Royal Land - Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a state which is rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant. The inherent buoyancy and dryness of the land is evident in every aspect of the lifestyle of the people, and also, in the colorful turbans and soup-strainer moustaches sported by the Men and bright mirrored skirts and silver jewelry worn by the women. This abode of kings is one of the most exotic locales for tourist world over.
The kingdoms of erstwhile Rajputana were perpetually locked in armed conflict with their neighbors, a fact that makes the saga of Rajasthan a story of bloodshed as much as heroism and sacrifice. Many of these legends have come to us in the form of ballads sung by folk singers or in the accounts of bards and court poets. Many more find mention in history.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon with in medieval India. Passionately attached to their land, family and honor, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their velour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of the Mughals, and continued to make raids on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct State service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties with the proud Rajputs, who made formidable enemies, but steadfast and loyal friends.