India 97 Travelog : The Samode palace and old fort (3/8)

<BODY BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT = "#ABCBBE"> <BR> <FONT SIZE=4> The samode palace is one of the best preserved in Rajasthan !<BR> After 1947, most rajput maharadjas were allowed to keep their titles and property holdings but in 1970, these titles were abolished. Since most of these local rulers have survived, by converting their forts and palaces into museums and magnificient hotels.<BR> And most of the remaining maharadjas are no more living in Rajasthan : for example, the present maharaja is the ambassador of India in Brunei (doesn't sound like a 5 $ / h job...)<BR> Although the glorious fortunes of its former rulers may have vanished, the culture of Rajasthan, with its numerous forts, palaces, its riotous colours and its romantic sense of valour, honour and courage is still very much alive. This can be as well seen in every aspect of the lifestyle of the people : the colourful turbans and soup-strainer moustaches sported by the men, and bright mirrored skirts and silver jewellery worn by the Rajasthani women<BR>!</FONT></BODY>