Jaisalmer Fort

"At the break of dawn, Jaisalmer Fort shines like a golden tiara atop the lofty hill"

Jaisalmer fort is a monument worth visiting and worth retaining in your conscious mind. It is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO. It is situated in the city of Jaisalmer,Rajasthan(India). It is the second oldest of Rajasthan's major forts after Chittorgarh. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaiswal. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar desert on Trikuta hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sand stone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason it is also known as Sonar Quila (Golden Fort). The fort is 1500 ft long and 750 ft wide and is built on a hill that raises above a height of 250 ft above the surrounding country side and about 5000 people still resides in its imposing walls.

The fort is on a site that legend says Maharaja chose on the advice of a wise hermit. The mystic tells the Jaiswal that the Hindu deity Lord Krishna had praised the spot and therefore, a fort built there would be almost invisible to the king's enemies. Indeed, from 30 miles away, visitors see only a sheer golden cliff. He built this fort as his capital, as the earlier fort Lodurva was too vulnerable to invasions.

The soft yellow Jurassic sandstone makes up every part of the Jaisalmer fort, from its outer walls to the palace, temples and houses within. The fort is 250 ft tall and from it, one can see almost every part of the town. It has as many as 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647 to be used as gun platforms.  There are 4 huge getaways named as Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. There was death well, where traitors and criminals were thrown into by the second gate. The road to the main chowk is by the fourth gateway where many acts of Johar (self-immolation) have taken place. 

While the city was built, there exists many beautiful Havelis and group of Jain temples. There are thousands of carved deities and dancing figures housed here. Inside the temple there is a Gyan bhandar (library). It contains more than 1000 old manuscripts. It has also a collection of Jain, pre-mogul and Rajput paintings.

The fort also has a peculiar gadget hoisted on top of its ramparts, this was used to forecast the weather. Every year in April a flag would be placed in its center, and based on the direction in which it blew, the weather for the entire year was forecast. If it blew northwards it indicated famine and if it went westwards, it indicated fine monsoon. It may seem a bit primitive today but the system was probably just as accurate or inaccurate as the meteorological department office nowadays.

The famous Indian film director Satyajit Ray wrote the Sonar kella ( The golden fortress), a detective novel, based on the fort and he filmed it here. 

For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blog

Immerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits, home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan (www.ethnicrajasthan.com)

MEHRANGARH FORT

"A Palace that might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning sun" - Rudyard Kipling

Mehrangarh is made up of two words- Mihir (sun or sun-deity) and Garh (Fort), means ' Fort of the sun'. In 1459 the ruler of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, Rao Jodha moved his capital from Mandore to the site of Jodhpur today. He built his fort on the rocky promontory which dominates the surroundings area and so arose the Mehrangarh fort. Down below the old town was enclosed by a 10 km(kilo meters)long wall. It stands a 100 feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, 400 feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. It is over 500 yards long making it one of the largest and greatest forts in India. It is from Mehrangarh fort that one can see and understand why Jodhpur is called the Blue city, At one point Brahmin could live in Brahminpuri (another name of Jodhpur) and were also the only community allowed to paint the exteriors of their houses blue. The blue, so characteristic of Jodhpur act as a heat and mosquito repellent. 

The fort has seven famous gates which have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. The famous of all is Jai Pol (means Victory), the first gate when you enter, was built by Maharaja Man Singh after his victory on Jaipur and Bikaner. Another gate, Fateh Pol (means Victory) was raised by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate the defeats of Mughals. The last gate Loha Pol, as in any Rajput forts, displays the palm imprints that are smeared with vermilion paste and paper thin silver foil on a gateway leading to the funeral pyre site, reminds the tourists of the princesses and queens who committed Johar (self-immolation) for the sake of their consorts.

Within the fort are several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces. These include Moti Mahal (pearl palace), Phool Mahal (Flower palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh khana and Daulat khana.

The museum the fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. It exhibits the heritage of Rathores. The palace museum has exquisite rooms filled with lavish royal elephant carriages (howdahs), palanquins, thrones, costumes,furniture, musical instruments, miniatures, paintings and even a giant tent. It also has an interesting weapons gallery.

The 500 year old fort is a popular site for filming. It was one of the filming locations for the movie 'Batman- The dark knight rises(2002)' and 'Veer'.
For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blog
Immerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits, home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan (www.ethnicrajasthan.com)

Chand Baori-The Deepest Stepwell In The World

Chand baori, Abhaneri (literally translated as "Moon Well") is the oldest and deepest step well in the world. Abhaneri is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur,Rajasthan on the Jaipur-Agra highway. It was so named as it was built by king Chand Raja of Nikumbha dynasty in 9th century A.D. Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri,which means "city of brightness," but due to mispronunciation, that name was changed.It is located opposite Harshat Mata (goddess of joy and happiness) temple and was constructed in 800 AD. It consists of 3500 narrow steps over 13 stories and extends approximately 100 ft. into the ground making it one o the deepest and largest step wells in India. Three out of the four sides have steps that lead down to the bottom of the well and one side of the well has a pavillion and resting room for the royals. The state of Rajasthan is extremely arid,and the design and final structure of Chand Baori was intended to conserve as much water possible. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 degree cooler than at the surface, and it was also used as a community gathering place for locals during periods of intense heat. The steps and the whole surrounding is a fine example of architectural expertise of the great Indian architectures. It also displays the geometrical intelligence of the architects of the bygone era. It has been featured in blockbuster Hollywood movies like The Fall and The Dark Knight Rises.

For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blogImmerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits ,home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan.

Mount Abu's Summer Festival

Oasis in the deserted land of Rajasthan,a pilgrim spot,a land of serene lakes,waterfalls,green forests,stunning monuments-Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan as well as north west India which makes it a perfect spot for the summer festival. The summer festival is held every year during the month of may. It celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of the hill station-Mt. Abu who welcome the tourist from the depth of their hearts.

At the time of British rule in India, Mount Abu was one of the favorite summer destinations,since it was a kind of an escape from the heat of Rajasthan. So, it also become a famous summer resort for the kings of Rajasthan. Since then the people started this three day festival showcasing their colorful culture and tradition becoming the major source of entertainment for the tourists in summer. It offers ample time to the tourist to relax, enjoy and entertain themselves.

This summer festival commences with the singing of ballad and proceeds with a ceremonial procession,which starts from the RTDC hotel SHIKHAR and gathers at the Nakki lake chowk where folk performances of Rajasthan and Gujarat are mainly organised.

 Out of all the festivities the rowing competition at the Nakki lake is the most famous and the most awaited. The second and third days are more exciting and attractive since various competition and activities take place such as skating race,skaters show,camel polo, CRPF band show,boat race,horse race,tug of war, panihari matka race and an outdoor shaam-e-qawwali performnace in the evening adds to the extravagance. The audience is captivated by these mesmerizing vocalists from all over the country. People enjoy a host of dance styles of Rajasthan- ghoomer, daph, gair, kathputli, kalbelia, bhavai, countless Rajasthani food .and they also float hundreds of lighted diyas on the lake in the evening, which makes it an enchanting sight. The grand finale of the summer festival is a display of  dazzling  fireworks which catches the fancy of every tourist.

For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blog

Immerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits ,home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan.

Block Print - Chhap of Rajasthan

There is something very beautiful about a little town in the heart of Rajasthan,Sanganer.  Specked with colors all the time with the sun’s heat breathing down on earth, bobbed in bright colors pagadis, the printers walk through the sleepy village located on the edge of a broad river bank. Sanganer block printing dates back to the social upheavals of mid 17th century. The river banks of Sanganer presented the ideal location with the added benefit of specialist dyers and cloth bleachers residing in the town. Historical block printing used wooden and metal blocks and carving them is an art form in itself. These blocks are used as printing plate. Once the block is finished artisans apply ink to the raised surface of the block. Then they transfer the ink to fabric or paper.

So, add a breath of freshness and serenity to your home and wardrobe with our beautiful block print bed sheets, diwan sets,curtains, table covers, cushion covers, skirts, palazzos, salwar suits because we know home is where the heart is. The beautiful colors, prints, patterns, textures are what every home and wardrobe needs. Rajasthani block prints are mostly done on cotton fabric, giving a blend of various colors, prints on light base, perfect to give home and wardrobe cool and serene look this summer.

So, from our beautiful block print bed sheets to curtains and table covers, we have a whole range of stylish and elegant block prints. Go shopping!

For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blog

Immerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits ,home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan.

Jaipur- The City of Love

When one talks about romantic getaways, Paris or Switzerland are the first to come in mind but what if India’s very own ‘Pink City’ Jaipur with its royalty and grandeur attached to its name has been listed as one of the 25 most romantic cities in the world being at 18^th position adding another feature to its glory. There is something in the air of the Pink city that makes it effortlessly romantic. It’s walls painted in red and pink, markets covered under the veil of bright sunny colors, the new striving with the old Jaipur brings something for everyone. It beholds the mixture of love, culture and remains from the past.There are forts, temples,luscious green gardens and street bazaars to explore hand in hand with your partner.

Take a elephant ride to the Amber fort through the cities bustling and sultry  streets will awaken all of your senses with its  rich culture and regal history and enjoy light and sound show at Amber. Let your loved one know what’s in your heart and mind while all the lights around you are lit bright.

Go for hot air balloon ride with the love of your life. Just imagine a scene where you are thousands of feet above the ground and soaking the beauty of Pink city with your loved one.

Watch the Polo match, the game of royals.

Nahargarh Fort ,definitely worth a visit. Located on the rocky ridge of Arravali hills,it offers the most striking view of Jaipur’s scenic landscape.During the night, when the entire city gets lit up, its sparkling view  from the windows of fort are just mesmerizing.

Visit Jal mahal , a dream like palace standing in the middle of a vast lake in the town of royals.

Walk through the Jaldhara water fountain and park ;have high tea at the Taj Rambagh Palace and ride a motorcycle up-to Jaigarh Fort at sunset for unparalleled city views.

So whether its your honeymoon, anniversary, valentine’s day,marriage or just a surprise getaway, Jaipur is full of classical Indian heritage and balances a perfect amount of cultural sights and relaxation. This is an ideal place for a couple who want to experience something completely new.

For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blog

Immerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits ,home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan.