Reflection of Regional Culture and Image in the Form of Culinary Tourism Rajasthan

Since time immemorial, food has been an integral part of any culture. Any gathering of people, will in one way or another involve food in some form. Culturally, sharing of food induces social bonding and, as humans are social by nature, food becomes an integral part of the society. This paper attempts to research and document the roots of this amalgamation of culinary tourism with culture and describe ways and means for showcasing and, hence, preserving the same. Since the topic is extremely wide in its scope, the focus of the case study has purposely been limited to the state of Rajasthan in India. Rajasthan, popularly known to many as the Land of the Kings, is a beautiful example of India's age old opulence and grandeur, traces of which still linger in the air of this state. One of the most colourful and vibrant states in the country, with a strong blend of culture, history, music, cuisine and people wholeheartedly offering hospitality, it's quite easy falling in love with Rajasthan. Rajasthan is the realm of erstwhile Maharajas and their lavish palaces and majestic forts. Rajasthan is steeped in a past brimming with honour, chivalry and heroism. Golden sand deserts, traditional handicrafts, rustic cuisine and awe inspiring palaces all contribute to making Rajasthan an ideal vacation spot. Rajasthan has an interesting history, stretching back to the time when the Rajputs ruled the state in the sixth century. Rajputs were known for their valour and bravery through which they protected the land from Islamic invasions for more than 500 years. This period saw many great leaders like Prithvi Raj Chauhan and Rana Pratap of Mewar. Under the Rajput rule, Mughals were able to get a firm grip over northern India. Due to internal conflicts in the Mughal Empire, they continued to weaken, and with their decline in the 18th century, the Rajputana came under the Marathas, who ruled Rajputana for most of the 18th century. Then, finally, the Maratha Empire was replaced by the British Empire in 1818. People of Rajasthan are as colourful as the state itself they are very fun loving, talkative, devoutly religious and friendly. Their gentle and generous nature will make you feel at home since they take special pride in entertaining their guests. Dr. Gaurav Bhattacharya | Dr. Manoj Srivastava | Mr Arun Gautam "Reflection of Regional Culture and Image in the Form of Culinary Tourism: Rajasthan" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-1 , December 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd38102.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/tourism/38102/reflection-of-regional-culture-and-image-in-the-form-of-culinary-tourism-rajasthan/dr-gaurav-bhattacharya