Demography
Population 56.5 million (2001)
Density of population 165 per sq km (2001)
Urban Population 23.38 per cent of population (2001)
Literacy Rate 61 per cent
Languages Spoken
Hindi and Rajasthani are the principal languages prevalent in the State.
English is the preferred business language.
Major Religion
Majority are Hindus. Jains also form a sizeable part of the population.
Other religions also include Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs
Land Area 3,42,239 sq km (1,32,139
sq miles)
Time Zone GMT + 5 1/2 hours
Location
North-western India shares an international border with Pakistan and
domestic borders with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and
Gujarat. It lies between 23 degree 3' and 30 degree 12', north latitudes
and 69 degree 30' and 78 degree 17', east longitudes.
About Rajathan
Rajasthan is one of the most fascinating regions of the world, one of
its oldest civilizations with an extremely rich cultural heritage.
Today, it is one of India's top performing regional economies. In
1999-2000, Rajasthan was the fastest growing state in the country with a
compounded annual growth rate of 9.18 per cent.
Rajasthan, a land of princes, palaces and preening peacocks is renowned
for its monuments, art and culture that go back to several centuries.
Admire a range of miniature paintings and frescoes of exquisite
refinement. There is romance in Rajasthani's forts and palaces and arts
ofgallantry retold in ballads and legends. Then there are sanctuaries
sheltering rich and varied species of flora and fauna. And the
shimmeringThar desert belt charms with a rare and amazing sight.
Rajasthani's are ahandsome people with colorful costumes. They express
themselves in colorand sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in
the country. Rajasthanoverwhelms with colour found in bustling bazaars;
in wide ranging costumes of its people; in streets where elephants and
camels vie with buses and cars. The irresistible gamut of art and
handicraft souvenirs will bewitch you. An exciting variety of Rajasthani
delicacies will pamper your palate with a never-before gastronomic
delight.
PEOPLE OF RAJASTHAN
The common people in Rajasthan are a bunch of hard working, simple and
god-fearing people. They respect women and treat their guests as gods
and that makes Rajasthan the safest place to visit in India. Though they
belong to the different segments of the society but respect each other's
religious beliefs and sentiments that gives a harmonious blend to its
culture.
People in Rajasthan prefer to wear bright clothes with the lavish use of
silver zari work and gota. Tribal and nomadic women are known for their
love for exquisitely designed silver jewelry that add to their charm.
Rajasthan has produced some of the most talented people who have carved
a niche for themselves in different fields. Be it sports, economy,
politics, entertainment or business, people belonging to Rajasthan can
be seen at the top levels.
MUSIC & DANCES OF RAJASTHAN
Music and dance are closely interwoven in the lifestyle of the people of
Rajasthan. All the regions of Rajasthan offer its distinct varieties of
folk entertainment. The dance styles and traditional songs vary from one
region to another. A variety of musical instruments are also used that
add to the diversity of its music and dances.
A variety of dances and songs practiced in Rajasthan include :
Gair Dance
Kacchi Ghodi
Dance
Fire Dance
Puppet Dance
RELIGIONS OF RAJASTHAN
In the land of sand and scrub, people have found not discomfort but
faith. It has given them a positive radiance and the mettle to create a
life that is celebration of their energies and beliefs. Every village,
home and faith in Rajasthan has its own deities, beliefs and places of
worship.
The religious kaleidoscope in Rajasthan is truly amazing! The chanting
of Jain hymns, the ritual festivities of Bhils, the religious ceremonies
of the Rajputs and the Muslim month of mourning - all paints Rajasthan
as a truly Indian place where all religions are practiced and respected.
Countless places of religious importance that are spread across the
length and breath of Rajasthan make it a fascinating destination.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS OF RAJASTHAN
Fairs & Festivals in Rajasthan are a magnificent spectacle of dance,
drama and music. The various fairs & festivals in Rajasthan are observed
through traditional songs, folk dances, colorful processions, devotional
music and breathtaking display of firework. A list of major fairs &
festivals observed in Rajasthan include :
Elephant Festival
Gangaur Festival
Pushkar Fair
Desert Festival
Baneshwar Fair
Urs Fair
RURAL BAZAR
The typical rural bazaars of Rajasthan offer the best of products. The
bazaars have successfully retained their charm through the medieval time
and that makes them a totally distinct place to explore. Though some
impact of western culture can be seen here but it only makes them a much
more interesting place. Rural bazaars offer exotic trinkets, beads,
bangles, old tribal silver jewelry and a comprehensive range of
handcrafted items. Most of the bazaars are segmented product wise that
will make your shopping a memorable experience.
SHOPPING
Rajasthan is a shopper's dream come true. It offers so much variety of
different items that can cater to the most avid shopper. The markets in
Rajasthan spill with countless variety of products that carry a charm of
their own. A variety of products that are specifically available in
Rajasthan include:
Colorful textiles & Fabrics
Handcrafted items
Exquisite silver jewelry
Paintings
Blue pottery
Dhurries & Carpets
Utensils
Airports : Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur,
Kota, Jaisalmer.
Climate
The climate of Rajasthan varies from semi-arid to arid. The
mercury touches 49 degrees centigrade at some places during summer and
drops below freezing point during winter. Though the average annual
rainfall ranges between 200-400 mm, it is as low as 150 mm in extreme
arid zones and as high as 1,000 mm in the south-eastern part of the
State. Most of the rainfall (60-80%) is received with the south-west
monsoon in the period from July to September. The average number of
rainy days vary from 6 to 42, depending on the aridity of the area.
ART & CRAFT
Rajasthan offers a breathtaking variety of art & craft that make it a
distinct place. It can be divided into these parts
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