Rajasthan, now the largest state in India, is a centre of art and culture. There is proof that it has been inhabited for 6000-8000 years. Amongst the first few who lived here were the people from the Hardpan Civilization. The Aryans (2000 B.C.) and the Mauryans (400 A.D.) and then the Scythians settled in this area. The Indo-Scythians with time became the Rajputs who ruled this land for more than a thousand years. And that's why Rajasthan is often called the "Land of
the Rajputs".

Jaipur, Jaiselmer, Chittorgarh, Pushkar, Ajmer, Bikaner, Mandawa, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Dungarpur, Ranakpur and Ranthambore are the most visited places in Rajasthan. These places are well connected by road.

Jaipur is the planned city with magnificent fortresses, temples and lush green gardens. You can shop to your heart's content, feast on the Rajasthani thali and watch some theatre at the Raj mandir. The City Palace and the Hawa Mahal are two places you must visit. Enjoy the elephant ride to Amber Fort. Here the Jana Shakti, one of the largest cannons in the world, will fire to salute you.

Jodhpur, unlike Jaipur doesn't have a large number of forts but the few that are there are fascinating. The Mehrangarh Fort which rises from the plains is a 10-storey structure made of rock. It reminds us of the power and legacy of the Rajputs. You will be welcomed by a traditionally dressed man playing a musical instrument. The locals have done a great job maintaining their heritage. However, after the initial musical welcome, something that will make an impact on you is
the hand marks of the sati victims on the walls. This fort has a brilliant collection of art works, sculptures, exotic palanquins, guns and swords.

Udai Singh Palace epitomises grandness. It was apparently built to provide employment to masses during a famine. A magnificent hall with a pool beneath it and the army of servants emphasize its grand and lavish style. In 1945, when Indians didn't know what electricity was, this palace had neatly hidden wiring and centralised air conditioning. All this was done by Carrier, an American multinational company. I urge you enjoy yourself looking at this work of art. You should also try the food at the restaurant in the palace. It's delicious!

Jaisalmer is a small town at the end of the desert. It wouldn't take you more than a couple of minutes to go from one end to the other. While you wander around you'll see mind blowing havelies which belong to the rich merchants of the place. This town seems to be taken out from the Arabian Nights. The atmosphere and the feel of the place are such than you spend hours here without realizing how time passed by. The adventure and romance is in the air.

Rajasthan has been home to royalty and it would a wonderful experience to stay in one of the heritage hotels that the state has. These ancient havelis, converted to hotels now will take back in time. In Jaipur a few hotels are- Narayan Niwas Palace, Samod Haveli, Mandawa House and Rajmahal Palace Hotel. There are more hotels like the grand Shiv Niwas Palace (Udaipur) in the Marwar and Mewar region.

There are festivals celebrated all year in Rajasthan by people of various communities. Desert Festival,Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.), Elephant Festival,Jaipur (March-April), Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June), Teej, Jaipur (July-August) and Pushkar Fair,Ajmer (November) are some of the famous festivals.

Music sung by women is mostly about water and the style is called panihari. It depicts daily chores and is cantered around the well. In arid area like Rajasthan water is of immense significance. Some of the folk songs also talk about chance encounter with their lover. Some even have snipes at the incorrigible mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Music is also dedicated to various deities. The dohas of saints Kabirdas, Surdas and Meerabai are popular. These songs are sung in night long celebrations. Percussion, wind and string instruments are used as accompaniments. Sometimes thalis and pots are used too. Ballads are used to tell heroic tales of Tejaji, Gogaji and Ramdeoji. All these music traditions are kept alive by folk groups like the Langas, Manganniyars, Mirasis and Dholis.

Rajasthan has many kinds of dances. Each region has its own speciality and when these are performed in the Thar desert they bring life to it. Ghoomar, Gair, Raika, Jhoria, Gauri, Kalbelia, Chari and Kathak are some of the dances. Ghoomar is a dance performed by women on special occasions. Gair is a dance done by men on Holi. In Chari dancers move with pots and a lighted lamp on their heads. This dance is done in a marriage or when a boy is born to a family. Each dance has its own significance. The costumes are bright and colourful and you must arrange to see one performance when you're there.

Shopping

So if you're ready to be held captive- head to Rajasthan.