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.
