Rajasthan Cultural land of devotion and power

The name ‘Rajasthan’ itself gives a feeling of pride in the mind. This is not only a confluence of devotion and power, it is also very rich in literature, art and culture. Even in adverse geographical conditions, the people here have lived a life of celebration. That is why this earth is said to have seven seasons and nine festivals. Poet Kanhaiyalal Sethia has rightly written about this Marudhara, ‘Aa To Sarga Nai Sarmavai, Een Par Dev Raman ne avai. Dharti Dhora Ri.’

It is mentioned in the Ramayana written by Maharishi Valmiki that when Ram conquered Lanka, Lakshman, fascinated by the grandeur of Lanka made of gold, suggested Lord Shri Ram to rule it. Then Shri Ram had said that although this Lanka is made of gold, still I do not have the slightest interest in it, because my mother and birthplace are greater than heaven.

It is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana itself, ‘Janani Janam Bhumishch Swargadapi Gariyasi.’ It was by following this saying that the amazingly brave Maharana Pratap of Rajasthan not only stopped the Mughals from ruling his birthplace but also destroyed the Mughal Sultanate again and again. By facing the challenge again and again, a new history of courage and bravery was written in the nation. Therefore, this is Shaurya Dhara which shows love for Pratap’s birthplace. This is the sacred land of a philanthropist like Bhamashah who donated everything for the motherland. This earth cherishes the unique story of Panna Dhai’s sacrifice, the land of folk deities, pirprophets and saint-mahatmas like Maa Karni, Meeran, Dadu, Baba Ramdev, Sant Pipa, Gogaji, Gemana Pir, Khwaja Moinuddin. Along with freedom fighters like Kalibai, Govind Guru, Pratapsingh Barhath, this is the sacred place where Maharishi Kapil explained the essence of the sutras of Sankhyadarshan to his mother Devahuti in Kolayat near Bikaner. Here is the biggest Nathdwara Peeth of Vaishnava sect. It is here that painters have carved the beautiful form of Lord Shri Krishna and the ever-adorable ‘Radha’.

After independence, the process of integration of princely states started in the country. From that, today’s modern Rajasthan came into existence. I believe that the formation of Rajasthan was not merely an event of geographical integration. This was a kind of innovative beginning for the development and prosperity of multicoloured Rajasthan represented in the coordination of different cultures. Early in the morning on March 30, 1949, the then Deputy Prime Minister of the country and Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inaugurated the formation of Rajasthan in a grand ceremony held in Jaipur. Jaipur was later made the capital of Rajasthan on September 7, 1949, based on the recommendations of the Rao Committee constituted by the Government of India.

In the process of creation of Rajasthan, which was completed in seven stages, Rajasthan has been becoming more prosperous and organized with each stage.

Rajasthan is a state of colourful culture. Despite diversity in language, dialect, religion, customs etc., there is a unique unity here. Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti, Mewati, Dhundhar, Shekhawati, Wagad, despite being representative of different cultures, all of them bind us together. These unique features today give Rajasthan a distinct and unique identity in the entire world.

There is not only desert in Rajasthan, there are huge lakes with blue water and at some places there are also high peaks touching the sky. There are rocky plateaus and fertile plains sprouting green and gold. The grand royal palaces, artistic airy mansions, impregnable-invincible forts with various formations and centuries-old ancient temples are living treasures of architecture and architecture.

Swami Vivekananda had closely seen the land of Rajasthan and its people. While preserving his experiences, he has written that ‘I bow down to the brave Rajasthani heroes and women who sacrificed their lives for their country and religion.’ In the history of Rajasthan written by Colonel James Tod, it has been described as the best land of the princely states.

Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant has also written about Rajasthan that ‘among all the states in the country, Rajasthan is the highest rated state. Its history is very interesting and inspiring. Here, not only the brave kings sacrificed their all for freedom, but even the blacksmiths took a pledge that until Swaraj is not established, we will not enjoy even the slightest comfort and simple facilities. That is the brave land, where the seed of freedom never withered.’

Rajasthan means a place full of kings. This land, full of mystery and adventure, holds in its lap incomparable stories of devotion-power, courage-valor, sacrifice-penance and adornment. It is also unmatched in terms of art, culture and rich traditions. This land is also very rich in biodiversity. This land, coloured with rainbow colours of festivals, celebrations, fairs, customs, costumes and handicrafts, gives a sentimental invitation to the people coming here to ‘Padharo Mhare Des’.

Rajasthan Foundation Day is not just a day. This day is about saving our culture of harmony. We are determined to ensure everyone’s participation in the all-round development of Rajasthan. Come, let us all work together to ensure that Rajasthan continues to progress. On Rajasthan Day, let us take a pledge for the all-round development of the state and become the leading state of the country.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

KALRAJ MISHRA THE WRITER IS GOVERNOR OF RAJASTHAN