Rajasthan Travel and Tourism Guide

Considered as the original abode of Kshatriyas, Rajasthan has a history of about 5000 years and the mythological origin of this gigantic land is related to the famous myth of Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The history of Rajasthan can be classified into three parts owing to the different epochs- Ancient, Medieval and Modern.

The ancient history of Rajasthan belongs to 1200 AD when Rajasthan was a part of different dynasties including the glorious Mauryan Empire in around (321-184 BC). The Dundhmer region was the first Aryan settlement and the first inhabitants of this area were the Bhil and the Mina.

The earliest Rajput dynasty that emerged around 700 AD was the Gurjara Partiharas and since then Rajasthan was cited as Rajputana (the land of the Rajputs). During the eighth - twelfth century AD, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties.

The armed conflicts and the struggle for supremacy among the Parmars, Chalukyas, and Chauhans around 1000-1200 AD resulted in a lot of bloodshed. In this medieval era around 1200 AD, the major regions of Rajasthan such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor came under the Mughal hegemony headed by the Mughal ruler- Akbar.

The most famous Rajput warriors who represented the vigor and valiance of the Rajput dynasty and whose tales of chivalry are still imprinted in the sands of Rajasthan were Rana Uday Singh, his son Rana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan and others. With the end of the Mughal regime in1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in1775.

The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the British suzerainty in 1817-18. On 1st November, 1956 the Indian state Rajasthan came into existence after the amalgamation of the princely states.

Popularly known as the 'Land of Kings', Rajasthan actually epitomizes the core essence of the country. The kings' proud moustaches reflected their confidence and their swords revealed their artistic armour. The rulers of Rajasthan were also known for their extreme sensitivity that allowed them to offer patronage to the numerous artists residing in different corners of the world.

A truly opulent centre for arts and crafts, Rajasthan has a rich collection of forts, palaces, elaborate wells, templates, mansions and memorials of the dead kings/rulers. 
 

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