State of India - Rajasthan

Area: 3,42,239 sq km

Population: 4,40,05,990

Capital Of City: Jaipur

Languages: Hindi and Rajasthani

Crops:

How You Know: In the old days, the Rajputs were divided into more than a 1000 warrior clans, each with its own tradition. The clans used to be constantly at war with each other. Even today the differences are reflected in dress and customs. An old local saying sums it up - "The dialect, cuisine, water and turbans in Rajasthan change every 12 miles."

History: Rajasthan, the land of the Rajput warriors is one of India's most colourful states. Being a part of the 'Golden Triangle' (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur), it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Famous for its majestic forts, colourful attire, countless fairs, festivals and fascinating dance forms, Rajasthan is an unforgettable experience for any visitor. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as the 'pink city' because of the ochre-pink colour of its old buildings and city walls. The Rajputs considered pink to be a colour associated with hospitality, and painted the whole city pink in preparation for the visit of Britain's Prince Alfred in 1853. The five-storyed Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds is one of the most recognized monuments of Jaipur. The palace was built in 1799 to enable ladies of the royal household to watch street life and processions. The Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with huge yantras or instruments is equally famous. Pushkar, in Rajasthan is famous for the world's biggest cattle fair, held in October or November every year. The town also has the only Brahma temple in India. Thar, India's only desert region is in Rajasthan. The pictures of a turbaned Rajasthani man walking his camel in the desert are often used to represent Rajasthan. Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan is the place where those baggy-tight horse-riding trousers took their name. Jaisalmer, another desert city is known for its forts and houses made of golden sandstone. Udaipur, the city of lakes is one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. It is known as the `Venice of the East'. The city is a bend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and havelis. The Lake Pichola with two palaces right in the middle is the best attraction of the city. Mt Abu, Rajasthan's only hill is famous for the Jain marble temples at Dilwara. Rajasthan has one of the most colourful dress code. The men wear bright turbans and almost always sport a moustache. The women wear flowing bright mirrored skirts with chunky silver jewellery. Rajasthani folk dances are famous all over the country. Gair is a popular men-only dance while Ghoomar is a dance of women. Kachhi Ghodi, a dance where men ride decorated dummy horses, is a favorite of kids. Then, there is the Fire dance of Bikaner where men dance on a platform of burning coal. Fundu Fact Heard of the Siberian Crane? Every winter, this extremely rare bird flies down 6,400 kilometres all the way from Siberia to the marshlands of the Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan to escape the harsh Siberian winter.