High Points of India
The Romance of Rajasthan
Approaching the state of Rajasthan in India, we find stretches of golden scrubland
& low, rocky hills dotted with magnificent fortresses. Camel-caravans share
the roads. Their riders wear the colorful turbans & fierce moustaches of the
fabled Rajput clans. Rajasthan (or Rajputana -“The Abode of Kings”) was originally
composed of apx. 22 princely states, each ruled by an independent king. Hundreds
of forts and palaces dot the rugged hills of Rajasthan, reminders of a tumultuous
yet grand past. The architecture is a blend of Rajput and Mogul styles, graceful
yet massive and powerful.
Perforated stone windows remind one of the royal women who accepted
a life of seclusion, honor and romance. Magnificent halls and chambers sparkle with
precious stones. The Rajputs were great warriors who held to an unswerving code
of honor. Their tradition demanded the supreme sacrifice when a war went against
them. Dressed in saffron robes, they would go into battle prepared to fight till
the last man. If the flag of defeat was displayed on the battle field, the women
in the fortress performed the rite of jauhar and threw themselves into a
flaming pyre rather than face the dishonor of capture.
With the coming of the British, many Rajput kings forged profitable
alliances with them against the Moghul Empire. After the British empire was established
in India these princely states continued their support to the British. Following
India’s independence in 1947, the Rajput princes and kings were forced to merge
their states into the new country, but they were allowed to keep title to their
palaces and forts, private lands, jewels, and other royal possesions. Many of these
fantastic estates have been converted into India's famous Heritage hotels.
Erstwhile princes still live in splendor, and peasants still bow to
the descendants of their former rulers. Rajasthan retains the Romance of Rajputana:
in its magnificent palaces, lakes and gardens, in royal hunting grounds that are
now wildlife sanctuaries, and in the proud bearing and colorful dress of village
folk who retain the rustic grace of their ancestors.
Holidays in Rajasthan