Rajasthan literally, "Land of Kings" is India's largest state by area (342,239 square kilometres (132,139 sq mi) or 10.4% of India's total area). It is located on the north western side of the India, where it comprises most of the wide and inhospitable Thar Desert (also known as the "Rajasthan Desert" and "Great Indian Desert") and shares a border with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west, along the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Elsewhere it is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab to the north; Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the northeast; Madhya Pradesh to the southeast; and Gujarat to the southwest.

Major features include the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilisation at Kalibanga; the Dilwara Temples, a Jain pilgrimage site at Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu, in the ancient Aravalli mountain range; and, in eastern Rajasthan, the Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, a World Heritage Site known for its bird life. Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, the Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukundra Hill Tiger Reserve in Kota.

The state was formed on 30 March 1949 when Rajputana – the name adopted by the British Raj for its dependencies in the region – was merged into the Dominion of India. Its capital and largest city is Jaipur. Other important cities are Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota and Ajmer.

The ancient civilised history of Rajasthan goes back to 5,000 years ago when in the present day districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar, along with other areas of jaipur district bordering south Haryana, which formed the part of Vedic state of Brahmavarta along with districts of Mahendragarh and Rewari in Haryana, that Vedic seers started composing Vedic scriptures, which form part of Sanatan Dharma, the base of present day Hinduism. Revered Saraswati and Drishadwati rivers formed the then Brahmavarta state. Drishadwati river is identified as the Vedic Drishadwati by Bhargava. Parts of Rajasthan may have been occupied by the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappans). Excavations at Kalibanga in northern Rajasthan around 1998 revealed the existence of human settlements of Harappan times on the banks of a river that dried up later, which some people believe to be the Saraswati, archaeologists hope the Saraswati will unlock mysteries of the past. Rajasthan's geographic position in India has caused it to be affected by the expansionist efforts of various empires. It was a part of the Maurya Empire around 321-184 BCE.

Prithviraj Chauhan defeated the invading Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 and in fifteen further battles before himself being defeated when he was betrayed by one of his own.

After the defeat of Chauhan around 1200, a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur and Ajmer. Ranthambhor was also under their suzerainty. At the beginning of the 13th century, the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan was Mewar. The Rajputs resisted the Muslim incursions into India, although a number of Rajput kingdoms eventually became subservient to the Delhi Sultanate. Mewar led others in resistance to Muslim rule: Rana Sanga united the various Rajput clans and fought against the foreign powers in India. Rana Sanga defeated the Afghan Lodi Empire of Delhi and crushed the Turkic Sultanates of Malwa and Gujarat. Rana Sanga was later defeated at Khanwa aginst the Mughal Empire because of treachery from the Tomar king Silhadi.

Akbar arranged matrimonial alliances to gain the trust of Rajput rulers. He himself married the Rajput princess Jodha Bai, the daughter of the Maharaja of Amer. He also granted high offices to a large number of Rajput princes and this maintained very cordial relations with them. Before long, these actions caused many previously hostile Rajputs to be his friends, and many of them surrendered their kingdoms to him. Rulers like Raja Maan Singh of Amer were trusted allies. However, some Rajput rulers were not ready to accept Akbar’s dominance and preferred to remain independent. One such ruler was Raja Uday Singh of Mewar, who founded the city of Udaipur. He never accepted Akbar's supremacy and was at constant war with him. Akbar forcefully seized Chittor, his capital. After his death, this struggle was continued by his son – Rana Pratap. He fought a terrible battle with Akbar at the Haldighat pass where he was defeated and wounded. Since then Rana Pratap remained in recluse for 12 years and attacked the Mughal ruler from time to time. He fought valiantly throughout his life never ceded his independence to the Mughal ruler.

When Rajput rulers lost their lands to invaders during the medieval period, their womenfolk would commit suicide by self-immolation on a pyre. This was a gesture to protect their chastity and self-respect, and it was known as Jauhar.

Rajasthan's formerly independent kingdoms created a rich architectural and cultural heritage, seen today in their numerous forts and palaces (Mahals and Havelis) which are enriched by features of Muslim and Jain architecture.

Geographyof Rajasthan

Lying between 23°30' and 30°11'North latitudes and 69° 29' and 78 ° 17' East longitudes in the northwestern part of India, Rajasthan is indeed one of the biggest states in the country. The state shares its north-western and western boundary with the Indo-Pakistan international border that extends about 1,070 km and touches the major districts including Barmer, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer.

Rajasthan is edged by Pakistan in the west and northwest, the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the north and northeast. The state of Madhya Pradesh lies in the southeast and Gujrat in the southwest. The Tropic of Cancer passes across the southern point of the state in the Banswara district. The capital city of Rajasthan is Jaipur also known as the Pink City.

Rajasthan has an extensive area of 3, 42,239sq.km comprising of 11% of the total geographical area of India. The extensive topography includes rocky terrain, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions .A massive portion of the state of Rajasthan( about 70% of total landmass) is desiccated and encloses the biggest Indian desert- the Thar Desert known as the 'Maru-kantar'. This desert region embraces the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur.

The oldest chain of fold mountains

The Aravali Range spearheads Rajasthan into two geographical zones. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state which houses the loftiest summit of the Aravali ranges- Guru Shikhar Peak. The soil and vegetation of Rajasthan alters with its wide-ranging topography and the availability of water. Rajasthan soils are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous), Clay, loamy and black lava and so on. Only 9.36% of the total geographical region lies under forest vegetation. The flora and fauna are particularly endemic to the arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry, waterless regions of the "Desert State of India". The wildlife consists of 23 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes, various species of the deer family and 450 species of avifauna.

Rajasthan experiences extreme climate or weather and consists of four distinct seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and winter. The average temperature in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer the average temperature ranges from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F) making the region parched and draught-prone.

Historyof Rajasthan

Considered as the original abode of Kshatriyas, Rajasthan has a history of about 5000 years and the mythological origin of this gigantic land is related to the famous myth of Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The history of Rajasthan can be classified into three parts owing to the different epochs- Ancient, Medieval and Modern. The ancient history of Rajasthan belongs to 1200 AD when Rajasthan was a part of different dynasties including the glorious Mauryan Empire in around (321-184 BC). The Dundhmer region was the first Aryan settlement and the first inhabitants of this area were the Bhil and the Mina. The earliest Rajput dynasty that emerged around 700 AD was the Gurjara Partiharas and since then Rajasthan was cited as Rajputana (the land of the Rajputs). During the eighth - twelfth century AD, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties. The armed conflicts and the struggle for supremacy among the Parmars, Chalukyas, and Chauhans around 1000-1200 AD resulted in a lot of bloodshed.

In this medieval era around 1200 AD, the major regions of Rajasthan such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthanbhor came under the Mughal hegemony headed by the Mughal ruler- Akbar. The most famous Rajput warriors who represented the vigor and valiance of the Rajput dynasty and whose tales of chivalry are still imprinted in the sands of Rajasthan were Rana Uday Singh, his son Rana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan and others.

With the end of the Mughal regime in1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in1775. The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the British suzerainty in 1817-18. On 1st November, 1956 the Indian state Rajasthan came into existence after the amalgamation of the princely states.

Popularly known as the 'Land of Kings', Rajasthan actually epitomizes the core essence of the country. The kings' proud moustaches reflected their confidence and their swords revealed their artistic armour. The rulers of Rajasthan were also known for their extreme sensitivity that allowed them to offer patronage to the numerous artists residing in different corners of the world. A truly opulent centre for arts and crafts, Rajasthan has a rich collection of forts, palaces, elaborate wells, templates, mansions and memorials of the dead kings/rulers.

List of Rivers of Rajasthan

Facts about State of Rajasthan

Name: The state “Rajasthan” is also known as “The Land of Kings”.

Existence: It was created on 30^th March, 1949.

Boundary: It is surrounded by Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.

Population: As per census 2011, the total population of Rajasthan is 68,621,012. Rajasthan holds 7^th rank in population wise (source: Wikipedia).

Land Area: The total area of Rajasthan is 342,239 sq. km. Rajasthan holds 1^st position in rank as area wise.

Language: Hindi is its Official Language.

Literacy: Its Literacy Ratio is 68%

City: Jaipur is its Capital City. Jaipur is also the largest city of the state. Jaipur is also known as the “Pink City”.

District: There are 33 districts present in Rajasthan.

Festivals: Main festivals which are celebrated in a large way are Teej, Holi, Gangaur, Diwali, Makar Sakranti, Janmashtami, etc.

Religion: Religions which are present in Rajasthan are Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Jainism. Around 0.53% peoples follow some other religions.

Connectivity: Rajasthan is well connected via Roadways, Railways and Airways. It has 3 main airports which are in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Places of Interests: Rajasthan has 2 National Tiger Reserves: Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Unknown facts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan once used to be a part of the world's oldest civilization, the pre-historic Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations at Kalibangan, a town in the Hanumangarh district, about 200 kms from Bikaner have revealed artifacts dating back to the ancient civilization along with the discovery of ploughed fields, probably the world’s earliest ones.
In Hindu mythology, the state of Rajasthan has an importance all of its own. It is believed that Lord Ram of the Hindu epic Ramayana spent sometime in thejungles of Rajasthan during his 14 year long exile, as did thePandavas from another Hindu magnum opus, the Mahabharata.
The ancient city of Mandore, about 10 kms north of Jodhpur, is believed to have been the hometown of Mandodari, the chief wife of the demon king Ravana of Lanka, who was killed by Lord Ram.
The mystic Saraswati River, one of the main ancient rivers revered by the Hindus, is believed to have disappeared under the sands of the Thar Desert, due to the emergence of the Aravali range of mountains.
The Aravalis are the oldest mountain range in India, even older than the Himalayas.
The Thar Desert is the largest desert in India and the world’s 18th largest sub-tropical desert.
Present day Rajasthan was formed on 30th March, 1949 after the merger of 22 kingdoms and principalities into a single geographic entity. Today, it is thelargest state in India with Jaipur, the largest city as its capital.
Tiger viewing in Bandhavargh, Kanha, Jim Corbett and Ranthambore National Parks
The city of Jaipur was founded by the king Sawai Jai Singh II on18thNovember 1727 and is arguably India’s first planned city as per the ancient Hindu doctrines of architecture, Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra. It was planned by a Bengali architect and scholar Purohit Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, whose descendents still live in the city.
Jaipur is also known as the Pink City on account of the pink color that was used to coat the buildings of the walled city, as a mark of respect for the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876.
The sun city of Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and is known as the Blue City on account of the bright blue painted houses that surround the hill on which the formidable Mehrangarh fort is situated.
The Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur has been the site for many Bollywood and Hollywood movies, the most famous being the Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight.
The city of lakes, Udaipur, is also known as the White City on account of the predominance of white-colored structures in the city.
A preferred shooting location, Udaipur too is a favorite for Bollywood and Hollywood movies. The enchanting Lake Palace on Lake Pichola was immortalized as the lair of Octopussy, in the swashbuckling James Bondmovie of the same name.
14) Rajasthan is home to some great UNESCO World Heritage SiteslikeKeoladeo Bird Sanctury (Bharatpur) and Jantar Mantar(Jaipur). Six forts -Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort,Ranthambore Fort, Amer Fort, Jaisalmer Fort and Gagaron Fort (Jhalawar) - are a recent addition to the existing list.
The walls of the virtually impregnable Kumbhalgarh Fort extend to 36 kms and are believed to be the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
The ancient Jaisalmer Fort is unique in that it is still lived in. The fort is still the home to a large mass of population making it perhaps the onlyinhabited fort in the world.
Pokhran, a town in Jaisalmer, has a great place in modern Indian history. It was the site of India’s first nuclear test in 1974 as well as the second nuclear test in 1998.
The Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok, about 30 kms from Bikaner, is also out of the ordinary. Here more than 20,000 black rats reside within the temple and are said to be the reincarnated male heirs of the presiding deity Karni Mata.
For the believers of supernatural powers, there are many haunted abandoned ruins to explore in Rajasthan. The ghost village of Kuldhara, 18 kms from Jaisalmer, became deserted overnight one fateful night in 1825, and both this settlement and the cursed town of Bhangarh in Alwar district have achieved cult status.

Top 30 Must See Tourist Temples of Royal Rajasthan

The Royal state of Rajasthan is known for great forts, grand havelis, Magnificent palace and luxury hotels. Rajasthan has number of ancient temples you should know about and must visit during the temple tour of Rajasthan.

Some of the famous temples of Rajasthan also include Chomukha Bhairavji Temple,Bhand Deva Temple,Ambamata Temple,Bohra Ganesh Temple, Neemach Mata Temple,Karni Mata of Udaipur and Pala Ganesh Temple.

Rani Sati Temple, Jhunjhunu

Rani Sati Temple in of Jhunjhunu district is the largest Hindu temple in India devoted to Rani Sati. Jhunjhunu is known for its grand havelis,Wind Palace and Khetri Mahal.

Ambika Mata Temple, Udaipur

Ambika Mata Temple is located in the village of Jagat near Udaipur and preserved by Archaeology and Museum Department of Rajasthan. The temple is also known as the Khajuraho of Mewar due to many fine sculptures.

Deo Somnath Temple, Dungarpur

Deo Somnath Temple on the banks of the River Som is located 24 km away from Dungarpur. The temple is known for its unique design and scenic and natural beauty. Dungarpur is also known for Surpur Temple, Bhuvaneshwar Shiva Temple and Baneshwar Temple.

Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is locaed 40 km from Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, near the Ranthambore National Park. The Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana.

Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner

Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke near Bikaner is also known as the Temple of Rats. The temple is famous for large population of black rats called as kabbas,live and feed in the temple.

Tanot Mata Temple, Jaisalmer

Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer is located very close to the border and close to the battle site of Longewala in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.

Bisaldeo Temple, Bisalpur

Bisaldeo Temple is located near the Banas river in Tonk district and partly submerged in the Bisalpur Dam reservoir. The temple is dedicated Lord Shiva and listed as one of the submerged temples of India.

Eklingji Temple, Udaipur

Eklingji Temple in Udaipur district is the famous Lord Shiva temple in Rajasthan. The famous shrine is a architectural marvel and major tourist attraction of Udaipur city.

Jagdish Temple, Udaipur

Jagdish Temple in the middle of Udaipur city is a must monument in Rajasthan and known for carved stones and and a big tourist attraction of Udaipur.

Galtaji Temple, Jaipur

Galtaji Temple complex of Jaipur is also known as Monkey temple, located about 10 km away from Jaipur. The complex has large tribe of rhesus macaques monkeys, featured in National Geographic Channel.

Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara

Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple is an important pilgrimage centre for Vaishnavs as well as famous for Nathdwara Paintings. The image of Shrinathji in the temple symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna.

Birla Mandir, Jaipur

Birla Mandir of Jaipur is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, located on Moti Dungari hill. There are 18 popular Birla mandirs located all around the country.

Brahma Temple, Pushkar

Brahma Temple at Pushkar is the most famous and very popular Brahma temple in India. The temple is situated very close to the sacred Pushkar Lake, one of the top 10 most religious places in the world.

Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

Govind Dev Ji Temple is located in the City Palace complex of Jaipur and one of the most famous 7 temples of Vrindavan Thakurji and also one of the most important temples of Lord Krishana outside Vrindavan.

Salasar Balaji Temple, Churu

Salasar Balaji Temple is located in the town of Salasar in Churu district and most famous temple of Lord Hanuman with mustache. Salasar Dham in Rajasthan is part of the religious circuit along with Jeen Mata and Khatushyamji temple.

Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Dausa

Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Dausa district of Rajasthan is dedicated to God Hanuman. There is a Siyaram Bhagvan temple of in front Balaji Hanuman Maharaj.

Dadhimati Mata Temple, Nagaur

Dadhimati Mata Temple in Nagaur district is one of the most famous and oldest surviving temples in India. The temple is a historical palace of Rajasthan and important to Shaktism shaktipiths.

Sundha Mata Temple, Jalore

Sundha Mata Temple in Jalore district near the famous hill station of Mount Abu. The temple dedicated to goddesses Chamunda Devi and situated at 1220 m height in the Aravalli ranges.

Neelkanth Temple, Alwar

Neelkanth Temple in Alwar district is dedicated to Lord Shiva, near the Sariska National Park. The temple is very famous for erotic sculptures on the wall and a near by gigantic statue of Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha.

Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Sirohi

Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Sirohi district is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated outside the Achalgarh Fort. The temple is about 11 kms from Mount abu with a large statue of Nandi bull made of Panchaloha.

Parshuram Mahadev Temple, Pali

Parshuram Mahadev Temple in Pali district of Rajasthan, located at a distance of 9 km from Kumbhalgharh Fort. The temple is known as Amarnath cave temple of Rajasthan, situated at 3,995 feet above sea level.

Paraheda Shiv Mandir, Banswara

Paraheda Shiv Mandir along with Arthuna Shiv Temple in Banswara district are known for its old and fine sculptures. These temples are protected by locals along with Someshwar Mahadev and Arthuniya Hanuman temple and least known temples in India.

Harshnath Temple, Sikar

Harshnath Temple in the Sikar district is dedicated to Lord Shiva, on a Harsh hill. The temple is surrounded by various other shrines which lie in ruins but must visit temples of Rajasthan.

Sachiya Mata Temple, Jodhpur

Sachiya Mata Temple in Osian near Jodhpur city was worshipped by Kulthiya families. The mother goddess Sachiya is Kuldevi of roayl Parmar King Upendre.

Trinetra Ganesha Temple, Ranthambore

Trinetra Ganesha Temple in Ranthambore Fort is oldest temple of Lord Ganesha in Rajasthan and a must visit pilgrimage places in Ranthambore National park.

Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh

Kalika Mata Temple in Chittorgarh Fort is dedicated to goddess Bhadrakali and one of the most captivating places in Chittorgarh.

Ranakpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur

Ranakpur Jain Temple at Ranakpur is famous for its architecture and arts on the wall. The temple is The temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara of Rishabhanatha.

Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu

Dilwara Temple is located in the hill station of Mount Abu and famous for marble and marble carvings. The five marble temples of Dilwara are most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.

Shri Mahaveer Ji Temple, Karauli

Shri Mahaveer Ji Temple is a famous Jain pilgrimage site in Karauli district of Rajasthan. The temple is prominent centre of devotion for Jain devotees.

Bhandasar Jain Temple

Bhandasar Jain Temple at Bikaner is protected by Archaeological Survey of India and known for wall painting, and art work as well as famous for its beautiful leaf paintings. Other most famous temples of Royal Rajasthan state are Dwarkadhish Temple Kankroli at Nathdwara, Achal Nath Shivalaya, Chamunda Mata Temple of Jodhpur,Gupteshwar Mahadev in Udaipur and Akshardham Temple of Jaipur.

Forts of Rajasthan

Amber Fort, Jaipur
Bala Qila, Alwar
Barmer Fort, Barmer
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Gagron Fort, Jhalawar
Gugor Fort, Baran
Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Jalore Fort, Jalore,
Jhalawar Fort, Jhalawar
Juna Fort and Temple, Barmer
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Khandhar Fort, Sawai Madhopur
Khejarla Fort, Jodhpur
Khimsar Fort, Nagaur
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand
Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Nagaur Fort, Nagaur
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Nahargarh Fort, Baran
Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar
Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur
Taragarh Fort, Bundi
Shergarh Fort, Baran

Palaces of Rajasthan

Alwar City Palace, Alwar
Amber Palace, Jaipur
Badal Mahal, Dungarpur
Dholpur Palace, Bharatpur
Fateh Prakash Palace, Chittorgarh
Gajner Palace and Lake, Bikaner
Jag Mandir, Udaipur
Jagmandir Palace, Kota
Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur
Jal Mahal, Jaipur
Juna Mahal, Dungarpur
Lake Palace, Udaipur
Lalgarh Palace and Museum, Bikaner
Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
Man Mahal, Pushkar
Mandir Palace, Jaisalmer
Monsoon Palace, Udaipur
Moti Doongri, Alwar
Moti Doongri, Jaipur
Moti Mahal, Jodhpur
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Phool Maha, Jodhpur
Raj Mandir, Banswara
Rampuria Haveli, Bikaner
Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittorgarh
Rani Padmini's Palace, Chittorgarh
Ranisar Padamsar, Jodhpur
Ratan Singh Palace, Chittorgarh
Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace, Jodhpur
Sheesh Mahal, Jodhpur
Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden, Jaipur
Sukh Mahal, Bundi
Sunheri Kothi, Sawaimadhopur
Udai Bilas Palace , Dungarpur
Udaipur City Palace, Udaipur
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Religion

Rajasthan is home to all the major religions of India. Hindus are the largest in number, accounting for 87.45% of the population. Muslims (10.08%), Sikhs (1.27%), Jains (1%) and Sindhi's constitute the remaining of the population.

Festivals

The main religious festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami, as the main religion is Hinduism. Rajasthan's desert festival is celebrated with great zest and zeal. This festival is held once a year during winters. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels play a prominent role in this festival.
Rajasthan has several popular Hindu saints, many from the Bhakti era. Rajasthani saints hail from all castes; Maharshi Naval Ram and Umaid Ram Maharaj were Bhangis, Karta Ram Maharaj was a Shudra, Sundardasa was a Vaish, and Meerabai and Ramdeoji were Rajputs. The backward caste Nayaks serve as the narrators or the devotional music (or "bhajan") for the Baba Ramdevji sect.The most popular Hindu deities are Surya, Krishna and Rama. Modern-day popular saints from Rajasthan have been Paramyogeshwar Sri Devpuriji of Kriya Yoga and Swami Satyananda the master of Kriya Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga and Laya yoga. Rajasthan had a massive movement to unite the Hindus and Muslims to worship God together. Saint Baba Ramdevji was adored by Muslims, equally that he was to Hindus. Mostly Rajasthani speaks Marwari language.It is their native language. Saint Dadu Dayal was a popular figure who came from Gujarat to Rajasthan to preach the unity of Ram and Allah. Sant Rajjab was a saint born in Rajasthan who became a disciple of Dadu Dayal and spread the philosophy of unity amongst Hindu and Muslim worshipers of God.

Top 15 Best Heritage Hotels of Royal Rajasthan

Royal Rajasthan is well known for some of the historical forts and most beautiful palaces in the world and narrate the fascinating story about its kings and kingdom. Most of the majestic fort and palaces have been converted museum or into five start heritage hotels and resorts. Here are top 12 best heritage hotels of Rajasthan along with Samode Haveli,LilaPalace,Rajasthan Palace,Fateh Prakash Palace,Kothi Heritage Hotel,Hotel Paradise Palace on Fort, Amet Haveli,Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel and Ravla Khempur.

Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur

Shiv Niwas Palace of udaipur is located on the banks of lake pichola and was featured in the James Bond movie Octopussy.The palace is run by the HRH Group of Hotels and played host to Queen Elizabeth II.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace is an iconic structure built for Maharaja Umaid Singh and run by the Taj Group of Hotels and called as the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur. Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace has a very unique and heritage architecture and offers a Heritage walk, also listed as India’s top 10 most searched hotel brands on the web.

Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Oberoi Udaivilas at Udaipur is located on the banks of Lake Pichola and is unique amongst luxury hotels in Udaipur. The Oberoi Udaivilas offers an exclusive and spectacular views across the lake and one of the world’s best resort.

Mihir Garh, Jodhpur

Hotel Mihir Garh Palace in Jodhpur is located 4 miles from Mehrangarh Fort,overlooks the Thar desert of Rajasthan. Mihir Garh is the youngest luxurious boutique hotel and named as the most extraordinary hotel in the world.

Alila Fort, Bishangarh

Alila Fort in Bishangarh near Jaipur city has recently becomes a luxury resort and ready to be opened for tourist. The most spectacular fort upon a magnificently granite hill with striking architecture is run by alilahotels.

Patan Mahal, Sikar

The historical Patan Mahal is nestled in a valley between 3 hills with fabulous facilities like outdoor swimming pool, beautiful lawns and heritage. Patan Mahal heritage hotel has 18 rooms with all modern amenities, maintaining it’s original character.

Fateh Garh, Udaipur

Hotel Fateh Garh is an iconic hotel in Udaipur and offers beautiful 360-degree views of the Aravalli Mountain Range. This five star hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in the city with fabulous heritage look and luxurious facilities.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur is one of the most recognisable residences and the most romantic hotel in the world. Hotel Taj Lake Palace amenities and facilities include spectacular arrival,Spa,Yoga,WiFi,heritage walks,boat rides and magnificent views of Lake Pichola.

Raas Devigarh, Delwara

Devi Garh Palace is a heritage hotel and resort, situated 28 km northeast of Udaipur in the Aravalli hills. The palace was the royal residence of the rulers of Delwara and the hotel was named as one of India’s leading luxury hotels and one of the best hotel on the subcontinent.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Rambagh Palace of Jaipur was rated as one of the best hotel in the world by traveller magazine. It was once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and now run by the Taj Group of Hotels.

Deogarh Mahal, Rajsamand

Deogarh Mahal at Rajsamand is the most luxurious heritage hotel in Rajasthan, was converted into a Hotel by the Deogarh family members. Apart from the palace Deogarh is a popular tourist destination for Srinathji Temple,Anjaneshwar Mahadev temple and Nathdwara.

Suryagarh, Jaisalmer

Suryagarh is the most beautiful hotel near Jaisalmer, situated outside the city in the deserts of Rajastan. Suryagarh Haveli of Jaisalmer is blend of luxury and heritage.

Samode Palace, Jaipur

Samode Palace is part of the Heritage group of hotels, located 40 kilometres north of Jaipur city. The Samode Palace is located near the Samode village on the outskirts of Shekhawat.

Dadhikar Fort, Alwar

Hotel The Dadhikar Fort is the famous heritage hotel in Alwar and one of the most stunning heritage properties in India. Dadhikar Fort is the must visit place and a combination of beauty of nature and history.

Bhainsrorgarh Fort, Kota

Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel is the best boutique heritage luxury palace fort Hotel in the world and a major tourist spot in the state of Rajasthan.

Districts

The population of the districts in the State of Rajasthan by census years.

Name	Status	Population Census 1991-03-01	Population Census 2001-03-01	Population Census 2011-03-01
Ajmer	District	1,726,600	2,178,447	2,583,052
Alwar	District	2,295,600	2,991,552	3,674,179
Banswara	District	1,096,000	1,420,601	1,797,485
Baran	District	810,300	1,021,473	1,222,755
Barmer	District	1,435,222	1,964,835	2,603,751
Bharatpur	District	1,650,600	2,100,020	2,548,462
Bhilwara	District	1,599,000	2,020,969	2,408,523
Bikaner	District	1,381,200	1,696,039	2,363,937
Bundi	District	770,248	962,620	1,110,906
Chittaurgarh (Chittorgarh)	District	1,104,600	1,330,360	1,544,338
Churu	District	1,373,200	1,902,110	2,039,547
Dausa	District	999,300	1,323,002	1,634,409
Dhaulpur (Dholpur)	District	749,500	983,258	1,206,516
Dungarpur	District	874,549	1,107,643	1,388,552
Ganganagar (Sri Ganganagar)	District	1,402,500	1,789,423	1,969,168
Hanumangarh	District	1,220,400	1,518,005	1,774,692
Jaipur	District	3,888,000	5,251,071	6,626,178
Jaisalmer	District	344,517	508,247	669,919
Jalor (Jalore)	District	1,142,563	1,448,940	1,828,730
Jhalawar	District	956,971	1,180,323	1,411,129
Jhunjhunu	District	1,582,421	1,913,689	2,137,045
Jodhpur	District	2,153,483	2,886,505	3,687,165
Karauli	District	924,700	1,205,888	1,458,248
Kota	District	1,220,500	1,568,705	1,951,014
Nagaur	District	2,144,810	2,775,058	3,307,743
Pali	District	1,486,432	1,820,251	2,037,573
Pratapgarh	District	553,900	706,807	867,848
Rajsamand	District	819,000	982,523	1,156,597
Sawai Madhopur	District	875,800	1,117,057	1,335,551
Sikar	District	1,842,914	2,287,788	2,677,333
Sirohi	District	654,029	851,107	1,036,346
Tonk	District	975,006	1,211,671	1,421,326
Udaipur	District	1,952,300	2,481,201	3,068,420