've
read somewhere in James Cameron's book `
An Indian Summer' that Rajasthan is more Indian than any other place in
India.
Probably because it technically never remained under Imperial rule. Seeing
the lifestyle and smiling faces of Rajasthanis, this argument carries
conviction.
Hospitality
Protection from subjugation of external rule and imperial expansionism has
preserved the natural combination of self-respect and happiness in the
people of Rajasthan.
The men are robust and chivalrous, the women beautiful and generous. There
is always a sort of curiosity in them and even the women seem inquisitive
peeping through their veils, an expression of fascination towards the
strange looking visitor.
But
above everything it is the ready hospitality that a visitor comes across
after this initial probe. All the hype of tourism activity in Rajasthan not
withstanding, innocent gestures of hospitality is still a commonplace.
Free hitch on a camel cart or a free meal in someone's home or a free
assistance is surprisingly extended everywhere.
The generous smiles on the faces just do not fade away. The people of
Rajasthan even among other fellow Indians are reputed to be the friendliest
and peace-loving ones.
The
winning combination
Something may be attributed to the language we speak. Rajasthani dialect is
a very sweet language in which terms indicating honor and courtesies
constitute major part of conversation.
Words of dishonor and abuse are not permissible even for animals. Quarrels
and tensions just do not exist here. Perhaps this cool temperament enabled
certain communities succeed immensely in the field of business and trade.
Rajasthani businessmen popularly known as Marwaris are spread everywhere in
the world and hold a major portion of India's business assets under their
control!
We strongly believe in works of charity; all over Rajasthan temples,
hospitals, rest houses, educational institutions, wells and asylums for
public use can be seen.
Still for most, the image that lingers of Rajasthani people is that of
proud Maharajas and princesses leading lives of style and opulence, that of
lavish parties and polo matches; which of course is true to an extent.
The bigger picture, however, is that of brave and valiant kings who always
zealously guarded their independence. The names of Maharana Pratap and Sawai
Jai Singh II are legendary.
Unconventional
women
But the images also surface of defiant and unconventional women.
The images of queens (Padmini) jumping in raging fires to save their honor,
stories of loyalties and sacrifice like that of legendary Panna Dhai (As a
caretaker of new born prince she kept her own son disguised as prince in
front of the enemy, thus saved the Prince but lost her own son), legends of
incredible devotion of Meera Bai (She was a queen but her devotion towards
Lord Krishna made her a great saint and poetess) or that of revolutionary
queens like Gayatri Devi of Jaipur (Considered among the most beautiful
women in the world, she remains a social reformer helping the cause of
common women)
Rajasthanis can be found excelling in any field- fine arts to
sports to business. But the truth still is the desert for bringing all this
difference.
Colors;)
;)
But
above everything it is the ready hospitality that a visitor comes across
after this initial probe. All the hype of tourism activity in Rajasthan not
withstanding, innocent gestures of hospitality is still a commonplace.;)
The
winning combination ;)
Unconventional
women 
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