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So rich is the history of the land that every
roadside village has its own tales of valour and
sacrifice for the telling. However, for most
visitors, lengthy forays would be difficult, though
camel safaris sometimes offer them the opportunity
to interact with people who may have never stepped
out of their villages- or seen rainfall. A quick
reference to the principal settlements is
provided below.
AJMER
A 7th century Chauhan stronghold, Ajmer is a
pilgrimage centre for Muslims though people from all
religious backgrounds come to pray at its dargah.
The British developed Ajmer as an educational
centre, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school
for boys from royal families, is now among the
country's best private schools.
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PUSHKAR
A pilgrimage centre with the only temple in India
dedicated to Brahma, the Creator, Pushkar is the
venue of an annual camel fair.
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JAIPUR
The Capital of the modern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur
is a modern city built according to the
specifications laid down in ancient architectural
texts. Known as the pink city on account of the
flush colour of its sandstone palaces, it is a major
centre for handicrafts. Its former capital, Amber,
consists of fortifications with an interesting rang
of highly decorated public and private apartments.
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JODHPUR
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs,
Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop eyrie,
Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written.
Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the
innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture
is less formidable, with delicate windows and
painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view
of the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.
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UDAIPUR
A lake city, and the capital of the Ranas of Mewar,
founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is known for
its fairytale palaces that nestle along the banks of
a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst.
The Sisodia rulers of Chittaurgarh who ruled here
obviously had more leisure to exercise their taste
than at Chittaur where much of their time was spent
at war.
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RANTHAMBHORE
The fort of Ranthambhor has been abandoned to nature
for in this national park, the tiger has right of
stay. One of the country's finest tiger reserves,
its topography of low hills and large lakes provides
a tranquil idyll.
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JAISALMER
The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has
an ancient history linked with its development as a
trading centre. Parts of its 'golden' fort continue
to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets lead
through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer
is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved havelis
or mansion of the merchants who held the reins of
its destiny.
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BIKANER
Founded by one of the scions of the house of
Jodhpur, Bikaner's 15th century history combines
adventure with enterprise. In later centuries, as an
ally of the Mughals and the British, it was able to
develop as a modern state, though its architectural
attractions remain splendidly Rajput. One of the
principal outposts of the desert, its is also a
major centre for camel breeding.
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CHITTAURGARH
The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur,
Chittaur perches atop the scraggy spine of the
Aravallis. Sacked by Allaudin Khilji in the 14th
century, by the sultans of Gujarat in the 16th
century, and finally by the Mughal emperor Akbar's
forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed
never to return unless they could avenge their
defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are
part of its stirring history.
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BHARATPUR
The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud
fortifications of its fort proved invincible even
under repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants
of artifacts and sculpture, while the modern palace
outside is a sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur
is better known as a bird sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana
National Park).
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ALWAR
Once known as Mewat, the Rajput kingdom came under
Muslim domination during the 13th-18th centuries
with intermittent attempts to win it back which,
Kachchawaha price succeeded in doing in 1771. Alwar
has some beautiful lakeside palaces, not all open to
the public.
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SHEKHAWATI
A region of small towns, Shekhawati is primarly
known for its havelis or mansions richly ornamented
with frescos that, over time, ranged from the sacred
to the secular, and from the sublime to the
ridiculous.
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KUMBHALGARH
Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of
Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan's highest
fort, and its most formidable. If its air is rife
with medieval tales of intrigue and treachery, it is
because its history is characterised by some of the
pivotal points that characterised the Sisodia
dynasty.
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RANAKPUR
A 15th century group of temples raised by Jain
merchants, these are characterised by the fine
quality of their carving.
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MOUNT ABU
A summer retreat in the Aravallis with a large lake
and several temples, it also doubles as a pilgrimage
centre with its 11th-13th century Dilwara Jain
temples known for the quality of their sculpturing.
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BARMER
Barmer was founded around the 12 th century. It
forms the border area of India-Pakistan. A major
attraction for the tourists, it is the centre for
wood carving, carpets, embroidery, block printing
and other handicrafts. The products made here are
popular throughout India. Two annual fairs are
celebrated in Barmer; the Barmer Thar festival in
early March and the Barmer cattle fair in
March/April.
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