History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition and Heritage of Rajasthan: Rajasthan’s heritage and culture are rich and vibrant, with ancient forts, palaces, vast deserts, museums, art and craft, landscapes, and forests. Ghoomar and Kalbeliya are two dance styles that have gained worldwide recognition.
Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilisation had its foundation here in north Rajasthan. The Bhil and the Mina tribes were the earliest dwellers of this area. Around 1400 BC the Aryans paid a visit and settled forever in this area.
The State of Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949 when the states of the Rajputana Agency of the erstwhile British Empire in India were merged into the new Indian Union. Its capital and largest city is Jaipur. Other important cities are Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Udaipur.
Broadly the human history is divided into three periods:
(1) Pre-historical,
(2) Proto-historical and
(3) Historical
Pre-historical is the period before the invention of writing. Its knowledge is solely based on physical or archaeological evidence; Proto-historical is the period when we begin to come across written sources, but which remain un-deciphered or literary evidence which has not yet been committed to writing; Historical period is the one which is mainly known from written literary sources.
On the basis of the above classification we may chronologically divide the history of India thus:
(1) Pre-historical period – From the beginning up to the Harappan civilization;
(2) Proto-historical period – from the Harappan civilization up to 600 BC;
(3) Historical period from 600 BC up to the present
History and Tradition of Rajasthani Literature The early literature of Rajasthani is available in the form of inscriptions. The literature which is engraved on inscriptions, coins and seals is called archival literature. Though the body of literature available in this form is meager, but whatever material is available is of great literary and historical importance.
History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition and Heritage of Rajasthan
- Pre-historical sites of Rajasthan- from Palaeolithic to Chalcolithic and Bronze Age.
- Historical Rajasthan: Important historical centres of Early Christian Era. Society, Religion and Culture in Ancient Rajasthan.
- Political and Cultural achievements of prominent rulers of major dynasties – Guhila, Pratihar, Chauhan, Parmar, Rathore, Sisodiya and Kachchawa. Administrative and Revenue System in Medieval Rajasthan.
- Emergence of Modern Rajasthan: Agents of Social Awakening in Rajasthan during 19th-20th Centuries. Political Awakening: role of newspapers and political institutions. Tribal and Peasant movements in 20th century, Praja Mandal movements in various princely states during 20th century. Integration of Rajasthan.
- Architectural Tradition of Rajasthan- temples, forts, palaces and man- made water bodies; various schools of paintings and handicrafts.
- Performing Art: Classical Music and Classical Dance; Folk Music & Instruments; Folk Dances & Drama.
- Language & Literature: Dialects of Rajasthani Language. Literature of Rajasthani language and Folk literature.
- Religious Life: Religious Communities, Saints and Sects in Rajasthan. Folk Deities of Rajasthan.
- Social Life in Rajasthan: Fairs and festivals; Social customs and traditions; attires and ornaments.
- Leading Personalities of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan General Studies | General Knowledge of Rajasthan
RPSC RAS Prelims Exam 2024 | General Knowledge and General Science