Monday, September 7, 2009

Statue Circle in Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the most favorite tourists’ attractions in India. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with a unique combination of modern metropolis but yet flavored strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveler. Jaipur stills hold the charm and glamour of the yesteryears with its magnificent architecture and artifacts drawing thousands of travelers here. As a mater of fact tourism is one of the major sources of revenue here. Statue Circle, Jaipur is one of the favorite tourists’ attractions here.

Statue Circle Jaipur is well known traffic roundabout and a busy crossing here. The most remarkable thing about Statue Circle is that it is located in a very strategic location that half the town has to pass through it. It is known as Statue Circle because of the imposing and life - size statue of Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of modern day Jaipur holding staff and astrological diagrams, which occupies its heart. This statue is placed here in order to pay tribute to the great sovereign, builder and futurist of Jaipur. The Statue Circle is a celebrated picnic spot here. This place is a favorite evening hangout for both the tourists and the denizens here.

This place wears on a festive look in the evening with all the lighting and colorful fountains. You can really have a gala time here in the evenings. The colorful and bright ambience in the hub of the city will surely swing your mood. Don’t miss out the delicacies sold nearby. The spicy local delicacies and snacks offered by hawkers and 'Meals on Wheels' vendors is another charm of this place. It is also a pleasant and popular spot for jogging and dharnas (sit-down protests). Walking and evening walkers can be seen in groups enjoying themselves in various ways.

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur

LocationJust next to the entrance of City Palace
Built by
Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh
Highlights
Largest Stone Astronomical Observatory in the World
How to reach
Jaipur is very easy to reach from any nearby place since it has its own airport and railway station. Since it is connected by a wide network of roads, it is very easy to reach Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.


Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is a very interesting architectural wonder. Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed the Jantar Mantar at Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. The Jantar Mantar is basically an astronomical observatory that can be used to make various cosmic observations that are otherwise hidden to the general public. In fact, Jantar Mantar was built to make public take interest in the various mysteries of cosmic world. To know more about the famous Jantar Mantar of Rajasthan, read on further.

The Jantar Mantar derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Yantra" and "Mantra". The people in Rajasthan pronounce 'Y' as 'J', hence the name Jantar Mantar. Each construction has its own significance and combinations of these geometric monuments are used to calculate many different things like eclipse, planetary positions, etc. These observatories have fascinated historians, architects, artists and astronomers not just in India, but all over the world.

One of the main structures in Jantar Mantar is the giant sundial that is called Samrat Yantra. It is shaped like a huge triangle that has markings for minutes and hours. It can be used to tell the exact local time at Rajasthan. The time from sunrise to noon is shown by the left arc while the arc at right shows the time from afternoon to sunset. The time is calculated by observing the solar position and calculating according to the latitudinal position. The Jantar Mantar should be visited if you are visiting Rajasthan, as it is no less than an architectural wonder.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur


Mehrangarh Fort is one of India's largest forts and located in the picturesque city of Jodhpur. The work of building the fort originally commenced in 1459 on the behest of the founder of Jodhpur - Rao Jodha but much of the fort as it stands today was built in the era of Jaswant Singh. This magnificent fort is spread over 5 kms. and is located on top of a hill which is all of 125 meters high.

To honor and memorialize momentous triumphs there are three stately gates to the fort. Once inside the fort visitors can't help marveling at some astonishing palaces which are a living testimony to the high standard of craftsmanship prevalent in those days.

The Moti Mahal which is made of elaborately carved stones is the dwelling place of the royal throne of Jodhpur which is popularly referred to as the Sringar Chowki in local parlance. There is also the majestic Umaid Villas that showcases some remarkable Rajasthani miniature art work. The Ajit Villa is conspicuous with its rich collection of musical instruments and regal attires while the gorgeous Phool Mahal is where the legendary Jodhpur Coat of Arms is preserved. The parapets of Phool Mahal are adorned with exquisite art works portraying various melodious scenes.

For some bravado, one doesn't need to go far. There is the well preserved Maan Villas which exhibits the arsenal and weaponry of the house of Rathores. The intriguing Tent Room is fabulous which has distinct Mughal features. Legend has it that it was once used by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The tent is richly embroidered with gold and is literally a treat to the eyes.

Mehrangarh fort has never ever been seized. The invincible fortifications are six meters thick. Some of the walls still bear cannon marks and today this magnificent Jodhpur fort is a living testimony that recounts the chronicles and legends of Jodhpur's rich past.

Rajasthan Slangs

Rajasthan phrases will prove to be quite useful to you, if you are planning a tour of the state. Slangs of Rajasthan, India are quite similar to that of the Hindi language. Some of the major Rajasthani words and phrases are:

I: Main/manne
Come (You come) : Aawo, padharo
Came : Aaya chha, padhara chha
Will come : Aawega
Open : Khulo
Opened : Kholyo
Will open : Khul jawega
Sit : Baitho
Walk : Chaal
Eat : Kha
Drink : Piyo
Go : Jawo
Run : Bhago
I go : Main gayo
He goes : Woh ja rayo hai
He is eating : Woh khai rayo hai
Yesterday : Kaal
What is your name : Tharo naam kaain hein?
What : Kaain?
Is : Chhe
Your : Tharo
Name : Naam
What did you do : Tu kaain karyo?
What should I do : Main kaain karoon?
What can I do : Main kaain kar sakoo?
What you had been told : Tanne kaain batayo?
Why did you tell him to go : Tu une jaavane kyu bolyo?
How did you come : Tu kaaiyan aayo? / They kaaiyan aaya?
How much distance to go : Aur kitto door jaano hai?
How was the journey yesterday : Kaal ki yaatra kaiyaan ki hai?
Which way did you come : Tu kun sa rasta se aayo?
Where did you come from : Tu kathi se aayo?
Where should I go : Main kathe jaaun?
Is it the answer : Yo uttar hai kaain?
It is the answer : Yo uttar he.
Yes, of course : Haan, jaroor.
How are you : Tu kiso hai? / They kisaa ho?
I am fine : Main thik thak hu.
Do you love me : Tu manne pyaar kare hai?
Yes, I love you : Haan main tanne pyaar karoon.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

People of Rajasthan

Population 56.5 million, 2001 census
Religious Composition Hindus 88.8% of the population, 8.5 % Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Sindhis less than 02%.
Scheduled Tribes Meenas and Bhils
Major Languages Hindi, Rajasthani and Marwari

India is known for its unity in diversity and Rajasthan in itself presents this in a most complete manner where people have been divided in groups and sub-groups based on their roles and trades that haven followed in their families for generations till the time when these people were assigned the work not through their merits but by the family, they were born in and they were trained for their family professions ever since their childhood. This accounts for the basis of the trades dominated by a people of a particular religion, caste or sub-caste and other communities such as tribals and nomads. We have presented here some broad categories in which the people of Rajasthan can be classified and have attempted to include their distinctive habits and way of living in our passage:

Rajput - The Warrior Class
Valiant and chivalrous, Rajputs were the rulers of the land for a long time and the legends of their medieval concepts and acts of bravery are still sung in Rajasthan. The Rajput rulers were great patrons of arts and crafts and Rajasthan still boasts of monuments of the finest examples of architecture that sprung up during their reign. They still strictly observe their religion and offer sacrifices to their gods and goddesses in order to appease and please them. They have proved formidable foes from time to time. They rose to the elite class of the region and the only reason of their downfall can be attributed to their inter-clan rivalries and internecine wars that often came in the way of their offering a joint opposition to the forces of invaders. Later, Rajputs have been known to serve in the armies of their rulers and acquired land as their compensation not only as a payment for their services but often because they shared a friendly bond and were very loyal to the kings they served.

Brahmins - The Class of Priests
Unlike other parts of India, Brahmins in Rajasthan had to be content with the secondary position, as the dangerous area plagued by invasion and plundering, needed more warriors than intellectuals at the time. Besides the priesthood, Brahmins also served in royal courts and as administrators of the state.

Marwari And Jains - The Trader Class
As usual, the economy of the state mainly depended on its traders and merchants and they were often richer than the rulers themselves. The Marwaris originated in the Shekhawati region and used to serve in the courts of princely states. They were so called as they traveled with the armies of Marwar (now known as Jodhpur) to the eastern side of the country and thus capitalized on the opportunity of making profits in the new markets.

Even today, they constitute most of the major business and industrialist families of the country. Though, Marwaris were very rich they remained discreet on account of their loyalty and respect of the rulers, which they served, and their elaborately painted havelis never stood in competition with the affluent palaces of the royal class. It was their way of expressing their gratitude to the princes and kings who had honored them, time and again, with a title of tazimi-sardar, which was very rarely given to anybody as it made allowances for the title-owner to continue sitting in the presence of the Maharaja and to wear gold on his feet (a privilege accessible only to the immediate circle of the royal family).

Jains, the only other mercantile community that enjoyed as much influence in the courts of the Rajput rulers and often played an important political role, however, built some superlative marble temples dedicated to their tirthankaras at Ranakpur, Dilwara at Mount Abu, Chittaurgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner. Though they observed austerity in their lifestyles, their temples and havelis at Jaisalmer were enviable and grander with delicate stone carving work than many of the palaces of the region.

Jats And Bishnois - The Pastoral Class
The importance of the pastoral side of Rajasthan that involved farming and cattle rearing cannot be underestimated considering the rough weather conditions and hostile climate of the region. There is much folklore about the local heroes, generally a sub-group of Rajputs known as Jats, who sacrificed their lives for the protection of their village communities. A hardworking race, these people are spread over in the regions of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and were once the rulers of Bharatpur and Dholpur and are known for their skills and farming practices of turning even the most arid lands into the fertile fields.

Bishnois, known for their passion to conserve both plant and animal life, follow the paths of a local saint, Jamboji, who instructed them to protect their trees and cattle even at the time of famine, some centuries ago. They gained popularity when innumerable Bishnois refused to let the soldiers cut the trees in their area and did not deterred even when they were dealt with an iron hand. They wrapped themselves around their beloved trees and welcomed death from the soldiers' hand rather than allowing them to cut the trees while they were still alive. Today, they have become the icons for the conservationists. Bishnois men wear a distinct white turban while their women dress up in colorful garments and an ornate nose ring.

Muslims - The Craftsmen Class
Muslims came to Rajasthan as invaders but soon deserted the arid land to more luring places in the east. However, there were some who settled down here and indulged in agriculture such as Kayamkhanis and Meos, especially in the Shekhawati belt, where the Kayamkhani nawabs once had substantial influence. However, only one Muslim kingdom of Tonk survived in the region marked by its feudal system. It has now become a flourishing commercial area. Muslims also served in the courts of the princely states under the Rajput rulers and both the religions flourished together quite amicably.

Yet, undeniably, most of the Muslim population were artisans of good repute and master craftsmen and were kidnapped from the trading caravans passing through the area to serve the princely kingdoms and even today, they dominate the artistic side of Rajasthan, in the fields of painting, dyeing, printing, bangle and jewellery making and paper manufacture. The Bohras, mercantile Muslims who came from Gujarat occupy southeast Rajasthan in large numbers.

The Tribals
Natives of the barren hills of Rajasthan, these tribals are known for their bravery and zest with which they celebrate their festivals. Minas were once the rulers of the region, which Kachchwahas won through treachery, to create Amber. Largely agriculturists now, they still hold the honor of anointing the head of the Kachchwaha clan and used to serve as guards to the Kachchwaha treasury kept inside the Jaigarh fort, while the reigning Kachchwaha rulers were led only once a year to the treasury to choose anything from the vast collection of jewellery there and that too blindfolded.

Bhils of Chittaurgarh, Banswara and Dungarpur, still lead a primitive life and are poverty stricken. Known to be brave and trustworthy, they once helped the Sisodia rulers to escape from the Mughals and taught them the art of concealing themselves in the hills.

Other tribals include the Sahariyas, people of the forest who have degraded from being the elite class to that of severely poverty stricken and the Gerasiyas, who have managed to survive by singing and dancing for their guests.

Nomads - People With No Homes
These people are akin to gypsies who travel in large groups, often on a cyclical, seasonal basis, and move around providing their particular services for people in settled communities. Most of them are Gadoliya Lohars, blacksmiths known for their decorated carts. They repair and work with iron and other metals,and make everything from a shovel to a pair of scissors.Banjaras, were nomadic caravan runners who traveled with balaads or oxen-laden caravans. A lakhi or one hundred thousand bullocks leading a caravan has also found its mention among their caravans. However, as these caravans are of no use today, they now live a semi-nomadic life and drifted to other means of livelihood. Rabaris travel in the desert in search of pastures for their flocks of sheep and camels while there are Nayaks who are entertainers, Kanjars, Sansis, Nats and the well-known Kalbeliyas, a group of snake charmers who have gained immense popularity for their unique dance forms and no more travel on foot or in carts but around the world in jets.

Call Center In Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the growing cities in India where call centers offers new hope for educated and trained graduates and undergraduates. Rajasthan occupies predominant place in India's call center map with the presence of some best call center companies.

Some of Jaipur's best call centers offer excellent career opportunities to those trained in call centre skills. Most call centres in Jaipur, in general, offer position of Associates, angens or Executives. As you become experienced by 1 to 2 years you may be considered for positions like Team Leaders or Process Managers depending on your performance and interest shown in the job. The best Call Centers in Jaipur ensure to provide its employees with ample growth opportunities and in-house training sessions.

There Are Some Major Call Center In Jaipur :-

Cyber Futuristics India Private Limited
D-61, Shiv Heera Path, C-Scheme
Jaipur-302001
Ph: 91-141-2366498/2368166/2363604
Fax:91-141-2363604
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Website : www.go4customer.com

Akiko Callnet
C-84, Janpath,Lal Kothi
Jaipur - 302015
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Phone : 5100751

Data Infocom Limited
Tonk Road,
Jaipur-302018
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Phone : +91 141 2702311, 2702312
Fax : +91 141 2703712

Ge Capital Call Centre
E-145-146 Sitapura Indl Area
Jaipur - 302902
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Phone : 5103419

Graphite Call Connect & Webtec Academy
F-1 Govindam S C Rd
Jaipur - 302001
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Phone : 2365681

Kisan Call Centre
National Institute of Agricultural Marketing,
Kota Road, Bambala, Near Sangener,
Jaipur - 303906
Jaipur, Rajasthan,

Jaipur Tourism Guide

Jaipur, which has earned the epithet 'Pink City', is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. A historical city, it finds place in most tourist itineraries in India. It is a corner of the famous Golden Triangle tour. The city is like a newly married bride adorned with pink veils. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri. The 'Pink City' label, applies specifically, to the old walled quarter of the Rajasthani capital, while in the northeast of the town. Magnificent palaces and temples, in an assortment of styles, spanning centuries, are scattered throughout the predominantly urban area.

History of Jaipur
Maharaja Jai Singh, a renowned warrior and astronomer, founded the city of Jaipur. In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his capital hillside fortress at Amber, to a new site on the plains. A Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city, using the principles of town planning, as laid down in the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. He built the City Palace, and the largest stone observatory in the world, employing the same principal.

Places To Explore
Jaipur is a tourist's delight. It is an extremely colorful city with pink and orange color buildings with magical appearance. Camel drawn carts are characteristic of Jaipur's passing street scene. Some of the the most magnificent palaces of the city, are the Hawa Mahal and City Palace.

Hawa Mahal
Rajput Raja Sawai Pratap Singh, owes the honor of building this beautiful five story Mahal. Hawa Mahal is not only landmark of the Jaipur city but it is also an important tourist spot of India. Hawa Mahal is a semi octagonal building having 152 windows, which makes the building unique from the architectural point of view. Building is an excellent example of Rajput's royal style of architecture. The building was built to allow royal ladies to look at the processions and the city from the Zenana Women Quarters. The mahal presents an enormous view of the city from its windows. It is part of the City Palace complex and has a small archaeological museum on the same site. The museum has a display named “Jaipur past and present, which shows us the royal history of the city.

City Palace
City Palace presents a amalgam of Rajput and Mughal architecture. City Palace is the home of seven storeyed Chandra Mahal. Maharaja Jai Singh II, built the palace. City Palace complex, is a home to several ornamented building like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace museums. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery. Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar was originally built as a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It was built in 18th century by Maharaja Sakai Jai Singh II. Maharaja was fond of astronomy, the observatory was the result of his passion for astrology. The masonry instruments in the Jantar Mantar were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Splendid sun-dial is still able to provide accurate time.

Central Museum
Central musem is located in the Ram Niwas garden in the south of the old city. The museum houses of the portraits of the previous Jaipur Maharajas. The royal ambience of the ancient palaces can easily be experienced here. A large collection of costumes, and woodwork from various parts of the state, and other miniatures and artworks can also be enjoyed here. There is also a zoo, and an art gallery, located in the Gardens of the central museum.

Around Jaipur
A visit to Jaipur is unending journey of culture and ancient heritage of India. There are many nearby attractions from Jaipur. About 11 kilometres out of Jaipur, Amber was once the ancient capital of Rajasthan. The Amber Fort is a stunning piece of Rajput architecture.

The Cenotaphs of the royal family are at Gaitore, there are cenotaphs of the royal family of Jaipur. Opposite the Cenotaphs, is the Jal Mahal Palace, in the middle of a lake, and reached by a causeway. Nahargarh Fort is 6.5 km away, and is floodlit at night. Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726, is within walking distance of Amber. Some other attractions for the tourists in Jaipur are, the Temple of Sun God at Galta, Sisodia Rani palace and gardens, Vidyadhar's garden, Balaji and Sanganer.

How to Get There
By Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.

By Bus: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus. Luxury buses are also available, to make your journey comfortable.

By Train: Trains are best means of transport to enjoy the journey as sight seeing is freely and easily available by train. Jaipur can easily accessed by train from any part of India.