Rohit, a native blogger from India, help us uncover 10 Myths about Rajasthan! This text first appeared on "Nomad Travellers". Read more on: http://www.nomadtravellers.com/backpacking/105-global-travel/322-mosquitoes-india-trip?highlight=WyJtb3NxdWl0byJd
It is not rare for any place on earth to have some myths associated with it. And Rajasthan, India is no exception. If you are not from Rajasthan, you would sure have believed and still believe, certain myths about the land. Here are some myths and facts presented about Rajasthan to help you get a clear picture of the biggest state in India.
1. Not ‘Desert Only’ Land
Sunset on the dunes of the Great Indian Thar Desert - Photo by Sankara Subramanian - CC BY
Contrary to what many believe about every inch of Rajasthan being a desert, the land is covered with the famous Thar Desert only in its northwest. The other parts of the state have all the features a high profile state in India has and in fact more thanks to Udaipur, popularly known as the “City of Lakes” and the “Pink City” Jaipur famous for its marvelous palaces and rich culture.
2. The Land is Not Dry 24/365
India - Udaipur - 016 - Monsoon rains on Pichola Lake - Photo by McKay Savage - CC BY
Rajasthan does enjoy its share of rain. Rajasthan during monsoons is heavenly as the scenario is completely different with lush greenery all around. Unlike many believe, the land is not dry throughout.
3. ‘Marwadi’ Stamp
Marwari couple - Photo by Go Dakshin - CC BY-SA
Anyone from Rajasthan is stamped a Marwadi, whereas Marwari refers to traders, an ethnic group from Marwar, a region in Rajasthan. The state comprises of various other regions and hence not all from Rajasthan are Marwaris.
4. Rajasthani Can Be Foreign To Natives
Yes, if you thought that every Rajasthani spoke Rajasthani, you cannot be far from fact. Rajasthani is not the mother tongue for all natives here. Other regional languages spoken here include Mewari and Bagdi and not everyone knows Rajasthani.
5. The Desert – Near Yet Far
It may have been taken for granted that every Rajasthani would have visited the desert since the state is home to the famous Thar Desert. The area of the state is so large that the desert may not be as close for all in the state as you may be thinking. Though they live in the state that houses the desert, the desert is very far for many of the Rajasthani people.
6. It Is Not Sweet All The Way
Udaipur (Rajastão), RTW 2012 - Photo by Ana Raquel S. Hernandes - CC BY-SA
Yet another myth associated with Rajasthan is that the people prefer to have sweet with their meals. Unlike those in Gujarat, a typical Rajasthani loves spicy food. The myth may be owing to the fact that the use of butter and ghee is more in the preparation of Rajasthani cuisine.
7. Beyond Daal Baati Churma
daal_baati - Photo by Devika - CC BY-SA
Every food enthusiast who is passionate about tasting the specialties of different lands would have heard about Daal Baati Churma. Though this is a very special dish and an inevitable part of Rajasthani cuisine, it is not their basic food contrary to the popular belief. Chapatti, parantha, vegetables and rice form part of their regular menu.
8. Non-Veg Has A Definite Place
Another myth associated with Rajasthani food is that the people here do not eat non-vegetarian foods. While many prefer vegetarian foods here, non vegetarian foods have a definite place on the table.
9. Not A ‘No-Liquor’ Zone
It is generally believed that people of Rajasthan do not consume liquor. Except for a few communities, consuming liquor is very much prevalent here.
10. Not Everyone Is A “Banna”
Banna refers to Rajputs, the great warriors and the rulers of this land in the past. Some believe that everyone from Rajasthan is a Rajput and hence address every Rajasthani as Banna, which is incorrect.
Author Bio
Rohit, an architect by profession and a traveler by passion, loves learning about everything that is associated with lands and culture. He loves crossing the barriers of states to reach for new horizons just like every travel enthusiast and he loves blogging about them like every other blogger.
