Rajasthan – the most authentic part of India, they say. The sate least altered by the ever-advancing world, they say. But is it really so? Out of eight states that I visited in India, Bihar is no doubt the most authentic one and the reason for that is very simple: most tourists just don’t go there. Rajasthan’s most attractive cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, on the other hand, attract many tourists, which is affecting these places socially, culturally, infrastructurally etc. However, on the surface, and even on a short visit, Rajasthan will still impress you.
Its rich cultural diversity, distinctive and imposing architecture, fierce warrior past, hauntingly beautiful music, and welcoming people will tempt you to stay longer and dig deeper to uncover the hidden authenticity of these places. After a month in Jaisalmer, I could write a large chapter about today’s way of life in the so-called ”land of kings”. In short, there is a strong clash between a glorious but clearly conservative past, that many still hold onto in fear of losing their centuries-old traditions, social positions, family norms, and ways of thinking (a fear of losing their idea of themselves?), and the present which is getting ever more permeated with unstoppable images of the ”outside” world which celebrates personal, individual freedom above everything else.
Walking on that thin line between those two conflicting worlds provoked in me equally conflicting feelings – of anger, fury, protest, and resentment, especially when it comes to issues related to women, as well as of compassion, sympathy, understanding, and love. In the end, it always surprises me how very similar humans are regardless of where we come from.
Check out the gallery of photos I took in Rajasthan.
