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Amazing legends of heroism
and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that
still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan
is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand
dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often
expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the
travelers and the curious of the day.
It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels,
elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain
range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes,
or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to
pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has
something for everyone, just choose your activity. |
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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.
At the time of independence on 15th august 1947, Rajasthan was known
Rajputana (country of Rajputs). It comprised of 18 Princely States, two
chieftains and a British administered province of Ajmer-Merwara besides
a few pockets and territories outside its main boundaries.
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It took seven stages to form Rajasthan as defined today. In March 1948
the Matsya Union comprising of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli was
formed. Also in March '48 Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar,
Kishangarh, Kota, Pratapgarh, Shahpura and Tonk joined the Indian union
and formed a part of Rajasthan. In April '48 Udaipur joined the state
and the Maharana of Udaipur was made Rajpramukh. Therefore in 1948 the
merger of south and southeastern states was almost complete. Still
retaining their independence from India were Jaipur and the desert
kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. From a security point of
view, it was vital to the new Indian Union to ensure that the desert
kingdoms were integrated into the new nation. The princes finally agreed
to sign the Instrument of Accession, and the kingdoms of Bikaner,
Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur were merged in March 1949. |
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This time the Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh II was made the Rajpramukh of the state
and Jaipur became its capital. Later in 1949, the United State of Matsya,
comprising the former kingdoms of Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli and Dholpur,
was incorporated into Rajasthan. On January 26th 1950, 18 states of
united Rajasthan merged with Sirohi to join the state leaving
Abu and Dilwara to remain a part of Greater Bombay and now
Gujarat.
In November 1956 under the State Re-organisation Act, 1956 the erstwhile
part 'C' State of Ajmer, Abu Road Taluka, former part of princely State
Sirohi (which were merged in former Bombay), State and Sunel Tappa
region of the former Madhya Bharat merged with Rajasthan and Sirohi sub
district of Jhalawar was transferred to Madhya Pradesh. Thus giving the
existing boundary Rajasthan. Today with further reorganisation of the
states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Rajasthan has become
the largest state of the Indian Republic.
The princes of the former kingdoms were constitutionally granted
handsome remuneration in the form of privy purses and privileges to
assist them in the discharge of their financial obligations. In1970,
Indira Gandhi, who was then the Prime Minister of India, commenced
under-takings to discontinue the privy purses, which were abolished in
1971. Many of the former princes still continue to use the title of
Maharaja but the title has little else power other than status symbol.
Many of the Maharajas still hold their palaces and have converted them
into profitable hotel while some have made good in politics. The
democratically elected Government runs the state with a Chief Minister
as its executive head and the Governor as the head of the state. |
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