|
|
|
|
|
|
ROYAL LAND --RAJASTHAN
|
|
|
Rajasthan is a state which is rich in music, Dance, Art
& Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to
intrigue & enchant. The inherent buoyancy and dryness of
the land is evident in every aspect of the lifestyle of the
people, and also, in the colorful turbans and soup-strainer
moustaches sported by the Men and bright mirrored skirts and
silver jewelry worn by the women. This abode of kings is one
of the most exotic locales for tourist world over.
The kingdoms of erstwhile Rajputana were perpetually locked
in armed conflict with their neighbors, a fact that makes
the saga of Rajasthan a story of bloodshed as much as
heroism and sacrifice. Many of these legends have come to us
in the form of ballads sung by folk singers or in the
accounts of bards and court poets. Many more find mention in
history.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th
centuries, and were a major force to reckon with in medieval
India. Passionately attached to their land, family and
honor, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a
strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their
velour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There
are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj
Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader
Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191), although he
died on the same battlefield in the following year. Or the
great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the
might of the Mughals, and continued to make raids on them
even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar
Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal rule.
Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading
Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and
nobility, and went into direct State service of the Mughal
Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and
farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to
consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties
with the proud Rajputs, who made formidable enemies, but
steadfast and loyal friends.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
