for this land.

The Rajputs resisted the Muslim incursions into India, although a number of Rajput kingdoms eventually became subservient to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire during those empires' peak of expansion.

The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur was built by Rao Jodha in 1498.Mewar led others in resistance to Muslim rule: Rana Sanga fought the Battle of Khanua against Babur, the founder of the Mughal empire; and Maharana Pratap Singh resisted Akbar in Haldighati. Other rulers like Raja Maan Singh of Amber were trusted allies. As the Mughal Empire weakened, the Rajputs reasserted their independence. With the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Rajputana came under attack from the Marathas and Pindaris, and the Maratha general Scindia captured Ajmer.

Rajasthan's formerly independent kingdoms created a rich architectural and cultural heritage, seen today in their numerous forts and palaces ( Mahals and Havelis) which are enriched by features of Hindu, Muslim and Jain architecture.

The People

Rajasthan has a large indigenous populace Minas (Minawati) in Alwar, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Dholpur areas. The Meo and the Banjara are travelling tradesmen and artisans. The Gadia Lohar is the Lohar meaning ironsmith who travels on Gadia meaning bullock carts; they generally make and repair agricultural and household implements. The Bhils are one of the oldest peoples in India and inhabit the districts of Bhilwara, Chittaurgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, and Sirohi and are famous for their skill in archery. The Grasia and nomadic Kathodi live in the Mewar region. Sahariyas are found in the Kota district, and the Rabaris of the Marwar region are cattle breeders.

The Rajputs though represent only a small proportion of the populace are the most influential section of the people in Rajasthan. They are proud of their martial reputation and of their ancestry.

Religion

Hinduism, the religion of most of the population, is generally practised through the worship of Brahma, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses. Nathdwara is an important religious centre for the Vallabhacharya sect of Krishna followers. There are also followers of the Arya Samaj, a reforming sect of modern Hinduism, as well as other forms of that religion.

The Dadupanthi forms another important religious sect the followers of Dadu (d. 1603), who preached the equality of all men, strict vegetarianism, total abstinence from intoxicating liquor, and lifelong celibacy.

Islam, the religion of the State's second largest religious community, expanded in Rajasthan with the conquest of Ajmer by Muslim invaders in the late twelfth century. Khwajah Muin-ud-Din Chishti, the Muslim missionary, had his headquarters at Ajmer, and Muslim traders, craftsmen, and soldiers settled there. The State's population of Christians and Sikhs is small.

A NOTE ABOUT INDIAN FOOD:

Many people only know Indian cuisine, incorrectly as (hot) curries, or by their experience of restaurant dishes that are diluted, formulaic versions of North or South Indian cooking, and have rarely experienced or tasted the subtlety and variety of Indian food that is determined by geography, religion and tradition.

The different aspects of Indian Cuisine

- Cooking according to tastes: There traditionally exists no written recipes in India and the individual is encouraged to orchestrate a dish by using fresh, seasonal and local vegetables. Spices are used sparingly and their foods are not necessarily hot. Besides spices lots of herbs and other natural seasonings are used to make foods sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent.

- Cultural Influences: Many Indians are vegetarians having been influenced by Buddha (Indian King and founder of Buddhism), Mahavir (founder of Jainism) and King Ashoka. Our cuisine has been influenced by the Aryans settlers, the Arab and Chinese traders and conquerors such as the Persians, Mongolians, Turks, the British and the Portuguese.

Rajasthani cooking was influenced by the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have all effect on the cooking. In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use the minimum of water and prefer, instead, to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. Dried lentils, beans from indigenous plants like sangri, ker, etc are liberally used. Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make major ingredient here and is used. Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakosi, powdered lentils are used for mangoli, papad. Bajra and corn is used all over the state for preparations of rabdi, Kheechi and rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.

Geography

The Thar desert covers the western half of Rajasthan. The main geographic features of Rajasthan are the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range, which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other, for more than 850 km. Mount Abu is at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the West Banas River, although a series of broken ridges continues into Haryana in the direction of Delhi where it can be seen as outcrops in the form of the Raisina Hill and the ridges farther north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south.

The Luni River and its tributaries are the major river system of Godwar and Marwar regions, draining the western slopes of the Aravallis and emptying southwest into the great Rann of Kutch wetland in neighboring Gujarat. This river is saline in the lower reaches and remains potable only up to Balotara in Barmer district. The Ghaggar River, which originates in Haryana, is an intermittent stream that disappears into the sands of the Thar Desert in the northern corner of the state and is seen as a remnant of the primitive Saraswati River.

The Aravalli Range runs across the state from the southwest peak Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height, to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the northwest of the range 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 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 within the districts of Kota and Bundi forms a tableland. To the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the Chambal River. Farther north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern Bharatpur district are part of an alluvial basin.

Districts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has 32 districts: Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk, and Udaipur.

Economy of Rajasthan

Tourism forms an integral part of Rajasthan's economy. Rajasthan's economy is primarily agricultural and pastoral. Wheat and barley are cultivated over large areas, as are pulses, sugarcane, and oilseeds. Cotton and tobacco are cash crops. Rajasthan is among the largest producers of edible oils in India and the second largest producer of oilseeds. Rajasthan is also the biggest wool-producing state in India. There are mainly two crop seasons. The water for irrigation comes from wells and tanks. The Indira Gandhi Canal irrigates northwestern Rajasthan.

The industrialization of Rajasthan slowly began in 1960s. The main industries are mineral based, agriculture based, and textiles. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of polyester fibre in India. The Bhilwara District produces more cloth than Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.

Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, tourism is flourishing in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destination of many tourists, 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.

Demographics

Rajasthan has a mainly Rajasthani population. Hindus account for 88.8% of the population. Muslims make up 8.5%, Sikhs 1.4% and Jains 1.2% of the population. Rajasthan state is also populated by Sindhis, who came to Rajasthan from Sindh province (now in Pakistan) during the India-Pakistan separation in 1947.

The mother tongue of the majority of people in Rajasthan is Rajasthani. Rajasthani and Hindi are the most widely used languages in Rajasthan. After independence, Rajasthani was used as a medium of instruction, along with Hindi and English, in some schools. Some other languages used in Rajasthan are Sindhi, Gujarati and Punjabi.

Culture

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 both fascinating and mesmerizing. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is of uncomplicated innocence 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. Kathputali, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindar, 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.

 A Rajasthani traditional dress for females comprises an ankle length skirt and a short top, also known as a lehenga or a chaniya 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.

Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis, which were built by kings in previous ages. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are part of the true 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. 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 near Udaipur, Jain temples in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodarva Jain temples, Bhandasar Temple of Bikaner are some of the best examples.

Rajasthan is often called a shopper's paradise. Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts. The attractive designs of jewellery and clothes are eye-catching and invite shoppers. Rajasthani furniture has intricate carvings and bright colours. Rajasthani handicrafts are in demand due to the intricate work on them. Above all, Rajasthan's shopping appeals to both tourists and people from other parts of India due to its cheap prices for quality goods.

The main religious festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami, as the main religion is Hinduism. Rajasthan's desert festival is celebrated with great zest and zeal. This festival is held once a year during winters. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing haunting ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels, of course, play a stellar role in this festival.

Flora and Fauna

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.

Some wildlife species, which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), the Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii) and the Indian Wild Ass.

 The region is a haven for migratory and resident birds of the desert. 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.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a very small sanctuary in Churu District, 210 km from Jaipur, in the Shekhawati region. This sanctuary is home to a large population of graceful Blackbuck. Desert Fox and desert cat can also be spotted along with typical avifauna such as partridge and sand grouse.

•              Jaipur Hotels

RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN JAIPUR

DELUXE 5 Star+ with Room rates starting at $750-$900+

Oberoi’s Raj Vilas

This is a gorgeous property, but 20- 30 minutes drive from the centre on the Agra road, yet an oasis of peace and tranquility after the busy Jaipur bazaars and streets. Recreating the magnificence of princely Rajasthan, in a beautiful fort setting, the hotel is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools that create the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan. Oberoi are renowned for their meticulous service and attention to detail and Raj Vilas is no exception. There is a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool and excellent spa located in a beautiful old haveli with a full range of treatments.

Room categories: premiere king rooms, luxury tents and villas with private pools are clustered around private courtyards in a richly embellished fort setting.

Rambagh Palace

This atmospheric palace hotel, run by the Taj group was the palatial residence of Maharani Gayatri Devi and her polo playing husband Jai, of the Jaipur royals. The internationally celebrated beauty still lives a retired life as the Rajmata in a quiet wing of the palace after it was converted into a luxury resort.

The newly renovated palace resort continues to attract visitors for its traditional Indian hospitality, lavish interiors and vast grounds punctuated by gardens and tennis courts, shopping arcades various restaurants and popular watering holes, including the renowned Polo Lounge. It further boasts an atmospheric indoor swimming pool, a vintage car collection and lovely colonnaded sitting areas overlooking vast gardens. Centrally located in the modern city and next door to the famous Jaipur Polo grounds, it is well regarded for its service and excellent food.

Rambagh Palace achieved the status of a palace when Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II returned to his childhood home in 1925. Rambagh Palace, resplendent in all its 47 acres, was finally converted into a hotel in 1957. The Management was then entrusted to The Taj Group in 1972. 

Featured in Peter Coats’ “The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World”, the gardens of Rambagh Palace Hotel are renowned for their elegance and exotic foliage. Initially built for the Zenana (Ladies of the court), the gardens used to attract a variety of exotic birds. Even today, peacocks preen on the lawns, and flocks of migratory birds continue to visit the gardens, transporting you to a place that can only be paradise.

The Front Lawns of Rambagh Palace are abloom with Ashok, Bougainvillea and Lantana Trees. The Oriental Garden is inspired by Chinese motifs and designs. The Mughal Garden has an expansive range of flowers. The Swimming Pool Garden and the Nakhsa Garden of Rambagh Palace Hotel are horticultural wonders in themselves, and the seasonal flowers here, add to the spectrum of colours during winters.

Room Categories: Luxury Rooms with four-poster bed, walk-in wardrobes, and a spacious bathroom.Historical Suites with marble floors, exquisite Rajasthani artwork and sheer fabrics, which enable crisp sunlight to enhance the beauty of each room. A four poster bed, a sitting area overlooking gardens, a walk in wardrobe and a spacious bathroom. Royal Suites, some of which have been the personal chambers of the Maharaja of Jaipur. 2 Grand Royal Suites include Maharani Suite built as a surprise gift to Maharani Gayatri Devi. The Prince's Suite is the former chamber of Prince Jagat Singh, son of Maharani Gayatri Devi.

LUXURY 5 Star with room rates starting at $450

Jai Mahal

Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this Palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture that is serene and sensitively restored and filled with a galaxy of old crystal mirrors, chandeliers, miniature paintings and tapestries, stained glass panels, and marble inlay work. It is tucked away in a quiet enclave near the Civil Lines, and lies within easy distance of the city’s primary shopping hubs and historic places.

The Moghul gardens spread over 3 levels complete with waterways (depicting) the life of the lotus) and stone pathways. The garden is visible from almost all rooms and public areas. A solar heated swimming pool is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Excellent service accompanied with modern amenities, makes Jaimahal Palace a prime location in Jaipur. PLEASE NOTE: this is also the venue for the Saturday Party.

Room Categories: 10 Deluxe Rooms 67 Luxury Rooms 17 Luxury Rooms with private sit-out and 6 Luxury Suites.

DELUXE 4 Star

Trident Hilton with room rates starting at $180

Oberoi’s second tier of hotels that are clean comfortable modern with excellent service and facilities. Situated en route to Jaipur’s renowned Amer Fort, Trident Hilton Jaipur, looks out on to the scenic Mansagar lake and the picturesque Aravalli ranges. The hotel has 138 rooms that overlook the Mansagar Lake or the Aravalli range. Elegantly furnished, the rooms are equipped with mini-bars, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones and television sets with satellite transmission. There are non-smoking rooms and rooms designed for the disabled. There is a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves the best lunch buffet in town.

Room Categories: Deluxe with garden view, Deluxe with lake view, Suites with balconies

HERITAGE HOTELS WITH CHARM and room rates starting at $300+

Samode Haveli

The best of the heritage properties recently refurbished to provide a high level of comfort inside what is a majestic old mansion located within the old city near the gate towards Amber Fort. 

A haveli is a grand house with inner courtyards built by wealthy merchants or nobility as a testimony to their status. This 200 year-old little gem, the townhouse of the Samode family, is one of the more spectacular authentic examples. Home to some fabulous frescoes and murals, and with a leafy garden, it is difficult to believe that from this sanctuary you can stroll out into the bustling city streets of Jaipur. The gentle and caring staff do their utmost to look after your every whim and since the hotel does not allow groups, a sense of peace pervades the whole property. With its mix of romantic history and simple style, Samode Haveli has become the hip heritage hotel in Jaipur.

Highlights include: Exceptional and gorgeous new pool (though unheated) - one of the largest in Jaipur, Incredibly centrally located but still very peaceful with lovely gardens, Very pretty rooms and amazing mosaics and frescoes everywhere, Limited family presence, Delightful faded grandeur - lounge in one of the many alcoves

LOWS

• City noise at night (only noticable if outside in the garden)
• Courtyard deluxe rooms sometimes feel close to the bustle of the hotel
• Service can be slow and erratic and we have had some comments about rudeness recently
• Unique and charming, rather than top notch luxury
• Often busy, especially during high season, so make sure you book well in advance

ROOMS Categories: 

Samode Haveli was not really meant to be a hotel so all 22 rooms differ in shape and design and lie scattered like pretty toys about the rambling building. Beautifully decorated and painted with an array of alcoves, pillars, antiques and Jaipur's finest fabrics this is Rajput style at its dreamiest. 

All the rooms have sparkling en suite bathrooms (recently upgraded with showers), hot water, a/c, televisions, hairdryers, fans and complimentary mineral water. The floor-to-ceiling mirror mosaic in the suites is quite stupendous, though somewhat claustrophobic... if you want a break from ornate frescoes and marbled floors, take a plunge in the pool or freshen up in the spa, recent modern additions to this still slightly moored-to-the-past mansion. 

        Indicative Hotel Costs

Hotel	Room Category	Estimated Cost in Australian Dollars per Double room including taxes and breakfast
Hotel Imperial New Delhi
	Imperial	$750
	Heritage	$885
	Suite	$1035
Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi
	Superior	$745
	Deluxe	$845
	Taj Club	$930
The Oberoi New Delhi
	Deluxe	$750
	Premier	$880
	Luxury	$1050
The Oberoi Trident Gurgaon, South Delhi
	Superior Garden View	$725
	Superior Pool View	$860
Heritage Inn Old Delhi	Standard Room	$205
	Suite	$285
The Trident  Gurgaon, South Delhi
Special Promotional Rate 20 December 08 to 9 January 09	Sup Garden View	$375
	Sup Pool View	$453

Updated Estimated Costs for Jaipur + Agra Hotels Winter January 2009

Hotel	Room Category	Estimated Cost in Australian Dollars per Double room including taxes and breakfast
Jai Mahal Palace
	Luxury Room Garden or pool view w tv	$530
	Luxury with sit out	$555
	Luxury Suite 6 ONLY available	$850/$900
Rambagh Palace
	Palace Room	$985
	Historical Suite	$1413
	Royal Suite	$2700
Raj Vilas
	Premier Room	$1000
	Luxury Tent	$1200
Samode Haveli
	Deluxe Room	$335
	Deluxe Suite	$375
Loharu House	Standard Room	$180
	Suite	$210
AGRA Hotels
Amarvilas
	Premier Room	$1010
	Premier with Terrace	$1230
Taj View
	Sup Taj Facing	$315
	Dlx Taj Facing	$355