Other States - Rajasthan   

Rajasthan where old world charm exists

JAIPUR: Though apace with the rest of the country in development, for many Rajasthan continues to conjure up the image of former royals and the valiant Rajputs -- and perhaps nothing more. A session devoted to the concept of Rajasthan at the recent Jaipur Literature Festival too ended up rather keeping intact the generally perceived notion -- that Rajasthan is the abode of (now former) royals and Rajputs. Yet the topic led to much nostalgia and threw up some insight into the coming into being of Rajasthan.

Of course the political transition, the merger of the former princely States after the country attained freedom to form the State of Rajasthan, was a smooth affair, thanks to “cooperation” of the royal families. Barring one princely State -- which had reportedly entertained some thoughts of joining Pakistan for a brief period -- all the States were sure of what they should do.

The panellists for the session, titled “The Idea of Rajasthan”, were scholar couple Lloyd Rudolph and Sussane Rudolph, Rima Hooja, archaeologist historian, Aman Nath, art conservationist and restorer of architectural ruins, Rajashri Kumari Bikaner, a scion of the former Bikaner State. Mita Kapur moderated the session.

“The former princely States signed the agreement of merger with India. It was not signed by the people as such or their elected representatives. They had the option to choose between India and Pakistan and none chose the latter,” said Dr. Rima Hooja, who is also author of the latest book on Rajasthan's history. The States were also given the option to continue their currency in their area and retain any two other symbols of their authority, but none did, she noted.

“Rajputs are the identity of Rajasthan. Even Mahatma Gandhi, attending the second round table conference in London, mentioned them as the ones who would defend the country once India gains freedom,” Prof. Rudolph said. A lot of social changes and mobility has taken place and new groups have taken over the traditional roles of Rajputs and Jains, he noted.

When reminded by some from the audience that the social aspect of the history of the former Rajputana was yet to be written, the panellists too conceded that the area needed more research and study. There are already six books on Rajasthan by a group that is working on the various aspects of Rajasthan history, Dr. Hooja informed. “Now we plan to work more on social aspects of Rajasthan's history,” she said.

“There are lesser known individuals and aspects like a blacksmith from the Shekhawati region and the Bijolia farmers' uprising which helped to generate an atmosphere in favour of Independence,” Dr. Hooja said. Of course, the images of a feudal Rajasthan linger on. “It happens. To cite one example, the Bani Thani painting from the Kishengarh school -- a pretty woman's face with an unusually long, pointed nose and large eyes -- has remained the concept of female beauty in Rajasthan all these years,” Dr. Rima observed.

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