Page 350 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

348  WESTERN INDIA

A PORTRAIT OF

WESTERN INDIA

The Great Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea have been two dominating
influences in the history and culture of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Both these
states have boundaries with Pakistan and, before 1947, contained a number
of princely states. In most other respects, however, the two states are a
study in contrasts.
A many-splendoured land of fairy-tale
palaces and vibrant fairs and festivals,
Rajasthan fulfils everyone’s favourite
fantasies about India. Until Indepen dence
in 1947 Rajasthan, literally “the Land
of Kings”, was indeed just that. It was
made up of more than 20 princely states,
bastions of royal opulence and feudal
pageantry. They were ruled by Rajput
clans such as the Kachhawahas of Jaipur, A desert nomad’s shelter in Rajasthan
the Rathores of Jodhpur and the Sisodias
of Mewar. Their legacy has helped into them. Apart from becoming
make the state one of the country’s successful hoteliers, many former princes
most popular tourist destinations. have found new roles for themselves in
Today, Rajasthan’s once-impregnable politics, representing their constituencies
forts are open to visitors, and many of in India’s parliament. Rajasthan’s traditional
the old princely palaces and feudal castles arts and crafts have also been revived,
have been converted into delightful with tourists replacing maharajas as
hotels, often run by the erstwhile ruling the new patrons.
families. Tourism has helped restore these Eighty per cent of Rajasthan’s popu lation
historic buildings, and breathed new life still lives in rural areas, engaged in
agriculture and livestock herding. The
rhythm of life in the villages continues
much as it has for hundreds of years, the
drudgery of the daily grind broken every
few weeks by religious festivals and
cattle fairs, such as those at Pushkar
(see pp378–9) and Nagaur (see p380).
These wonderfully colourful events
provide Rajasthani villagers with an
occasion for feasting, socializing, trading,
and enjoying traditional entertainments
such as camel races and puppet shows.
The fairs have become major attractions
for visitors as well, offering close and
memorable encounters with the people
and culture of rural Rajasthan.
Rajasthani society is still socially very
Camels for sale at the Pushkar Fair conservative, with great value placed

348-349_EW_India.indd 348 26/04/17 11:46 am
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