(Land of Kings) A
modern Indian state on the Pakistani border between the provinces of Punjab and
Gujarat, formed by the amalgamation of a network of princely kingdoms with
Ajmer, which was formerly under British control.
Rajasthan's well-entrenched martial culture may be traced
back to these principalities, which were remnants of minor kingdoms that were
generally preserved by force of arms.
Many towns in Rajasthan feature enormous forts that were
formerly used as defensive strongholds but are now major tourist attractions.
The Aravalli Hills divide the state throughout its length,
generating two separate climate zones.
The south receives more rainfall and has historically been
more densely inhabited, whilst the north progressively fades into the Thar
Desert, which has recently been made cultivable by a system of irrigation
canals.
While Pushkar is the most prominent pilgrimage destination
in the state, there are many more interesting places to visit.
Among these, the Hanuman temple in Mehndipur has achieved
regional prominence as a place for treating mental illness, while the Karni
Mata temple in Deshnok is known for its holy rats.
Christine Nivin et al., India. 8th ed., Lonely Planet, 1998,
is an accessible resource for general information on Rajasthan and all of
India's regions.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
