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More accessible than ever, Rajasthan, the "land of kings", was a
crossroads of European-Asian trade on a southern branch of the
Great Silk route. Its merchants' havelis in the desert cities of
Jaisalmer or Bikaner testify to the riches such trade brought, but
on the wetter and more fertile lands to the east, Princes fought
with each other for over a thousand years for the control of
territory, trade and tradition. Palaces, forts and temples were
the result, producing an astonishing blend of Hindu, Jain and
Islamic traditions, which shaped everything from modest country
estates to magnificent royal residences. Although Princely States
were scattered across India, Rajasthan is widely thought of as the
real home of the traditional Maharajas and their often exotic
homes. |
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A Regal Hospitality
The celebrated Lake Palace and the opulent Fateh Prakash in the
City Palace of Udaipur are just two, which have captured the
world’s imagination. Yet nearby the immensely hospitable and
atmospheric Deogarh Mahal, set above its tiny village, has won the
heart of every guest. Sympathetic |
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modernization has also made it possible to stay comfortably at the
attractive Samode Haveli in Jaipur’s Old City, or at Samode Palace,
beautifully designed and decorated and set in the heart of a largely
untouched village. The more modest painted havelis of the Shekhavati
merchants, the red sandstone Fort Chanwa at Luni or the exquisite Udai
Bilas Palace at Dungarpur are further off the beaten track. |
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Taj Mahal - A Monument to Love
Architectural masterpiece and symbol of eternal love, Taj Mahal is one
of the seven wonders of the world. Lying on the bank of river Yamuna,
the Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a historical Indian city, Taj Mahal
was built by famous Mughal ruler Shahjahan in memory of his favourite
wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Taking a huge 22 years to build, the wonder palace
gets its appropriate description in Tagore words “a teardrop in the
cheek of time”. |
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The great architectural wonder, Taj Mahal with its unique calligraphy,
mosaic motifs, mausoleum and domes is undoubtedly one of the best
tourist fascination in india. The world famous palace calls tourists
from all over to witness the best preserved architectural heritage and
an epitome of eternal love in its milky white pristine marbles. Giving
tourists a rare experience, lily like gleam of Taj Mahal is a lovely
exploration of Indian architectural beauty.
The joy of discovering the Taj Mahal comes to its highest point when
sightseeing take place under the moonlight, especially on full-moon
night. Discovering the Taj Mahal in presence of moon, one sees the
whole of the immense mausoleum glowing along with the bright moon.
Gardens around the palace are another delight to walk into. Square
shaped, the garden has a pool in the centre having four subsidiary
canals flow. |
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Khajuraho Temples
Built between the period of 10th and 12th century, Khajuraho temple
complex are great archaeological treasure of India. Dating more than
one thousand year back, the elegant temple structure was built by the
then ruler of Chandela dynasty, who clad the whole capital with
numerous of tanks and beautiful temples. The temple complex with its
numerous erotic sculptures is a fine portrayal of sexual and spiritual
significance of the country.
Khajuraho, the land of moon god, had total 85 of temples amongst which
only 20 survive today. The temple complex built in north-Indian
‘Nagara’ style of architecture are today the unique gift of love from
India to the world. The temple complex of Khajuraho with its unique
erotic art have become today one of the best place to witness the
historical and architectural significance of the country.
Richest and largest of all temple groups, Western Complex of the
temples are designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The other
prominent site of the temple complex are Eastern and Southern Complex.
Most of the famous temples like Lakshmana Temple, Kandaria Temple,
Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chandragupta Temple and Parvati Temple are part
of Western Complex, while Jain Group Of Temples, The Vamana Temple and
Adinath Temple are in Eastern Complex. |
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Performing Arts
Multifaceted culture and heritage of India, in true way, is the
biggest asset of the country which dates thousands years back to
period of earliest civilization. Blissfully, the country still
preserves its rich culture and heritage in various of its forms like
arts, crafts, religion, philosophy and tradition.
Performing arts, being the innate form of Indian culture and heritage,
has been celebrated in the country for thousands years. Be it music,
dance or theater, every form of performing art of India is known for
its uniqueness and symbolise its age-old rich culture and tradition.
Music: Based on the principles of Nava Rasas (nine emotions –
Love, Humour, Pathos, Anger, Heroism, Terror, Disgust, Wonder and
Serenity) of Rishi Bharata, the Indian music tradition stresses upon
treating Riyaj (musical practice) as devotion and worship. With the
help of Raga, Tala and Shrutis, musicians evoke variety of feelings
and moods before the audience. Today, divided in two strains, Carnatic
(South Indian music tradition) and Hindustani (North Indian music
tradition), the Indian music tradition has got its styles changed or
innovated, but sustains its roots very beautifully.
Dance: Like music, traditional Indian dance form is also
structured on the age-old Natya Shashtra, written around 200 AD by
sage Bharata. Mythically adored Taandav dance of lord Shiva and
widespread Devdasi dance constitute the solid base of rich dance form
in the country. Several of popular classical dance forms like
Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and folk dance
forms like Bhangra, Bhavai, Jatra, Bihu and Santhali are today
predominant part of various dance tradition of the country.
Theater: According to Natya Shashtra, origin of theater in
India is a divine occurrence. The Nava Rasas (nine emotions), which
are intrinsic part of the performance are meant to evoke live emotion
and mood before spectators. Dance and music are two innate parts upon
which success of a theatrical performance is based. Traditional
theatrical performance in India deals with the dramatic representation
of ancient rituals and festive occasions, which find deeper religious
and spiritual significance. |
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