The origin of the Rajputs remains somewhat in doubt. That they were of foreign
origin is suggested by the elaborate genealogies that the Brahmins (the priest
of the Indian Varna or caste system) created to accord them the Kshatriya (warrior)
caste. Which status they always insisted upon with almost undue vehemence. The
Rajputs traced their lineage from a mythical fire atop Mt Abu, a mountain in
Rajasthan, (Agni Kula or the Fire Family), the sun (Suryavanshi or the Sun Family)
and the moon (Chandravanshi or the Moon Family).
Whatever was their origin, the Rajputs certainly were the living image of
the state where they were worshipped as the mighty, the noble, the handsome
and awesomely brave people.The legendary stories of their valour still do
the rounds of the mother and the child during the sleeping hours.Even during
the British rule, the Rajputs were given the due respect they deserved and
gained importance with 21 gun salutes, royal polo matches and durbars, just
as they lost its meaning. Yet today the tales of the chivalrious Rajput warrior
kings like Prithviraj Chauhan, Rana Kumbha, and Bhappa Rawal, continue to
echo in the golden sands of the state in the people's folklore, music and
dance.
When India became independent 23 princely states were combined to form the
State of Rajasthan or the abode of rajas and now has become the foremost destination
in India.
So because of this extremely rich historical base, Rajasthan as a state has
a lot of very important palaces and forts which give this state that edge
for monumental history over the other Indian states. This state is very famous
for its deserts,colourful lifestyles of the people, the landscapes and the
humbleness and hard-working attitude of the people.
Changing Times:
As times have changed, the lifestyles of the people of thisstate have changed
too. This is also because of the tourists inflow to the state. The people
of this state have adopted to the new ways of the world and with education
reaching to the grass root levels, the mind set of the people is also changing.
With more cosmopolitan crowd filtering in to the state, the ways and habitats
of the people are also changing. So if any tourist seeking a royal treatment,
has to just check into one of the several palace hotels that will; make their
wishes come true.
Whether it is the cities with a westernized life style or the villages, you
will always find the people warm, friendly and humble. And if you want to
move away from the regular tourist itenary, one can organize his or her own
it nary.
The Accommodation part for you could be a beautiful palace hotel or a small
heritage hotel in the countryside, a guesthouse or a village hut whichever
you and your purse can manage. Rajasthan has a wide variety of shopping complexes
which cater to every type of taste and purse.
It is among the richest states in the country as far as handicrafts are concerned.
The craftsmen here have been creating the most opulent and richest of treasure.
Stone, clay, leather, wood ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles
are given the most brilliant forms.
Each little village had its own mohulla of craftsmen who were patronised
by the local people as well as visitors to the village. Today, the Government
encourages the local handicrafts as well as the small-scale industries and
retail outlets have been set up in the major cities. Tourists can choose from
the large variety on display, and at very reasonable prices.
But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect
to find many contradictions. Wherever you travel, particularly when you escape
from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected,
whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view.
The mood and the rhythm of the countryside changes from one region to another,
and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; a land of amazing natural
beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.
Origin of Rajputs, Rajasthan Travel
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