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Modern Princes |
The land of Rajasthan has always been exotic and the Western
countries have always fantasised about. Rajputs, the martial
races that ruled India, and who traced their origin from the
war gods, and also known for their chivalry and bravery,
belongs to Rajasthan. The rich people and splendid rare jewels
are also found in this rich state of Rajasthan. Over the
centuries, different dynasties ruled from different parts of
the country, and built their kingdoms on reciprocity with
neighboring kingdoms. However, under the rule of the Mughals
and the British, an attempt was made to unify the land and
breadth of the country as one nation.
The members of the royal houses, and those of the aristocratic
order that functioned just under them, drew up an elaborate
system that reflected in a lifestyle that consisted of amazing
discipline and sometimes also indulge in hunting and balls.
Some elaborate ceremonies and marriages that were held during
those days lasted for months, and festivals were celebrated
with great pomp. The rulers built various greatest
architectural monuments like forts, palaces and temples to
ensure employment and food for the poorest. And thus arose the
great monument wonders, some of the most exquisite the world
has seen. These royal families were derecognized by the
Constitution of India in 1971, and their privileges were
withdrawn but the dynasties that once ruled over independent
states continue to live graciously, and are now the famous
industrialists, professionals and hoteliers. Some of the
ruling dynasties have also converted their ancestral homes,
forts and palaces into heritage hotels, which reminds of the
glorious past.
Some of the Rajasthani families welcomes you in the homes by
saying ‘Khamaghani’. Hospitality is a courtesy that comes
naturally to most of the Indians, and graciousness is a way of
being. The courtesies go hand-in-hand with festivals and
celebrations that are a part of a way of being in one of the
oldest civilizations of the world.
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Dress
of the People of Rajasthan |
In the rural villages in Rajasthan, the men wear dhotis, a
kind of long fabric without stitches and tied loosely round
the waist, a waistcoat and shirt and a long piece of brightly
coloured fabric on their head tied loosely like a turban.
While in cities, the men wear western dress as dailywear.
During ceremonies and celebrations, the city people also wear
Kurta and pyjamas, a wonderful dress which unfortunately has
lost its charm in day to day life. These Kurta and Pyjamas are
available in all possible colors and designs as per the
budget, one can afford. The village women wear a long flared
skirt with many gathers (ghaghra), a small blouse (kurti -
kanchali) and a large square scarf. While in the urban cities,
the women wear the western dress, sarees and salwar kameez.
One can also see some people with very high social profile
wearing the traditions dresses at functions and festivals
which are made very lavishly.
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Jewellery of the People of Rajasthan |
A good deal of jewellery is worn by the people of Rajasthan.
The Rajputs prefer gold even for their feet, while silver is
favoured among the various tribes who tend to wear rather
large quantities of it. How they go about their task weighed
down by their kilos of silver is another matter, but the
designs into which it is worked is even more amazing. The
people wear these jewels on their foreheads, hair, ears,
necks, wrists, waists, round ankles and on their toes. They
wear these jewels daily, but on special occasions, they look
quite stunning. |
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Night
Life in Rajasthan
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In most of the places in Rajasthan the main attraction are the cultural shows
that features the performances of Indian dance and music. After a tiresome day in the
heat, the villagers amuse themselves by listening to soulful
music and participate in dances. In some of the small towns
there are small theatres in which there are night plays. In
some of the towns there is a cinema which show films in Hindi,
English and Rajasthani as well. Music and dance are an
important part of Indian cinema and combine various other
things to produce a rich variety of film art. |
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