Romancing Rajasthan: A journey to the land of kings and palaces

Nursing Journal of India, Sep 2003 by Subbiah, Nanthini

Jaipur - Venue for XX TNAI Biennial Conference 2001

Jaipur, the exotic capital of Rajasthan, better known as the Pink City will host the XX TNAI Biennial conference.

The very thought of Rajasthan flashes through our mind the picture of vibrant people clad in bright coloured attire, riding camels through the sand, exotic palaces and rich architectural heritage dating back to the medival period. The picturesque sight of stretches of golden sand extending to miles is fascinating enough to make a poet out of an ordinary mortal. The magnificiant forts, opulent palaces, exclusively chiseled havelis, each a splendid example of the rich cultural heritage sings the saga of past glory, prosperity and chivalry.

In spite of the apparent impression of a dry and desert land, the slate abounds in astonishing range of vegetation and wildlife that makes it a favourite resort for nature lovers. Its a reservoir of a broad biological spectrum ranging from the hilly terrain of Mt. Abu to the heart land of the Thar Desert.

The uniqueness of the land lies in the lingering flavour of medieval times in the rich art and crafts, colourful Bazaars and vibrant people. The sight of camels, oxen, elephants on the road as common modes of transport adds to the medieval touch.

Tourist spots sand must sec in Jaipur:

Built in the year 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a ravishing architectural splendour. The only planned city of its time, it has many attractive monuments.

The city Palace: The former royal abode that has the touch of Rajasthan and Mughal styles. It houses a museum with super collection of Rajasthan's costumes and armour of Mughals and Rajputs. It also has an art gallery with excellent collections of miniature paintings, carpets, royal Paraphernalia

Jantar Mantar: Largest of Jai Singh's five observatories, this stone structure has scientifically desgined complex instruments that speaks about advanced Indian astronomy in the medieval times.

Hawa Mahal: This five storey structure along the main street of the old city was originally conceived to enable royal women watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Govind Devji Temple: Located in the central pavillion of the Jai Niwas Garden, this spireless temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The image of the patron deity Govind Devji originally installed in a temple in Vrindavan was reinstalled by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

Swargasuli: The highest tower on the west side of Tripolia Bazaar, was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D to commemorate a grand victory.

Ram Niwas Bagh: Built by Sawain Ram Singh II in 1868 AD as a famine relief project. Ram Niwas Bagh is a lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a green house, a herbarium a museum and popular sports ground.

Dolls Musuem: Beautiful dolls from all over the world are on display in the compound of the school for the deaf and dumb school children.

BM Birla Planetarium: This offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment.

Galtaji: An ancient pilgrimage centre; the small temple of the Sun god situated on top of the highest mountain peak is visible from all parts of the city.

Old city: The remnants of its glorious past lies in the beautifully carved Jagat Shiromoni Temple, a Krishna temple and an ancient temple of Narsinghji.

Jaigarh: A military structure dating back to medieval India that retain its ancient splendour in reservoirs, a granary, an armoury and well planned cannon foundry.

Nahargarh: Situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh this serves as a sentinel to the Pink City.

Other important places: Udaipur: Known as the Venice of the East, this lovely city surrounded by the lush hills of the Aravalis has a mythical saga associated with its foundation. According to the popular legend, Maharana Udai singh while hunting met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the lake Pichhola. As per the blessings and advise of the hermit, Maharana Udai Singh founded the city.

Jaisalmer: Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden Mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The famous Desert festival held evecy year in January/February fills the city with sounds of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions like turban tying, Mr Desert contest, camel races are the hallmark of the festival..

Bikaner: Popularly called the camel country, this city is reknowned for its famous camel riding.

More about Rajasthan

With an area of 3,42,23,974 Sq. k.m., Rajasthan is bigger than most of European countries put together having a population of 5,64,73,122. Though, considered a backward state in techno-economic terms, the general living standards of people are quite high in comparision with other regions.

Literacy: According to the census of 2001, the rate of literacy is 61.03%.

Climate: Like Delhi, Rajasthan has an extreme climate with dry hot summer with temperature shooting up to a maximum of 52 degree celcius and cold winter with temprature falling as low as -3 degrees celcius. Average temperature - in Winter: 6-25 degree celcius and in Summer: 25-45 degree celcius.