Kuldhara: An Abandoned & Cursed Village of Rajasthan

अतीत के आगोश में जाने कितनी कहानिया छुपी आज भी है, जाने कितने साल गुजर गए, जाने कितने लम्हें बीत गए, शायद इंतज़ार है उन्हें एक दस्तक की जो उनकी खामोशियो को तोड़े, और इतिहास के पन्नो की अनसुलझी  पहेलियाँ को सुलझाये ।

केहते  है सच कभी छुपता नहीं और झूट की उम्र लम्बी नहीं होती, लेकिंग क्या सच है क्या झूठ ये वक़्त पे ही छोडना सही होगा। मेरी तलाश तो कभी खत्म नहीं होगी और ये सफर तो मिलो लंबा है । ऐसी ही एक सफर मुझे आज एक खामोश गाँव में ले आई है जहाँ कभी इंसानो की भीड़ थी और आज सिर्फ सन्नाटा, ख़ामोशी और सिर्फ खली माकन.

कुलधरा, जैसलमेर से 15 km पच्छिम राजस्थान के एयरफोर्स स्टेशन के पास एक गाँव ….गाँव… मेरे ख्याल से इससे गाँव बोलना ठीक नहीं होगा, शायद इससे इसकी पहचान धुधली न पड जाये. गाँव तो इंसानो से होता है वीरान खड़े मकानो से नहीं.

Kuldhara Village

केहते है यहाँ की फ़िज़ाएं, सूनी गालिया, खाली खण्डार सब कुछ प्रेतवाधित (haunted) है, कुछ पैरानॉर्मल एक्सपर्ट्स ने यहाँ पे, टेम्परेचर में अचानक होते परिवर्तन को महसूस किया है.

क्या हुआ होगा यहाँ ?क्यों हर माकन सूनसान  है ?क्या वजह है यहाँ फैले ख़ामोशी के पीछे ?

कुलधरा जिसकी कहानी की शुरुवात 1291 में हुई थी और ये गाँव कभी पालीवाल ब्रहिमनस का हुआ करता था, जो एक बहुत ही समृद्ध कबीला था और व्यावसायिक कौशल और कृषि ज्ञान के लिए जाने जाते थे.

History of Pushkar Fair - Largest Cattle Fair of World

Caparisoned camels, folk music and dance, colorful cattle and a touch of Rajasthan culture that's a glimpse of world’s largest cattle fair at Rajasthan, Pushkar fair.

Camel Racing at Pushkar Fair - Rajasthan

If you have ever visited in it, you must be knowing what I am referring to. And if never visited, believe me you are missing one of most enjoyable fair which make you feel close to culture at most sacred pilgrim destination of Rajasthan. The fair is celebrated for five days starting from Karthika Ekadashi to Karthika Poornima (the day of ritual oblation). Karthika Poornima is the main day of Pushkar Fair. The fair is certainly the world’s biggest camel fair. Hundreds of shops sell camels, horses, bulls, cows and other cattle. The fair is a perfect instance of the cohabitation of the religious faith and commercial interest of the human society.

Legend Behind Pushkar Fair

Lord Brahma was flying over the Rajasthan desert on his swan, when some petals fell from his hand and drifted down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where the flowers had touched the soft sands. Just then, Lord Brahma realized that this was the auspicious moment to perform a fire sacrifice or yagna. His wife Savitri was not with him at that time and the yagna would be incomplete without her.

Maharana Pratap Hero Of Haldighati

Maharana Pratap (also known as Rana Pratap) was a ruler of Mewar, a state in north-western India. He belonged to the Sisodia clan of Suryavanshi Rajputs..

Rana Pratap was born at Kumbhalgarh on Sunday the May 9, 1540 to Maharana Udai Singh II and Maharani Javanta Bai Songara (Chauhan).some historians believe it to be Juni Kacheri near Pali District.Pratap was eldest of 25 brothers and 20 sisters.

Maharana Pratap got married to Ajabade(daughter of Rao Ram Rakh Panwar), at the age of 17 and were soon blessed by a son named Amar Singh.Rana Pratap had 17 sons and five daughters.

Maharana Udai Singh II died at the early age of 42, leaving behind twenty-five sons. Setting aside the established laws of Primogenitor, he proclaimed his favorite son Jagmal; his successor,but his senior nobles wanted Pratap, the eldest son, to be their king.

Resuming Journey with a Good Note: Happy New Year

With each New Year we move ahead leaving past behind. All good and sour moments remain in yesterday and we move to make new moments of happiness. With a hope of better tomorrow, more happiness and success I wish you a very Happy New Year !!

As the new time begins lets join hand again for more exciting journey, places and royal experience with me back on 'Royal Registan'. Last break was a bit longer : ) but lets together resume our journey of princely Rajasthan.

There are many surprises and giveaways waiting ahead for you on this journey this year.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Kevin Frayer

Painting on Old Jaipur State Revenue Stamp Paper

There have always been a keen interest of art lovers in Rajasthani painting and it is obvious when due to most of art schools of Rajasthan. How can one forget to mention Bani Thani and other famous arts of Rajasthan.

One another form of Jaipur painting is 'Painting on revenue stamp paper'. 

Before independence, Indian revenue stamps were closely modelled on similar designs from Great Britain, While most princely states that had issued stamps from the nineteenth century stopped with independence, Jaipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Sikkim continued to do so until the 1960s.

Those type of papers is main attraction of this style of painting.



Wish to have these on wall of your drawing room :) ? 

Don't worry you can have these with as low as INR 500 ($10) nowadays (reprinted copy of original stamps). You can also get original old stamp but bit more expensive.. somewhat around INR 2500 - INR 3000

Know about place where Bike is worshiped ?

You might have seen a lot of temples, but have you ever thought about a temple where Bike (Enfield) is worshiped?


This place is 50 km away from Jodphur on the highway to Pali, near Chotila village.

This place is an accident prone site, hence a sign board has been put up to tell the traveler and commuters to slow down.

Om Banna Bike

It is know for 'Bullet Baba' (Om Banna). Hundreds of devotees turn up every day to pray for a safe journey, often bearing liquor.

It may sound bit surprising to most of people but its a really divine place for nearby people as well for most of vehicles passing highway.  Every day nearby villagers and travelers stop and pray to the bike and its late owner Om Singh Rathore. The temple beside the Enfield motorbike has a big picture of Om Banna.

It is said that a person who does not stop to pray at the shrine is in for a dangerous journey. The story goes that back in 1991, on a fateful summer night, Om Bana was returning from Pali to his native Chotila on his Bullet 350 when it skidded and hit a tree, killing him on the spot. The tree stands over the battered vehicle till date. Villagers say after Om Bana’s death, the motorbike was taken to a local police station. But next day morning, it was found at the accident spot.

Police initially thought it was a prank and after emptying the fuel tank they brought the bike back to the

Om Banna

station. However, the motorcycle was again at the accident spot the next day. As soon as the story spread, people in the nearby village built a platform on the spot where the death occurred and started offering prayers. Many shops offering incense sticks, flowers, coconut and red thread meant for offering prayers have sprung up near the shrine. Local people sing folk songs in the name of Om Bana who owned the Royal Enfield. The cause of his death, the tree itself remains ornamented with offerings of bangles, scarves and rope. The temple even has its own priest, who has been incharge of the upkeep of the shrine for two decades.

Travellers, especially drivers of vehicles that pass by, offer prayers at the site, which is almost in the middle of the road. Some drivers also offer a small bottle of country liquor at the site.

A mini-economy has sprouted around the shrine. Over the last few years, at least a dozen shops have come up around its premises, selling everything from religious offerings like flowers, incense sticks, kumkum, turmeric and camphor to memorabilia including VCDs, audio tapes, key chains, necklaces, charms, rings and of course, photographs of Om Bana in all sizes.

You may hardly find any tourist vehicle not having memento of 'Om Banna' for his divine blessings in it :)

Remembering The Princely State: Rajputana (Mewar) - II

Thanks for such a support on previous post about Shekhawai, today in same series I would love to share about another region of princely Rajputana - Mewar, a land of warriors. (Also about less known 'Great wall of China' :) )

Mewar is south central region of Rajasthan. It include areas with historical importance such as Bhilwara, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand majorly.

Fort of Chittorgarh

There is a saying in Rajasthan
"Garh to Bas Chittorgarh, baki Sab Garhiya" which means "Chittorgarh is the only fort, rest of all are fortresses". This single saying itself describe the impact of Mewar, its pride and history.  At first glance Chittorgarh does not present a very pretty picture, unlike the lavish splendor of Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan or Udaipur’s Lake Palace. But it is when you look at the background of this fort, that you feel its true spirit. Chittorgarh was the capital of the Mewar kingdom. Mewar, a name synonymous with bravery, honor and pride.

This was the only Rajput kingdom which refused to surrender to Akbar, and even after the Mughal Army conquered it, they were never allowed to rest in peace.

Chittorgarh fort was once who witnessed Jauhar of Rani Padmini rather than falling into the hands of the invaders,  Maharana Pratap swored not to eat in silver vessels, and slept on the ground, until he recaptured this fort from the Mughals. Also Mira Bai composing wonderful bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna.

In 734 A.D, Bappa Rawal , founded the kingdom of Mewar, with Chittorgarh as the capital but was attacked and captured by Allaudin Khilji in 1303 AD.

Less known Great wall of India - Kumbhalgarh

Many may not know but one of later ruler of Chitorgarh 'Rana Kumbha' erected around 32 forts, and the famous fort of Kumbhalgarh in this region. This is the second largest continuous wall on the planet. Also refered by some as 'The Great Wall of India' although this is little known outside its own region. His rule is also know a Golden era of Mewar region.

Later Rana Sanga made Mewar most powerful Rajput state with hardcore warriors. Due to this no much wonder most known and deadly warriors as well wars have been marked in this region. He lost Mewar to Mughals in Batte of Khanwa which en-marked start of Mughal rule in this region. Mewar never remained a piece of cake for Mughals not even for Akbar who was challenged by bravest and most valiant hero 'Maharana pratap', he was the only Rajput king, who refused to accept Akbar’s rule. In 1576, the famous Battle of Haldighati took place.

In the end however it was a pyhric victory for the Mughals, as they suffered great losses. Rana Pratap later with the help of the Bhils recaptured many forts in Mewar from the Mughals. However his dream of recapturing Chittorgarh was never realized in his lifetime, and later with Udaipur becoming the capital

Remembering The Princely State: Rajputana - I

Rajasthan is today one of state know for its royalness although it is progressing quite fast with the pace of time but still we cannot ignore the royal past of  'Rajputana', as Rajasthan known as before 1949.

An 1876 engraving of Rajputs, from the Illustrated London News
Source: Wikipedia

This desert State of India, covers some 342,000 sq km in the north-western region of India and today is divided into 33 districts for administrative purposes but in older time it was mainly divided into 6 regions:
- Shekhawati
- Mewar
- Marwar
- Mewat
- Dhundhar
- Hadoti

Each of these region have its own historical importance and strong presence and majority of rulers over these regions were Rajputs, a clan known for its bravery and royalness.

Shekhawati:

It is located in northeast part of Rajasthan originated by name of Shekhawat Rajputs and famous for Haveli's of this region.

A general myth about this region as portrayed to most tourist is that its either some village or town but in actual its area is 13784 square kilometers and include multiple villages and towns. With this single region there used to be multiple small princely states ruled by Shekhawats and known as Thikans.

It was founded by Maharao Shekha Ji (Some time I feel going throgh historical facts is a kind of fantasy itself, believe me. More you explore it more you get into love with it :) I want to share here about interesting birth story of Maharao Sheka Ji also but let me save it for upcoming posts)

Shekhawati was formerly a wealthy but lawless land at some point of time on the trade route between the ports of the Arabian Sea and the fertile Ganges Valley. And today some of leading business house of country are from this region. In older time marwaris from this region settled in the new coastal cities, and they built havelis for their families back home which were symbols of their success and homes.

Map of Vedic India

Reference of this region is found in ancient history also, as said during the Mahabharata period it was known as Matsya Kingdom and extended to the Sarasvati River. This was because the first clan ruling this region, in the Mahabharata period, were descendants of fishermen. So the Vedas were supposed to be written and compiled on this land of brave Rajputs.

Few of must visit places in Shekhawati are butnot limited to Mandawa Fort, Dundlod Fort, Surajgarh Fort, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh.

I will be sharing more about other regions too in upcoming posts.

The Journey Resume...

It feels good to be back blog after such a long time. long time? Yeah its really a long time since my last post. In such a schedule of travel I am back with my words : ) Have many topic and experiences to share now and confused where to start from. Anyways I will be share some interesting articl very soon. Meanhwile here is one of awesome capture of 'Blue City' - Jodhpur.

Jodhpur - Blue City

The ubiquitous blueness of Jodhpur is an exuberant display of human resilience against the stark Thar desert which surrounds the town. Against the bleak backdrop of parched brown earth the blue city exerts itself magnificently.

Happy blogging !!

The Ship of Desert - Must Ride (Camel Fair)

Camels have always been a integral part of Rajasthan, even no travel to Rajasthan is complete with out a Camel Safari. Whether it has been old time centuries ago in era of different rulers of an era of progressing towards modernization, Camel have always been a main attraction in Rajasthan, even the first picture comes in mind when thinking about Rajasthan is of a Camel and Desert. Stories such as of Dhola and Maru makes it more fascinating.

Camel festival is spectacular opportunity to witness this fascinating ship of the Desert in its most lively form. the vibrant Event is organized at Bikaner every year in the month of January.

Camel Festival - Rajasthan

The Festival begins with a colorful procession of the bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh fort. the festivity advances with the interesting competitions like camel fur cutting, camel milking and camel racing. The camels bejeweled with heavy ornaments and colorful accessories, display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their trainers.

Hundreds of tourists and thousand o locals and dignitaries rejoice in the charm of the festival. Evenings bring a rendezvous with renowned artists of Rajasthan and local fold performers jubilant skirt-swirling dancers, fire dancers, and fireworks that bedazzle the desert city. So are you missing it? :)

Famous Art & Crafts of Rajasthan

So does colorful turbans comes in your mind when you ever think about Rajasthan? As i mentioned about different old school of painting in previous post, Rajasthan and its craft is also source of endless fascination.

Craft is a wide domain and surprisingly Rajasthan is specialized in most of forms of craft. In the field of textiles, waeving, tie-dyedworks known as 'Bandhani' and block painting are very famous.

Silver jewellery is extensively used, huge and chunky, worn around the ankles arms, waist and neck.. Meenakari the art of enamelling on the gold and silver, is an exquisite craft still practiced in the town of Nathdwara, near Udaipur and Jaipur. Kundan are enamel jewellery inlaid in precius stones are also available and used widely. Emerald, Garnet, amethyst, topaz are all found locally.

On more interesting thing to look for is 'Jutis', slippers made out of lanned and dyed leather, embroidered, gouged, studded.

The strength of Rajasthani crafts is that they have been always embedded deeply in everyday lives of the pepple and were not merely produced for the court or urban market. Truly a place to find an enormous variety of objects to select from as mementos.

If we go with city based specialty, most of places have their own specialization since centuries. In older time people of those specific region were well known for their art and timely encouragement and interest from ruler of those region helped in growth of local arts. Here is some of cities with their specialty in art and craft:

Rajasthan Paintings & Bani Thani

Thanks for your overwhelming response. Frankly I never expected such response over just 4 post. Your appreciation really encourage to write more.

Received few message asking about other style and schools, basically the most important four major schools of paintings were Mewar (Udaipur), Marwar (Jodhpur - Bikaner), Dhundhar (Jaipur) and Hada (Bundi, Kota) and yes the one I shared earlier Kishangarh.

Bundi school had illustrations of religious and classical poetry along with court culture and depiction of feminine.

Jaipur school is influenced by Mughal style.

Maharaja playing polo with his favorite lady companions

Mewar school is celebrated for its lifestyle portraits developed for the various Maharanas of Mewar and Jodhpur school show whiskered men in high turbans, full of verve and passion, accompanied by dainty maidens. Paintings of the legendary Dhola Maru on camel back dominate the paintings of this region.

In continuation to previous post would love to share more about 'Bani Thani', the finest painting of the period from the brush of master artist Nihal Chand who transfigured his patron Sawant Singh (who later became a hermit) as lord Krishna and his beautiful lady mistress 'Bani Thani' as Radha. Sawant Singh fell in love with a singer in the employ of his stepmother called Bani Thani.

Bani Thani’s eyes were what drew Sawant Singh to her, and so did her singing. Seeing Bani Thani singing in his court each day helped the king’s heart grow fonder. Now Sawant Singh wrote poetry under the name of Nagari Das, and since Bani Thani was a poet in her own right too.

As an other side of coin, it somewhere shows the Sawant Singh as a poet, ruler in romance and following the 'religion of love'.

 So do you too follow the same? :)

Kishangarh Paintings - Art Inspired by Religion of Love

Rajasthan is famous for its cultural heritage, past and many more things, one among same is Art of Rajasthan. It is known for various forms of arts and when one is discussing about Arts of Rajasthan its never complete without mention of Kishangarh painting, 18th-century school of the Rājasthanī style of Indian painting that arose in the princely state of Kishangarh.

Kishangarh, today known as Marble city was once famous as birth place of Kishangarh style of paintings. On of most famous and well known painting of this school of art is 'Bani Thani' (I surely wish to dedicate a complete post for Bani Thani as there is countless words to praise it :) ).

This style of painting emerged as a unique style in 18th century when Nihal Chand, an artist of Maharaja Sawant Singh's court presented some good work for him. This form of art can be easily distinguished among other due to the sensitive, refined features of the men and women, drawn with pointed noses and chins, deeply curved eyes, and serpentine locks of hair. Their action is frequently shown to occur in large panoramic landscapes. Due to its style and focus over certain specific areas it is also know as Art Inspired by Religion of Love. The beauty of this is also  inspired by the love of Radha, Krishna, depictions of the Radha Krishna Raas Lila theme and the mythical human lover between them transcend itself to become divine love.

Rare Pictures of Jaipur

Here are few rare images of Jaipur - Pinkcity which I thought to share while mentioning about architecture of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. (Bookmark this for more pics and videos in upcoming posts or join me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/royalregistan)

Architectural structure of Jaipur is really one of its kind. Its world wide famous because of its technical details and beauty Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II - the founder of Jaipur was a great architect and astronomer. He also had a good knowledge of Indian Vastu. This is the reason that the architecture of Jaipur is a wonderful case study for the modern architects across the world.

The construction of the city started in 1727. It took around 4 years to complete the major palaces, roads and square.  In 1853, Prince of Wales visited Jaipur; the whole city was painted pink to welcome him. Today, avenues remain painted in pink; provide a distinctive appearance to the city.

Hawa Mahal (Jaipur - 1905) 

Jaipur architecture includes all the Vastu principles and astronomical principles precisely so that Jaipur could be a prosperous and peaceful city.

The Jaipur city was divided into nine blocks, of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public. Huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates (will surely write more about these in upcoming posts :) ) for the purpose of security of the city. Jaipur city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets of 111 ft. 111 is a holy number in Hinduism and hence considered lucky also. The commercial shops were designed in Jaipur in the multiples of nine (27), having one cross street for a planet. "Nine" signifies the nine planets of the ancient astrological zodiac, and twenty-seven signifies the 27 nakshatras. This architectural planning of Jaipur is on the basis of Indian Vastu and astronomy, and is the uniqueness of the architecture of Jaipur.

Enterance of Palace - circa 1926

In Jaipur architecture, the urban quarters were further divided by networks of girded streets. Every street is connected to main road. Because of this sort of architecture of Jaipur, nobody can wander in the streets of Jaipur whether he is familiar with the paths or not.

Today Jaipur is clearly divided in two parts, an old "Four Wall City" and a new city; having 5 stars hotels, air port, railway junction, MNCs, internationally recognized colleges, shopping malls, hospitals etc. Architecture of new city is not as per Indian Vastu and astronomy, but the architecture of new Jaipur is based on modern architectural concepts. Its really amazing to have a walk in early morning in old city when traffic is not much and the old architecture of Jaipur can be seen and enjoy easily.

Rajasthan - The land of Royals

Well I have many thoughts about Rajasthan which I wish to share but surprisingly when I start pen down those all of sudden I feel what should I right. There are countless thoughts which I wish to write about this land of Romance, Royalty, Valour and Chivalry so where should I start from !!

Its a magical land that springs surprises at every turn, takes breath away at every bend, Rajasthan is land of contrasts. When one meet its teeming friendly people, so dull of joy, color and bonhomie they wonder is this same land of bloody battles.

Rajasthan is a historic state and the largest state of India.Cities in Rajasthan still retain their medieval flavor with forts and palaces, with havelis for people to stay, with temples and mosques for people to pray. Famous for vibrant bazaars (market), fabrics, jewellery and handicraft here tradition goes hand in hand with the contemporary.

Visit to Rajasthan during the festive season is must to enjoy most of its cultural heritage.

Some times I feel I am very much fascinated with this culture, rich heritage and royalness of this land (I hope you too believe this after going through my this post :) ). When I can be, they assume how much you will be after experiencing this feel.

Do visit one in lifetime and I am sure next time you will not wait for any invitation to come at this Land of king !!

Places.... Forts... History and my never ending journey

Thanks for give time to my blog. Since childhood I have always been fascinated by new places...historical facts... Monuments.. Antiques and similar. But never got time in this busy life to think about all those. Even after being at a centuries old city Jaipur also known as pinkcity never was been able to take some moments out for own interest.

Now as I started following my heart for my passion I thought to share my views.. Journey and experience with like minded new friends like you.

I will be sharing more here about new places I visit, culture, new travel destinations, unseen and forgotten places ans more about history of this royal, courageous and historical land of kings..... Rajasthan
The Royal Rajasthan

While sharing more about Rajasthan, I may post some links, images, videos from different sources on this blog. Credit goes to original owner of those as I may just use them to make some references and sharing views over here.

Stay in touch : )