HISTORY

The state of Rajasthan is located in the North West corner of India; it spans an area of 342,274 sq km with a population of 43.880.640. Three major rivers run through the state - the Chambal, the Banas, and the Luni. The capital is Jaipur and the main industries are located in the southeast - agriculture (grains and vegetables) and industrial (cotton, wool, minerals, chemicals and tourism). The northeast of the state is dominated by the Great Indian Desert - the Thar Desert. In 1947 Rajasthan was recognised as an independent Union of Rajasthan but became part of India in 1950.

Rajasthan formerly Rajputana translate to "the land of princes". The state is rich in culture, customs and colour.

The Rajputs or Rajasthani's are one of the largest social and culture group concentrated in the state of Rajasthan. The have warrior status and came to prominence in the 8th century, when they founded many princely states. Rajputs are primarily Hindus and number over 14 million. The major dialects of Rajasthan are Mewari, Marwari, Dhundhari, Baghri and Mewa - there are several hundred more.

Today Rajasthan has over 50 palaces most of which have now been converted into Hotels. The three major cities are - Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Maharaja Sawai Singh founded JAIPUR in 1728. The city was designed with consultations with astronomers, mathematicians and architects. The city is surrounded by a 20ft high and 9ft wide wall, which has eight entrances. Jaipur is also known as the pink city, it is centred around the palace of winds, which has over 953 orioles and windows. Its purpose was to conceal the ruler's wives from sight. Jaipur is renowned for it's Jewels (polished emeralds, rubies, sapphires and garnets).

JODPHUR is the ancient city of the Marwar people; it is the gateway to the Thar desert and on route to Jaisalmer. The Rathor chief Rao Jodhaji established the city itself in 1496. Jodhpur is also known as the blue roofed city. The fort of Jodpur is based on a 490ft high hill.

JAISALMER - the ancient trade centre with its caravan route to Afghanistan is one of the oldest desert city, Rawal Jaisal Singh founded it in the year 1156. It has some of the most beautiful temples and lakes. Jaisalmer is also known as the yellow city.

UDAIPUR - the city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and is named after him. The Lake palace (Jag Nivas) was built by Maharana Jagat Singhji for his summer residence. The work started in 1743 and completed in 1746. The palace is a surrounded by water and is now known as the Hotel Lake Palace of Rajasthan.

The elephant is Rajasthans heraldic animal, they are used for transportation of people and cargo, they are adorned and held in high esteem, and temples are covered with elephant etchings.

Profile of the RWS

The Rajasthani Welfare Society UK was founded in Slough, Berkshire England in 1975 and is the largest grouping of Rajasthani speaking people in the UK. Currently members consist of the Rajasthani community which migrated from East Africa in the 1970’s, the members range from all regions from the UK as far north as Leeds, to the west in Wales but predominantly in Slough and West London.

The focus of all activities are based at the RWS Hall in Slough, where activities are held to drive the richness of the Rajasthani culture and artistic values maintaining the sacred threads of the ancient Rajasthani culture.

Original meeting and gathering were held at various locations in Slough. In the late 1980’s through the efforts of the late Rameshji Chauhan a freehold site was purchased in Slough.