CONSTRUCTING RAJPOOTANA-RAJASTHAN: Collected Narratives in Remembrance of Bhupendra Hooja

A land of colours and festivals, a land where tradition and modernity live side by side, a land with a history that is symbolized by images of valour, sacrifices and battles, a land that is the birthplace of grassroots democracy in India, a land dotted with beautiful and breathtaking palaces and forts, a land that is the most densely populated desert in the world and the largest state in India, Rajasthan is all this and more.

Earlier known as Rajpootana, the story of Rajasthan is interesting not only from a linear historical standpoint but also from a cultural, sociological and social change perspective.

The book is a collection of 33 articles and short comments or notes that provides a multi-faceted look at Rajasthan and Jaipur – its modern-day capital. A potpourri that explores Rajasthan’s present and past, from early centres of agriculture and metallurgy in the region, the coming of the Rajputs, the impact of British rule on the kingdoms of Rajpootana, origin and evolution of tribals in the state, people’s movements in Rajpootana, the merger of the princely states into Rajasthan, etc., this miscellany makes an attempt at constructing Rajasthan (a term applied to the region relatively late in its history following James Tod) by presenting various independent viewpoints and observations which include those of orientalists and historians of the 19th century as well as contemporary writers – both Indian and international.

In line with the assortment nature of this book special sections have been devoted to Amber and to Sawai Jai Singh and the creation of Jaipur.

The book will prove to be an extremely informative and interesting compendium to both the layman and the expert – historians, sociologists, researchers, students, visitors to Rajasthan and the general reader fascinated by the romance of Rajasthan and its past.