RAJASTHAN , INDIA
The literal meaning of the word 'Rajasthan' or 'Rajisthan' is "Rajdhani' i.e. the capital. It was in 1829 that Col. James Tod in his monumental work The Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan first ex- tended the denotation of the term to include the entire State. Before independence, Rajasthan comprised twenty-one principalities and two self governing feudal houses with Ajmer- Merwara - a British domain situated in the Centre. Among the twenty-one States were Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Shahpura, Bundi, Kota, Sirohi, Karoli, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Jhalawar, Datan, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Tonk and Palanpur. The feu- dal houses were Kushalgarh and Lava. Of these, Datan and Palanpur were amalgamated in Gujarat while the rest formed the modern state of Rajasthan.
The geographical features of the state have affected the people making them not only hardy but also tenacious and chivalrous. Rajasthan is the land of warriors and heroes, saints and holy men, patriots and martyrs. It was only with the amalgamation of the states in 1947 that note was taken of the arts and crafts that had been nurtured under the patronage of the princes and feudal lords. These, it was realized , were specimens of a distinctive culture. Modern Rajasthan cherishes these rich traditions that are still alive in the works of art and literature.
Architecture :
It is apparent from the archaeological remains at Kalibanga, Ganeshwar, Ahar, Noha, etc., that planned lay-our of towns and construction of buildings had started from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization (in nearly 3,000 B.C.). Architectural ruins of the Epic age d the subsequent Maurya, Gupta and Rajput eras are found scatkered in many places. It is remarkable that from the 12th century works an architecture came to be written. Among these is the renowned Apraitoricha . Architecture further gained in originality and beauty through the renowned architect, Shilpi Mandan, who wrote extensively about this sphere of art in his works, Prasad Mandan, Rajvallabh, Devmurti Prakran and Vastu Mandan. The tradition was carried on by his brother Natha who wrote Vastu Manjiri and by his Govind, the writer of Kala Niddhi and Dwar Dipika.
Forts and Palaces :
The forts of Rajasthan are amongst the foremost in the country, incorporating the special features elaborated in ancient texts on construction of forts. Thus there are the 'Kavsees' and 'Jeev rakha' that have the advantages of both sentinel towers or bases and embrasure . Noteworthy among the rock fortresses, 'Giri Durg' of Rajasthan are Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Siwana, Jalore, Mehrangarh (Jodhpur), Taragarh, Aamer, Rajgarh, Dausa and Kuchaman. Outstanding among the 'Jal Durgs' (i.e. forts erected in water) is Gagron fort near Jhalawar, built on the confluence of the rivers Ahu and Kali Singh. Besides these, there are some well-known forts constructed in level plains, like the forts of Jaisalmer, Junagarh (Bikaner), Nagore and Chomu. It is not only the architectural beauty, the imposing structure and reputed invincibility of the forts, but also the legends of chivalry associated with them that attract the tourist.
Fergusson, a lover of art, marvelled at the beauty of the many Palaces of Rajasthan. While the palaces built by' the Rajputs have small rooms and a simple design, the influence of Mughal art and architecture led to the construction of richly decorated large edifices, with Diwan-i-khas and Diwan-i-aam, jharokas (decorative windows) and gardens with fountains and ponds. With the advent of the British, palaces that were built within the ramparts of the fort, came out of this enclosure. While almost every palace has its own unique beauty, there are some that stand out for the enduring beauty of their murals, frescoes, fine stone carvings and their ornamentation.
The 'havelis' (mansions) at Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Karoli, Bharatpur, Kota, Ramgarh, Navalgarh, Fatehpur, Mukundgarh, Mandawa, Pilani, Sardarsahar, Ratangarh, etc. are examples of architectural excellence. While some are admirable for the exquisite stone lattice work, others are of interest for their murals or the harmony of design.
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