The
Maharajas, dominating the medieval and modern period in Rajasthan, have left
many landmarks. The rulers used to enjoy great luxuries, live a very
prosperous and luxurious life, with a great pomp and show. The details about
their luxurious life style are still preserved at many places in the state.
Among the many things popular about these rulers are the food dishes they
savoured. Many of these cuisines are now served at the popular five star and
heritage hotels of Rajasthan.
The erstwhile rulers were fond of gaming, as can be observed by the
prevalence of game resorts and reserves. Water Fowls brought down by the
princes often find their fate at the kitchen table. These people, as such
refined the art of game cooking. Smoked kebabs and skewered lamb are some of
the non vegetarian food that bear the distinction of the taste. These dishes
are prepared and served in as many as 11 different ways.
The popular food, however, has been more or less influenced by the physical
conditions of the place. The popular dishes as such have a lot of fresh
vegetables, little water and pure ghee as the medium of cooking. Milk and
butter are largely used in the popular dishes, instead of water. One popular
dish served here consists of dal, bati and churma (lentils, baked wheet and
a sweetener).
Further, each of the local regions savour at least one sweet dish, like
Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Alwar ka Mawa, Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas
from Bikaner, Ghevar from Jaipur to name a few. Lapsi, a sweet dish prepared
with wheat and ghee is also popular in the state.
