|
|
 |
North India >> Rajasthan
Rajasthan
[ Ajmer | Alwar | Bharatpur | Bijaipur | Bikaner | Bissau | Bundi | Deogarh | Jaipur | Jaisalmer | Jalore | Jodhpur | Kota | Mount-Abu
| Pushkar | Ranthambhore | Sariska | Shekhawati | Udaipur ]
|
 |
Rajasthan…. The golden glow of desert landscape, the shimmering emerald water surrounding the medieval lakes, grand palaces, bustling bazaars, endless desert sands, teeming wild & bird life are as much a part of Rajasthan. As the ships of the desert who sail majestically amidst the tranquility, colour and warmth all around.
Rajasthan is the second largest state of India and is one of the few states that show a great contrast from one area to another. This disparity is |
noticeable in respect of climate, soil, vegetation, mineral resources etc. The land that revives age old legends of brave Hadi Rani of the beautiful Padmini of Chittaurgarh, the pious Mira Bai, and the love stories of Dholamaru and Moomal – Mahendra of Marwar. Rajasthan, the land of prince and princess has the most amazing legends of devotion, romance and heroism. It offers the visitors: both quite moments of relaxation and adventure in the desert state.
|
|
Ajmer - The Land of Composite Cultures
Where to cultures meet. Temples and mosques within a short distance of each other. The harmonious blend of Hinduism and Islam gives this town a unique character.
Ajmer was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauchan in the 7th century AD. The Chauhans reigned here till 1193 AD. Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu ruler of Delhi lost it to Muhammed Ghori. Ajmer still whispers the romantic legend surrounding this last ruler.
After this lion-hearted ruler lost Ajmer to Muhammed Ghori, it became a part |
 |
of the Delhi Sultanate. However, Rana Kumbha of Mewar and Raja Maldeo of Marwar once again established Rajput rule over Ajmer.
From them onwards Ajmer-coveted by Rajputs, Mughals and Marathas-witnessed many battles.
Today, the place is a holy integration of two religions with the holyPushkar temples on one hand and the Durgah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti on the other.
HOW TO GET THERE
• Rail : Regular train services join Ajmer with important cities. Pink City, Chetak and Shatabdi express are the best trains for tourists from Delhi and Jaipur.
• Road : A dense network of bus services operates from Ajmer to Key destinations around.
• Air : Jaipur 132 kms is the nearest airport.
|
Top
|
|
|
Bissau
Founded 1746, has painted chhattris and a fort. The Sigtia, Khernka, Tibriwala and Kedia havelis are worth visiting. Mahansar (founded mid-18th;centnry) S of Bissau, has the Poddar haveli o fSon-Chand, the Rama Temple (ask for the key to the Golden Room; no photography) and the large Raghunath Temple with some of the finest paintings of the region.
|
|
Top
|
|
Bundi - The Undiscovered Splendour
Bundi and Kota were once a single principality ruled by the Hada Chauhans, an offshoot of thefamous clan of Chauhans who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. After the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chauhan bySultan Mohammed Gori in 1193, the Chauhan nobles sought sanctuary in Mewar. They werewelcomed and proved allies to the Rana.
Yet some young warriors ventured on their own, overpowered the Meena and Bhil, tribals of theChambal valley and established the kingdom of Hadavati or Hadoti. Later two branches of theHadas formed two separate states on either side of the Chambal. These were Kota and Bundi. |
 |
HOW TO GET THERE :
• Road : Good road connections link Bundi with important places around.
• Air : Jaipur 206 Km is the nearest airport.
• Rail : Kota 36 km is the convenient railhead.
|
Top
|
|
|
Jalore
Jalore is a rich region boasting of ancient monuments, cultural heritage and interesting traditions. Udayasimha was thegreatest of the Chauhan rulers of Jalore. He successfully resisted the Muslim invasions of Mohammad Ghori.
Udayasimha's court was a great intellectual centre and during his reign, Jalore reached the zenith of its glory. There is a famous couplet about Jalore, since it successfully withstood constant onslaughts for a long time and was regarded as one of the most impregnable forts of the country. "Let the sky be torn, the earth turned upside down, let the iron armour be cut to pieces, body fighting alone, but Jalore would not surrender."
|
 |
 |
The illustrious ruler Kanha-dadeva represented Rajput chivalry at its best, when he died fighting to protect Jalore. The district became a part of Jodhpur state after 1707 A.D.
Jalore is also a place of pilgrimage for Jains and the famous Jain temples of Adinath, Mahavira, Parsvanath and Santinath are located here. The oldest temple is that of Adinath, which existed as far back as in the 8th century. The mandapa was subsequently built in 1182 A.D. by Yasovira, a Srimali vaishya.
The temple of Parsvanath was built by the ruler of Jalore and then rebuilt in 1785 A.D. This temple has a spectacular toran or an archway and a golden "cupola' in the hall meant for theatre performances.
|
The temple of Mahavira was also known as Chandanavihara Nahadarao, named after a Pratihara ruler and a hero of Jain tradition who built it in the 14th century.
The temples of Santinatha and the Ashtapads are believed to have existed in the 13th century.
Jalore Fort, one of the most famous forts in Rajasthan, stands on a perpendicular hill. The fort is reached after traversing about 5 kms. of a steep road, passing through three distinct lines of defence. The cut-stone walls of the fort are still intact at some places. Within the fort are drinking water tanks. Also to be seen here are four Vaishnava temples and five Jain temples. Near the main gate there is a mosque and the tomb of Malik Shah, a noted Mohammedan saint.
|
Top
|
|
 |
|
