Rajasthan – The Land of Kings : The first time I was introduced to the culture of Rajasthan was when I visited Chowki Dhani. I was barely 12 years old and needless to say, most of what I can recall is that the food was absolutely fabulous and I got to ride a camel.
But even my teeny-tiny mind can’t forget how I felt about the place.
Looking back at it, all I can think about is that if a mere adaptation of the state can make me feel so royal and glorious, how would the actual state be like?
Heck, even the name Rajasthan literally translates to the Land of the Kings! Doesn’t really leave much to the imagination about how it would be like, does it?
The huge rich history of Rajasthan considered to be at least 5000 years old and the kingdom is ruled by different kings over the period, Great King like Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar is Known for his bravery and Courage. The land is known for its brave kings who fought with esteem and principles. Various communities like Jats, Rajputs, and Gurjars over a while have ruled the state and left us speechless with their incredible stories.
The unconditional love, blood, sacrifice of great leaders, kings have made Rajasthan earned the title of “Land of Kings”.
But it seems like it isn’t just me who is bewitched by the state.
Although the whole India is known for its hospitality but when it comes to Rajasthan, its a little special. People here are king by hearts and welcome their guest with warmth and love. Atithi Devo Bhava is a Sanaskrit Verse which literally translates “GUEST IS GOD” and people here in Rajasthan truly believes in their tradition and culture and you will not feel for a second that you are meeting these beautiful souls for the first time.
Play the video below to understand what we are talking about- Rajasthan is not a place, its a feeling!
As per statistics, every third foreign traveler who comes to India visits Rajasthan.
Such is the allure of the place, it attracts people from across the globe. There are so many forts and places of tourist attraction that I don’t think I’ll be able to cover them all even if I chatter all night, but you definitely deserve a glimpse.
Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is a famous tourist destination in Rajasthan. The fort has been featured in both Bollywood and Hollywood movies including The Dark Knight Rises (2012), The Jungle Book (1994), and Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014) amongst many others.
And of course, you already know about Padmavat (2018) being filmed at Chittor Fort.
The incredible serenity of mountains and lakes, the heritage, the vibrant platter, and the royal hospitality makes Rajasthan a hotspot for destination weddings.
These movies show how spectacular and grand the architecture of Rajasthan is, and it doesn’t really surprise me given the ancient Kingdoms and Rulers and the old-age beauty that stands proof for India’s rich culture.
In fact, the most lavish and expensive hotels in Rajasthan are so esteemed because of their history. Many historical palaces (Hawelis) in Rajasthan have now been converted into extravagant hotels for tourists.
The most expensive luxurious hotels in India which gives you the Royal feel are here in Rajasthan, its been said if you want to feel and live like king, you should spend a night here in these royal suites. The cost may vary according to the time but an estimation of royal suites (Suryavanshi and Sukh Niwas) In Rambagh Palace of Jaipur cost around US $ 10-11K.
Even travelling in Rajasthan is Royal in itself, have you ever heard the name “Palace on Wheels“- Sounds fancy right? It is actually one of the most luxurious train in the world which cost around US $3500 for 8 nights!
Rajasthan definitely knows how to give royal experience to our guests, its not a place, its a feeling!
But Rajasthan is not just about architecture and tourist places. To be honest, I don’t think anything comes even remotely close to the love that Rajasthanis hold for art and culture.
The artistic inclination of Rajasthanis is evident at the very first glance if you ever happen to visit the state. In fact, you don’t even have to look further than the roads for me to prove my point.
Just Google ‘Trucks of Rajasthan’ and you’ll know what I mean.
Every single truck in this state includes some form of art, be it a funny one-liner or a Shayari or even graphic art.
Is it even possible that a state can put my sense of style to shame? It’s true, though!
Rajasthan has a better sense of color and style than I could ever dream of. You would of course know that Jaipur is called the Pink City, but did you know that Jodhpur is Blue, Udaipur is White and Jaisalmer is Golden?
I know, right!
But it’s not just art in the literal sense, the love for handicrafts and jewelry in Rajasthan can be traced back to the pre-independence of Indian royals.
In fact, did you know that the need for Rajasthanis to delve so deep into gold and craftsmanship is due to fear?
Owing to the unsympathetic desert habitat and continuous warfare, the people started investing in art, gold, and jewelry to secure their future.
In fact, back in the day, the Rajputs adorned their swords and weapons with lavish jewelry to signify their social status.
The Art of Meenakari was introduced in the 16th century by Raja Ram Singh, a noble in the court of King Shah Jahan, and has since been perfected by the jewelry craftsmen of Rajasthan.
Meenakari is an age-old art form of carving out intricate designs on metal with colored enamel. It has been associated with the jewelry adorned by the Kings and Queens of the prehistoric era.
The Artwork of Meenakari is a symbol of Rajasthan’s rich culture and it has a traditional value attached to it.
Sure, when people love art and culture, they build a museum to showcase it to the world.
But Rajasthan took it to a whole different level.
Welcome to Shilpgram Museum, Udaipur, where an entire village has been converted into a museum to promote the traditional art and culture of India.
Such is the royal land of Rajasthan.
I can spend an eternity trying to understand the cultural heritage of Rajasthan and barely scratch the surface, but even if I don’t understand anything else one thing is blatantly obvious to me.
When it comes to Rajasthan and everything it holds dear, it’s never just about materialistic value.
