The present state of Rajasthan emerged after merging 22 feudal kingdoms in independent India. In the British era the state was more popularly known as Rajputana or the land of the Rajputs. In the northeast of the state lies Mount Abu while the Aravalli ranges divides fertile Dhundar basin from the impressive Thar Desert. The lucrative trans-Thar trade routes have been an area of special interest from times immemorial. Both the Rajputs and Mughals amassed vast fortunes by taxing the movement of silk, spices and precious stones across their territories. This wealth was later utilised in developing the area and for new constructions.
The word Rajasthan literally means the land of the rajas. Its history is woven with tales of courage, chivalry, friendship, loyalty and romance. This Indian state is a riot of colors when it comes to festivals. The craftsmanship of the Rajasthanis have been engraved in the historic monuments, such as, palaces, forts and finely carved temples. Today they comprise one of the country's richest crops of exquisite buildings. However these buildings are not the only legacy of the region's prosperous and militaristic past. The rule of Rajputs have created bound by codes of chivalry and honour powerful enough to have driven the female population of whole cities to mass suicide, or jauhar. From the very beginning Rajasthan has been a reflection of the true spirit of Indian culture.
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