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Archive for the ‘Rajasthan’ Category

Rajasthan’s beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur’s bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes,
blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and architecture.

Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past
comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.

Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. Straight, wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has grown far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that though Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for it.

Ajmer is located at 130 kms south-west of Jaipur. The foundation of the city was laid down by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.The City was subsequently conquered by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British,the place came under the direct control of the British rule. Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims.

Ajmer is a very beautiful city, since it is surrounded by the mountain by all sides. You can run your eyes through 360 degrees and you will find the spectacular Aravali Mountains. Ajmer, also known as Ajaymeru, was the city which was ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan. Its population was approximately 500,000 in 2001. The city gives its name to a district, and also to a former province of British India called Ajmer-Merwara, which, after India’s independence, became the state of Ajmer until November 1, 1956, when it was merged into Rajasthan
state.

Here are few places to see in Jaisalmer..

Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century by the Bhati Rajputs who shifted here from Lodurva.The bastions encompasses a palace complex, the havelis of rich Jain merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, & Hindu temples.Owing to flourishing trade the city soon became rich, the merchants, who also served as ministers in the royal courts, came to command more power than the rulers themselves. The large mansions of the merchants, built adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval desert cultures, are so well decorated that the palace, in comparison, appears to pale.

Desert National Park  Desert National Park is located at 40 km away to the south-west of Jaisalmer.The place covers over 3000 Sq. kms.The park displays a wide number of awe-inspiring Sam sand dunes. The park is a protected bio reserve which houses Indian Gazelle, Chinkara, Eagle and many such birds and animals. Foreign tourists require permission from the District Magistrate and Desert National Park Office to enter this area. Domestic tourists require permission from the Desert National Park Office.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli
The foundation of this temple is laid down by the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer in 1855.The elephants that guard this Haveli are carved out of yellow sandstone.Two brothers, Hathu and Lallu built each side of the haveli because of which a slight difference is noticed in each side on camparision.However, the atmosphere inside the whole mansion is peaceul and perfectly harmonious.

Salim Singh ki Haveli

The foundation of this temple is dated back to 300 years.The old haveli of Jaisalmer was constructed by Prime Minister of Jaisalmer and later gifted to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh – Salim Singh.The haveli has a beautiful blue cupola roof which has been carved beautifully in brackets in the form of peacocks. The mansion is built in yellow stone.It exhibits intricate carvings and an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelies.

Jain Temple
The rich and influential Jain community built many temples in and around Jaisalmer. There is a group of five temples lying within the fort.The Paraswanath temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain Temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures and rising above is a tall Shikhar, which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.The temple was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.the tourist can visit the temple only till 12 O’ clock in the afternoon.
 

Introduction

Jaisalmer looks like a golden mirage rising from the heart of the Thar desert.the fort has been carved out of yellow sandstone. The city has a mythological significance. According to which, Lord Krishna the head of the Yadav Clan, forcasted Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom at the top of the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, conquered his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital – Jaisalmer on the Trikuta Hill. The Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels.

Here are few places to see in Bikaner city of Rajasthan.

Junnagarh

The foundation of the place was laid down by Raja Rai Singh(1571-1611 A.D.), a general in the army of emperor Akbar in 1593 A.D.The fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful places within. The place has been carved out of red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble.The fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances.The main entrance of the temple is Karan Poal.Junnagarh encompasses places like Anop mahal, Ganga niwas, Rang mahal, Durbar Hall, Gaj mandir, Sheesh Mahal or mirror chamber etc.Anoop Mahal is renowed for it’s gold leaf painting. Har Mandir exhibits a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped there Gods and Goddesses. Chandra mahal or moon palace displays exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is famous for its inset mirror work. The gigantic columns , arches and graceful screen grace the palaces.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The museum is located near the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner.The founadation of this museum was laid down in 1937 on the eve of the Golden jubilee celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh. In 1954, the museum was shifted to a new building in the Civil lines.The museum exhibits one of the richest collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, maniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins.The collection can be traced back to Harappan civilisation, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time.The museum is divided into several sections like Maharaja Ganga Singh Memorial Local Arts and Crafts History Sculpture, Terracotta and Bronzes, Armory, Miniature Paintings and Folk-Arts, Dr. L.P. Tessitori Memorial Section, Lithoprints of the British interpretation of the war of Independence 1857.The tourist can visit the museum on all days except Friday and gazetted holidays and the timings are from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Bhandaser Jain Temple

The temple is located at 5kms from Bikaner.The foundation of this temple can be traced back to 15th century.It is the oldest and distinct monument of bikaner dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji,the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain Religion.The temple displays rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.The temple was constructed near Laxminath temple in 1540A.D.The temple has been carved out of red sand stone and white marble.

Lakshminath Temple
It is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The temple was built by Rao Bikaji in the year 1488 A.D. Being a historical monument the temple holds special identity. This temple was constructed during the reign of Rao Lunkaran.It displays superb archeological skills of artists and artisans of that period .It was later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. The countless devotees of God
Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi visit the temple for offering prayers and ceremonies.

Lalgarh Palace & Sadul Museum
The foundation of this palace was laid down by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942 A.D.) in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singhji in 1902 AD.The palace was carved out of red sand stone with beautiful latticework and filigree work.The palace displays prawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks.
The exotic palace exhibits magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles , Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits.The visitings hours of the palace is from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM.The museum remain close on Sundays.
 

Ajmer is located at 130 kms south-west of Jaipur. The foundation of the city was laid down by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.The City was subsequently conquered by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British,the place came under the direct control of the British rule. Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims.

Best Time To Visit

In summer season the temperature rises upto 38 degree C and in winter it falls down to 0 degree C.The best time to visit the place is from July to March when the temperature is not very hot.

Bikaner is located on an elevated ground, surrounded by a seven-kilometer-long embattled wall marked by five gates.The oundation of this place was laid down by Rathore prince Rao Bikaji son of Rao Jodhaji of Marwar in 1488 AD.The old part of Bikaner city is surrounded by a stone wall that is 15–30 feet (5–9 m) high and has five gates.Bikaner is now a recognised trade centre and is renowed all over world for trading wool, hides, building stone, salt, grain, Bikaneri woolen shawls, blankets, carpets, sugar candy, ivory and lacquerware handicrafts.

Dilwara Temple

The Dilwara Jain temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD.

The Dilwara temples have been described as a dream in marble. According to the inscription, Mount Abu was basically a seat of Saivism and Jainism made its appearance only in 11th century. The first Jain temple of Dilwara, the Vimala Vasahi was built in 1032 A D by Vimala Shah.

Vimala Vashi Temple

The Vimal Vashi temple is the earliest and most important temple among various temples situated here. The Vimal Vashi temple was built in 1032 AD and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. The temple was constructed by Vimal Shah, minister of a local Rajput ruler, Raja Bim Deo. It stands in an open courtyard surrounded by 58 cells or kulikas, which contain small icons of the image in the main shrine. In the main shrine is the gold-brass caste image of Adinath placed in the Gudh Mandap. The main shrine and the front of the cells are surrounded by elaborate columns. The temple is carved out of white marble. The ceiling is decorated with engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.

Nakki Lake

The Nakki Lake is a major attraction of Mount Abu. It is a pretty lake which is surrounded by the wooded hills. Nakki Lake is the focal point of the town of Mount Abu. Nakki means Fingernails. According to legend, this lake was clawed out of the earth by the fingernails of the Gods. Boating is a popular pastime here, and a walk along the bank is quite pleasant.

Todd’s Rock

From Nakki Lake one can see the strange rock formation called “Todd’s Rock”. This rock formation is sculpted by the forces of nature.

Sunset Point

There are many view points around the town. The most famous view point is the Sunset Point. Sunset point is situated on the banks of the Nakki Lake in the southwestern part. From here one can view the sunset spectacularly between two rocky peaks with the lovely view of the surrounding hills. There is a spectacular sight at the time of sunset when all the hills shine with the golden glow. Sunset point is the right place to view the spectacular sunset