Rajasthani Art
The miniature paintings of Rajasthan are renowned the world over. The famous schools of painting in Rajasthan are: the Mewar School, Bundi-Kota Kalam, Bikaner, Jaipur, Marwar and Kishangarh Schools. Artists engaged in miniature paintings exist in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Kishangarh and continue to work on handmade paper. Jaipur, the Pinkcity of Rajasthan, is famous for its Blue Pottery. It is also famous for precious and semi-precious gem stones. Jaipur has been famous for the diamond industry throughout the world.
Folk Music And Dance:
Rajasthan's popular dance is Ghoomar which gets its name from ghoomna. The other graceful dance is Kalbelia (performed by snake charmer). The People of Rajasthan love celebrations.
Rajasthani Craft: The range of Rajasthani textile is very huge like
Block prints, tie & dye and
embroidered
fabrics.
The Bandhani (tie & dye and leharia) work from Jaipur, Udaipur,
and Jodhpur is world famous. Printed Kota Doria sarees are also famous. Hand
block printed bed sheets in Ajrak prints come from Barmer; sarees, wraps and
kerchiefs from Nathdwara and embroidered textiles from Bikaner and Barmer
are well known. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Alwar & Bikaner are famous for terra
cotta craft.
Culture & Tradition:
Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan reflect its rich culture and tradition.
Gangaur festival, Teej festival, Pushkar fair, Desert festival, Marwar
festival, Camel festival, Urs fair, Nagaur festival, Summer festival and
Elephant festival are some of the popular festivals in Rajasthan. People of
Rajasthan love celebrations.
Women Of Rajasthan:
Women of Rajasthan love ornaments. There are ornaments which were used in
the past and are still used in the present.
Both men and women wear
ornaments. The ornaments of gold and silver are more popular in Rajasthan.
In daily use the ladies wear normal ornaments of neck, hand, nose and ear
but on special occasions and social functions. Women wear all the ornaments
of different parts of the body to look beautiful and attractive.
Rajasthan Dresses:
The Traditional Rajasthan dresses of Hindus are Potia, Dhoti, Banda, Angrakhi, Bugatari, Pachewara, Khol, Dhabla and turban. Tilak, Burga, Achkan are Muslim dresses. Dresses of Rajasthan are fast changing now with Blusher, Salwar and Skirts, Saris and Pants accordingly. Turbans the head dress of Rajasthan is a differential pattern of each geographical region designed to its terrain and climatic influence. Clothes express ones personality and tell people which village and caste they belong.
The conventional dresses of the women are Sari, Odhani, Kanchli, Kunchuki, Choli, Ghaghra, Ghaghri and Lahanga. Besides, the women of high status and ranks wear dupatta and patka. The use of chappals or sandals or jutees is also common but ladies of high families use coloured sandals studded with gold threads and stars. Thus, it is concluded that the costumes of women are very colorful and fascinating.
Ravishing Rajasthan:
The history of Rajasthan abounds with the legends of chivalry & valor and heroism & romance. Rajasthan, the land of sand dunes, invincible & impregnable forts, lovely lakes and magnificent palaces beckons all kind of travelers especially the history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. This also offers you an opportunity to feel kingly in the heritage hotels while serving you like the Maharajas of the yester years. Its extensive wildlife, bird sanctuary, royal delicacies, desert dishes, irresistible bunch of art and culture and fair & festival present a plethora of options for the tourist to know the Rajasthan in all its colors. So come, awaken your senses amidst myriad of colors, sights and sounds of exotic and ravishing Rajasthan.
History Of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a land of Rajputs. Archaeologists establish a connection with the Harappan culture which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also speak of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer). The first Aryan settlement here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The influence of Jainism and Buddhism also spread to this region. It witnessed the rule of the Magadha, Kushanas and the Guptas, during which it was divided into Mahajanapadas and Janapadas. Rajasthan formed part of the Mauryan Empire in about 130-150AD and the Guptas ruled it in the 4th century.
From about 640AD the Gujars, Pratiharas, Chauhans, and Gahlots established their independent Kingdoms. Internal rivalry between the Rajput Kingdoms led to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms which resisted the supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule declined by about 1707AD and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were subdued by the British who disintegrated many of its areas. After independence Rajasthan was organized into a state in 1956.
