About Rajasthan - History
Geography Culture Festivals Food
History of
Rajasthan
Some parts of present
day Rajasthan were part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Rajasthan’s history
is 5000 years old and it is related to Lord Rama. Mauryan, Rajput, Parmars,
Chalukyas, and Chauhans are some of the important rulers of this region. Rajputs
were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties. Akbar ruled the major
regions of the state like Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor. Rajasthan was formed
on 30 March 1949 when it was merged into the Dominion of India.
Geography of
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located
on the northern side of the country. It is surrounded by Punjab, Haryana Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It also shares international border with
Pakistan which is 1070 kms. It is spread in 324239 sq kms, making it the
largest state in the country. It is contributing 11% of India’s area. Rajasthan
houses Thar Desert which is known as "Great Indian Desert". The
Aravali Range divides the state into two geographical zones
Government
and Administration of Rajasthan
For administration
purpose Rajasthan is divided into seven divisions and 33 districts. Major
political parties in Rajasthan are the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian
National Congress. Rajasthan legislative assembly consists of 200 seats.
Rajasthan contributes 25 members to the Indian Assembly in which four and three
are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively.
Language and
Culture of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
has a mix of people belonging to different castes, tribes, and religions, which
enhance the culture by their unique customs and beliefs. Kathak, one of the
classical dance forms in India, is famous in this area and is widely practiced
here. The Ghoomar dance and Kalbeliya dance are the folk dances from the state
which have international recognition. Ghair, Kucchi Ghodi, Terahtaali, Fire
Dance, Drum Dance etc are some of the folk dances from the state. Folk songs
are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Jewellary, Metalware, Gesso
Work, Pottery, Stone Carving and Block Printing are the important crafts in the
state. In Rajasthan, cooking food is considered as an art. Hindi is widely
spoken in the region. Marwari, Jaipuri, Malvi and Mewati are the main dialects
in the state. Bagri, Harauti, Thali, Gade Romany etc are some less known
dialects spoken in Rajasthan. English is also widely spoken in the state.
Education
Status of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s
literacy rate was 67.06% in 2011. Female literacy rate in Rajasthan is the
lowest in the country with 52.66%. Rajasthan has nine universities and more
than 250 colleges which include 41 engineering colleges, 23 polytechnic
colleges and 152 Industrial Training Institutes. Birla Institute of Technology
and Science Pilani, IIT Jodhpur, IIM Udaipur, AIIMS Jodhpur and LNMIIT are some
of the premium colleges in the state.
Economy of
Rajasthan
Rajasthan's
economy mainly depends on agricultural and pastoral. Cotton and tobacco are the
Rajasthan's cash crops. Rajasthan is one of the largest producers of edible
oils in the country and the second largest producer of oilseeds. Many prominent
chemical and engineering companies are located in Kota, a city in southern
Rajasthan. Jodhpur sandstone is mostly used in monuments, important buildings
and residential buildings. Rajasthan is part of the Mumbai-Delhi Industrial corridor
is set to benefit economically. Rajasthan is earning Rs. 150 million per day as
revenue from crude oil sector.
Tourism in
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is
part of the Golden Triangle, which includes the cities of Delhi and Agra.
Rajasthan has attracted 14% of foreign tourist in the country. Tourism accounts
for eight percent of the Rajasthan's domestic product. The palaces of Jaipur
and Ajmer-Pushkar, Udaipur lakes, the desert forts of Jodhpur, Taragarh Fort,
and Bikaner and Jaisalmer are the most preferred destinations. Rajasthan is
famous for its forts, carved temples, and decorated havelis, which were built
in pre-Muslim era.
Festivals
Celebrated in Rajasthan
Desert
Festival is celebrated in the Golden City of Rajasthan – Jaisalmer for three
days in the month of February to exhibit the rich Rajasthani folk culture.
Nagaur Fair, Second largest fair of India, is celebrated for eight days in the
month of January – February in Nagaur for animal trading and displays thousands
of animals. Pushkar fair is one of the largest camel fairs in the world
celebrated for five days on the banks of the Pushkar Lake. Mt. Abu celebrates
the Summer Festival for three days in the month of June to exhibit the tribal
life and culture of Rajasthan. Teej Festival, Mewar Festival, Elephant Festival
and Urs Festival are import state festivals. Apart from these all the major
festivals in India are celebrated.
