Amazing
legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing
architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The
magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture,
safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is
often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the
travelers and the curious of the day.
It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels,
elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in
the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger
or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the
lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just
choose your activity.
History
The home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry,
Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to
the early historical period.
Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture
which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region
formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also
speaks of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest
called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer). The first Aryan
settlement here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The influence of Jainism
and Buddhism, also spread to this region. It witnessed the rule of the
Magadha, Kushanas and the Guptas, during which it was divided into
Mahajanapadas and Janapadas. Rajasthan formed part of the Mauryan Empire in
about 130-150AD and the Guptas ruled it in the 4th century.
From about 640AD the Gujars, Pratiharas, Chauhans, Gahlots etc established
their independent Kingdoms. Internal rivalry between the Rajput Kingdoms led
to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms which resisted the
supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule declined by about 1707AD
and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were subdued by the British who
disintegrated many of its areas. After Independence Rajasthan was organised
into a state in 1956.
