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The Word “Rajasthan” Paints a
Picture of arid land with sand dunes shifting with
blowing winds and sparse population struggling
against elements of nature but in reality the
state is blend of proud history and color full
life style. The hardships of nature module
The Desert men and women into a determined lot which
not only have survived but through their sheer
bravery wrote new chapters in history and also
gave rise to a rich culture, traditional life
style
Color Full Fairs. The geology of the area
reveals that once a great ocean exited here and
supported marine life. The Fossils of which still
area reveal that once a rear ocean existed here
and supported marine life. The Fossils of which
still are abundant in desert areas. The Saraswati
River made its last journey to the Arabian Sea
through these dunes. The Scientific study of this
area and the satellite images through remote
sensing have confirmed that the river, though now
dried, had flowing water which drenched the desert
zones. The drying of ocean can be linked to and
ancient holy script of Ramayana in which it is
stated that when lord Rama was searching her wife
Sita he became angry with ocean god and unleashed
his fiery divine arrow “Brahamastra” which dried
up the distant sea. But geologically the process
of sea receding on one site and encroaching on
land on the other, is a common phenomena. The
receding sea in Rajasthan Gave rise to many a
salty lakes like Sambhar, Lunkaransar etc. which
now ate hot destinations for migratory birds in
winters. The fossils of marine life and vegetation
buried in “Thar” desert propelled an idea of a
fossil park in
Jaisalmer which is a major tourist
attraction.
The changing times have made the desert a centre
for adventure tourism. Health and yoga tourism are
new aspects in the realm of tourism. The ripples
of sand dune and their slope mesmerize the
tourist, Art, culture and historical remains also
beckon the visitors. This land has been inhabited
for more than 4,500 years. The remains of the
Indus Valley civilization are scattered all over
desert. The Civilization was an advanced one and
it still remains a mystery this land was part of
the famous “trade rout” through which caravans of
businessmen passed on their way to way to west
Asia, Tibbet and China which were big markets.
These caravans gave rise to small settlements which
provided food and shelter to them. A little later,
settlers in desert imposed a tax on the caravans
and in turn they ensured safety from the invaders
from the west. The desert started transforming
most part of the northern India. The infighting
gave rise to many small kingdoms who were always
in search of new areas to built a castle and rule
around them. In their quest, they spread to north
western side where the terrain was SW-NE
directions bisecting the state into western desert
part and north eastern half which receives of
rainfall. Rajputs were fearless warriors and their
women were so worried about their honor that they
used to throw away their lives as soon as their
husbands died. When the men fought their crucial
battles which they were sure to lose they wore
“kesaria Bana” or yellow clothes and fought till
death while their wives and other royal women
prepared a huge fire and jumped into it. This
tradition was called “jauhar” and was considered as
a heroic and honorable act. Rajputs resisted the
Mughuls and later Marathas and English who all
wanted to annex area. The folk tales tell about
the gallantry feats accomplished by the rajput
rulers. The forts and their museums have a rich
collection of artifacts and armory which is
suffice to prove that the Rajput kings were great
fighters and fond of arts. Most of the forts and
palaces are still in pretty good condition and
many of them have been converted into hotels.
Spending a night or two in such hotels take you
into nostalgia.
Most of the major cities of Rajasthan are rich in
cultural heritage and every region has its own
typical life style, culture and fairs where
tradition and modernity jells in.
The
Fairs
like
Teej,
Gangaur,
Pushkar,
Baneshwar,
Nagaur,
Desert
Festival,
Urs,
Summer Festival in Abu,
Camel
festival in Bikaner and many other lesser known
ones provide an opportunity to experience the
colorful folklore and people having joy us
celebration in their traditional attires.
Explore the great treasures of the most exciting
Wildlife Tours at
Sariska,
Ranthambore and of
course to
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Sight a tiger
on a royal ride by taking up elephant safari.
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