Khamma Ghani everyone,
You’re undoubtedly curious about the term “Khamma Ghani.” It’s a Rajasthani style of saying “Hello” or “Namaskar.” The title of this post Pdharo Mhare Desh translates to “Welcome to My Land.” It is a traditional way of welcoming our guests.
I want to thank @Denise_Barlock and @jayasimha78 for giving me this opportunity to co-host Rajasthan #WorldChallenge.
Caption: A collage of different places of Rajasthan
(Starting clockwise from top left is the iconic City Palace shot by my friend Hitesh, next to it is Nakki Lake, Ganesh Gate of Amer Fort and Birla Mandir which are shot by me.
Rajasthan is India’s largest state in terms of area, but it is much more than that. It is a part of ancient civilizations such as the Vedic Civilization and the Indus Valley Civilization. Allow me to introduce you to some Rajasthani historical bites.
- Rajasthan was also known as Matsya Kingdom and Rajputana(during British era).
- It was ruled by different dynasties divided into smaller kingdoms like Sisodias of Mewar, Rathores of Marwar, Shekhwats of Shekhawati and many more.
- It took seven stages to form the current boundaries of Rajasthan.
- Matysa Union 25-03-1948/
- Rajasthan Union
- United States of Rajasthan
- Greater Rajasthan
- United States of Greater Rajasthan
- United Rajasthan
- Rajasthan (01-11-1956)
- Mohanlal Sukhadia is widely revered as the Founder of Modern Rajasthan and he served 17 years as the chief minister of the state.
- Sir Bhupal Singh, the Maharana of Udaipur is only one to serve as both Rajpramukh and Maha Rajpramukh of Rajasthan.
- Hiralal Shastri served as the first chief minister of Rajasthan.
- Jaipur was painted pink to Welcome HRH Albert Edward, who later became King Edward VII.
- Mughal prince Dara Shiloh was born in Ajmer
- At fort’s Ganesh Gate, there is a temple dedicated to Shila Devi, which was given to Raja Man Singh when he defeated the Raja of Jessore, Bengal 1604. (Now in Bangladesh).
- After Second battle of Khanwa, 13,000 women with Rani Karnavati committed Jauhar (mass suicide).
- Eklingi temple in Udaipur is one of oldest and still functioning temple of Rajasthan. It was built in 8th century CE.
Unknown and Interesting Facts about Rajasthan:-
- 25% of the population of the city of Jaisalmer lives inside the Jaisalmer fort.
- 42% of the state is covered by Thar Desert.
- Oldest College - University Maharaja’s College in 1844.
- It is home to world’s oldest fold mountain range - The Aravallis.
- Though, it is termed as desert state - It has two Ramsar Sites
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Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
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Sambar Lake
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It has two famous tiger reserves - Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park.
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First Nuclear test was performed at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
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Luni River is the only river to flow through thar desert.
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The 2012 film, Dark Knight rises was filmed at Mehrangarh fort, Jodhpur.
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Vidyadhar Bhattacharya of Bengal was the chief architect and planner of city of Jaipur.
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Jaipur Gharana is one of three Gharanas of Kathak dance, other two being Lucknow and Banaras.
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Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is a five storeyed building with 953 windows
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The Presidential Suite at the Raj Palace Hotel, billed at US$45,000 per night, was listed in second place on CNN’s World’s 15 most expensive hotel suites in 2012.
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Desert National Park in Rajasthan is home to last remaining The Great Indian Bustard in India.
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Aravalli Red Spurfowl is a fowl species endemic to Rajasthan.
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Guru shikhar is highest peak(1722m) in Rajasthan, while Ser peak is the second highest peak at 1597m.
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Kathputli ,Ghoomar, Kathak (Jaipur gharana), Bhavai are some of the most popular dance forms of Rajasthan.
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There is a cultural program for tourists at Bagore ki Haveli, Udaipur. It depicts various dance forms of Rajasthan, & it costs just ₹100/person.
Some Nicknames of Cities of Rajasthan that you might not know:
- Makrana - Marble city of India.
- Jodhpur - Sun City, Blue City
- Udaipur - Venice of the East, White City
- Bhilwara - Manchester of Rajasthan, Textile City
- Jaipur - Paris of India, Pink City
- Mount Abu - Shimla of Rajasthan
- Kota - Coaching capital of India
- Jaisalmer - The Golden City
- Bikaner - Camel country
- Sariska - Tiger Reserve.
- Salumbar - Hadi Rani Nagri
I hope, you all learnt something new about my state Rajasthan. See you all in the upcoming State Challenge with Denise and Jay.
Till then,
Stay home, Stay Safe.
Anshuk.
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