Rich in history, this state boasts beautiful architecture: sumptuous palaces, majestic fortresses and ancient temples.
Our guide at the City Palace in Udaipur explained that maharajas were kings who never went into battles whereas maharanas were warriors rather than royalty.
Rajhastan was ruled by dynasties of maharajas however the Rajputs were courageous, honourable warrior clans (who claimed to originate from the sun, moon and fire,) who controlled this part of India for over 1,000 years.
The Rajputs eventually became feudal landholders of the Mughal empire but when the Mughal empire was in decline the Rajputs reclaimed their independence.
Well at least until the British arrived on the scene!
The Rajput states for the most part allied with the British and in return they were allowed to keep their self-sufficient status although there were some economic and political constraints (there’s a surprise!)
In 1947 the ruling Congress Party were forced to make a deal with the Rajput states at the time of independence in order to win the Rajput’s agreement to join the new India. This meant that titles, property and annual stipends were paid. However Indira Ghandi abolished these perks in the early 1970s.
Enough of the history.
Prior to our tour of Rajasthan we stayed in Delhi, see our Delhi post (link here). Here we met our 9 fellow travellers and our guide, Sanjeev, before heading off on our Rajasthani adventure!
Our first stop is Jaisalmer also known as the “Golden City” due to the warm hues of sandstone from which much of the old part of Jaisalmer is built.
Next stop on our tour is Jodhpur or the “Blue City” (many of the buildings are painted a lovely sky blue,) followed by the “White City” of Udaipur. The marble that is mined locally and used extensively throughout gives the city its name.
Jaipur or the “Pink City” is our next stop prior to heading for Abanheri, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and then finally the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges.
