Ancient
Rajasthan
is a state of Indian Union situated in the north western part. The history
of Rajasthan is as old as the Harappan Civilization and dates back to 1000
BC. Some excavated sites bring forth the records of this period. Several
ruins and relics found in the region suggest that it was inhabited by
Pre-Aryan race. This part of Indian sub continent was also influenced by the
Jains and Buddhists and the faiths were spread at large here. In the bygone
era Rajasthan has been ruled by different rulers at different periods of
time. Some great dynasties that left behind their impressions here include
the dynasties of Magadha, Kushana, Maurya(321-184BC) and Gupta(400 AD).
From 6th century onwards Rajputs established their supreme power over this
area and under them the region attained its present glory. Rajput rulers
established several kingdoms throughout and the area came to be known as
Rajputana or the state of Rajputs.
Medieval
During 12th century, a part of Rajasthan came under the Muslim rulers as
tributary state but the Rajputs were able to resist the supremacy of
Mughals. During 13th century, some of the powerful regions or princely
states of Rajasthan were Nagaur, Ajmer and Mewar.
Modern
Under
the rule of Akbar, the whole of Rajasthan was a unified province. With the
decline of Mughal power in the 18th century, political breakdown of
Rajasthan started and a part of Rajasthan came under the control of
Marathas. In the mid 18th century, they occupied Ajmer. During early 19th
century(1817-1818) independent Rajput kingdoms signed treaties with British
Power to eliminate the Maratha threat. Hence, the rule of British over
Rajasthan got established.
Post Independence
Prior to independence Rajasthan state comprised of 19 princely states, two
small villages ruled by chiefs of Lava and Kushalgarh and a British
administrative territory of Ajmer-Merwar. All were ruled by different
administrative systems and were disintegrated. After independence, the
region has undergone a long process of integration and exists as a state of
Indian Union from the year 1956. Under British control the region was
popular as Rajputana and after Indian independence it came to be known as
Rajasthan.
At present, there are 32 district, 105 sub-division and 241
tehsils. The Rajputana influence is the dominating one, the essence of which
can be felt by the monuments located in various cities of the state and the
culture prevailing throughout. The magnificent palaces and forts still
describe the prosperity and glory of the past.
Religion of Rajasthan
Religion
also plays a important role in the history and life of Indian and so on the
Rajasthani people. As Rajasthan was the land of Rajputs, the major religion
of this part is Hinduism. But later with the advent of Mughals, Islam also
extended its wings. Apart from Hindus and Muslims, there are people from
Christian, Sikh and Jain community in this vibrant state of Rajasthan.
» Hinduism - Hiduism is the oldest religion in the
world and various temples and religious shrines like Pushkar, Desknok and in
other parts of Rajasthan show its dominance in Rajasthan. People of
Rajasthan practice various traditions, customs, rituals and worship all
forms of nature according to Hindu religion.
» Islam - Muslims are the largest minority in India
and there are a large number of shrines related to Islam religion. The major
ones are at Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer, the tomb of Hamiuddin Nagori
at Nagaur are some of the major pilgrimage centres for Muslims.
» Jainism - Propagated by Lord Mahaveer, it is one
of the oldest living religion of the world. There are several Jain temples
at Ranakpur, Mount Abu, Osian, Jaisalmer and in some other parts of
Rajasthan.
Besides, there are a large majority of Sikhs and Christians living in total
harmony and brother hood with other communities. This gives a cosmopolitan
flavour to Rajasthan.
Geographical facts of Rajasthan
The largest state of Indian Union, Rajasthan covers an area of 3,42,239 sq.
km. in the northwestern region of India. It is bounded by Pakistan to the
west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar
Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. Its main
geographical feature includes Thar Desert in the northwestern part and the
Aravalli Range runs through southwest to northeast. The mountain range
consists of the hill station of Mount Abu and its famous Dilwara Jain
temples. Luni River in the southwest part, Ghaggar River in the northern
corner and Banas and Chambal rivers and Mahi and Sabaramati rivers in the
southern part are the major river systems of Rajasthan.
Climatic Condition in Rajasthan
The
climate of Rajasthan include generally four seasons in Rajasthan : Summers,
Monsoon, Post-Monsoon and Winters. The summers, which extends from April to
June, is the hottest season with temperature rises up to 45 degrees C. The
hill station of Mount Abu records the lowest temperature while in the desert
region the temperature falls in the night.
During monsoon(July to September), the average maximum temperature varies
between 29 and 32 degrees C with high humidity. The state receives an
average annual rain fall of 755mm. In the post-monsoon season
(October-November), the average maximum temperature is 33 degrees C to 38
degrees C, and the minimum temperature is between 18-20 degrees C.
The Winter season extends from December to March and January is the coolest
month of the year, when temperature some times drops to 0 degrees C in areas
like Churu. But generally the maximum & minimum temperature varies from
region to region.
