Sanjay Leela Bhansali was at the receiving end of the wrath of the Rajput Karni Sena. The slapping, hair pulling and the vandalism of the sets is all around protecting the legend of the Raani of Chittor. Such stories and legends are in every pore of Rajasthan.
There are more reasons to visit Rajasthan, the land of the upturned pointy mustaches and the bright laheria turbans, the dancers that move to the old tunes and the wise looking camels on the dunes. Read on.
Folk Tales and Fables
The legend of Rani Padmavati, which is now at the centre of a controversy, is not the only tale Rajasthan has to offer.
In Chittorgarh stands the impregnable fort that witnessed the saga of love, lust, war and death. The legend goes as this: Alauddin Khilji set his sights on Rani Padmini or Padmavati when he heard of her mesmerising beauty. He wanted to meet her. The Rajput queen devised a way whereby Khilji could see her, but not in person. Mirrors were angled in a way so they could capture the reflection of the queen who could be sitting far away at the steps of her janana mahal.
This captivating story is what Sanjay Leela Bhansali is hoping to bring to the big screen in his film Rani Padmavati.
Also reverberating in the corridors of Mewar is the story of the great sacrifice of Panna Dhai. Legend has it that the nanny let her own son die just to save the heir of Mewar, Raja Uday Singh. Many such tales are recounted and celebrated in the light and sound shows that happen each evening at the Udaipur City Palace.
Forts and Palaces
The forts of Rajasthan have stood the test of time and have emerged glorious testimony of the many empires that ruled and the kings who sat the throne. Hundreds of years ago there were just these forts around which cities developed. As you trudge on towards these grand structures you can't help but be amazed by the skill and architecture.
But that aside, the palaces of Rajasthan are perfect for a taking picture. Heads up, swag on-for those who like to be in front of the camera or behind it. These textured walls, the countless pillared galleries, the jharokas will give you ample inspiration to pose or to click.
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of my favourites. The big cannons on the fort front and the delightful views of the blue city are the highlights for me.
Another fort palace with a spectacular facade is Udaipur's City palace. Over looking the lake, the palace, to my eyes, is delicate and pristine. It's tinted glass windows, the intricately ornate walls and courtyards with inlay glass work are masterpieces- each in itself.
Shopping
From the mirrored bangles, to the beautiful mojaris...from the ornate handmade paper diaries to the elephant print harem pants, from bright embroidered bags to leather chappals, well you get the gist- everything that you could possibly think of is right here.
Although you will find jutti shops across Rajasthan, the best place to shop for Mojaris, or juttis is Jodhpur. In my experience, these last the longest, are most comfortable and are the best colour and design.
Pushkar is great to shop for too. The whole road leading to the only Bhrahma temple in the world is lined with all kind of shops. So you will find an interesting massage parlor right next to a cart selling heaps of colour. Look out for very interesting earrings and anklet shops that are selling stuff dirt cheap. From the fashionable drop crotch pants to asymmetric zipper jackets, you will find a lot of foreign fashion on the streets of Pushkar.
Go to Chittorgarh even if it is just for the beautiful Chandan Silk Sarees. Yes, not many people know of these amazing saaris. Made of Bamboo threads, these saaris once washed with alum water (phitkiri) smell of sandal forever. They are lovely colours, often playing with bright contrast, and very reasonably priced. I challenge you to return with just one.
Food
No narration for Rajasthan can be over without talking about the delicious food that is available to devour so abundantly here. It is an ecstasy trip for the foodie. People are unapologetic about eating here, unembarrassed about hangout in huge numbers around the eateries. Be that Daal-Bati Churma or Mirchi Pakoda, the Kadhi-Kachodi breakfast or Gatte ki sabzi with Bajre ki Roti- try and hold yourself from not drooling when in Rajasthan.
Hotels
Most old hotels in Rajasthan are heritage and the new ones are built to look like one. And that is the best part about a hotel stay in Rajasthan. You are made to believe that you are royalty. In those few days and nights spent under the high arches and between walls painted with elephants and horses you forget that city dwelling you call home and become an emperor of your very own albeit small kingdom.
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