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Some of the most stunning forts and
monuments in the country were built by them of course, the romance and passion that is so much a part of
Rajasthan’s culture cannot be detailed through a dry account
of what every child in India reads in schoolbooks. It is only
when you visit the monuments and the palaces that you begin to
relate to the various players who shaped the past (and in many
ways, the present) of the Rajasthanis.
Listen to the story of
Queen Padmini, one of the most beautiful women of her times,
so desired by Allaudin Khilji that he sacked and raided her
kingdom to carry her off; whether or not he succeeded is a
story for another day. While most textbooks mention Maharana
Pratap, it is only when you visit the sites of his brave
exploits that you will begin to understand why he is regarded
as the greatest of all Rajput rulers.
Culture
By now you have probably gotten some idea of the romance that
Rajasthan is. Once you visit the state, you realize that it is
also a land of incredible warmth and generosity. No
monochromes here; the colors of the rainbow are everywhere.
Whether the brightly woven carpets made by rural weavers, or
the glittering mirrorwork on the skirts and blouses of women,
or the festivals such as Teej that celebrate the spirit of
spring, there is not a dull shade in the multihued palette of
this state.
The Ghoomar is a dance where the women twirl and
sashay in their bright skirts to the tune of the sarangi and
dholak, instruments typically Rajasthani in their ingenuity
and global in their appeal. The traditional artists are famous
for their skill in creating leather, wood, and metal items, as
well as dyeing fabrics.
Cuisine
Rajasthan is known for its rich culinary traditions as well.
The best part about eating out in Rajasthan is that you have
choices galore. If you are vegetarian, then try the Marwari
and Jain cuisines that will not only allow you to stick to a
strictly plant-based diet, but also add a spicy tang to an
otherwise cold winter evening. For non vegetarians, besides
the usual mutton and poultry preparations, there are unusual
dishes such as “khud khargosh”, literally, rabbit in a pit.
Rajasthan is more than just a land, it is a place that helps
you understand yourself as you undertake a journey into its
past and begin to recognize what molded its present – and will
continue to influence its future. |
