The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself – “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – This longing, this feeling of attraction and love, urges travellers to venture into distant lands. This journey is timeless. Today’s focus is on Rajasthan, especially the Thar Desert. In the moonlight of the waxing phase, the captivating beauty of a Thar Desert evening—from sunset to the night’s radiance—blends seamlessly with the culture and traditions of Rajasthan. “Padharo Mhare Desh” is their way of saying, “Welcome to our land.”
Rajasthan is one of the largest states in India. It is located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent, surrounded by the Sutlej and Indus river valleys. It was formed on March 30, 1942. During British rule, it was called Rajputana because of its large Rajput population, and later, it was named Rajasthan.
The word Rajasthan is associated with forts, palaces, carnage, and the practice of Jauhar. History continues to call, dragging us into the distant past—whispers of crying and joy echo throughout the state. History and Rajasthan are bound together in an inseparable union.
According to archaeological and historical data, this state has a history of 100,000 years. Many royal lineages were created here between the seventh and eleventh centuries, and Rajput supremacy peaked in the early sixteenth century. Emperor Akbar united the Rajput kingdoms under the Mughal Empire. Many ruins from the Indus Valley Civilization have been discovered at Kalibanga, Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is known for its shining silver and golden sands, colorful buildings, emotional songs, lively dances, ancient traditions, and rich handicrafts. Rajasthan represents a warm, vibrant, and simple way of life. This state is famous for its legends of bravery and sacrifice. Rajasthan combines history, myths, courage, love, and rough natural beauty.
Today’s theme focuses on the golden sands of Jaisalmer and the Baliyadi region in the Thar Desert. ‘Thar’ comes from ‘Thal,’ meaning dunes, and refers to a vast desert. It spans 132,140 square miles (200,000 square kilometers) and forms a natural border between India and Pakistan. It is the seventh-largest desert in the world. Most of the Thar Desert is located in Rajasthan, India. To the north is the Sutlej River, to the east is the Aravalli mountain range, to the south is the Kutch wetlands, and to the west is the Indus River.
Archaeologists believe that a sea existed here around 47 million years ago. Waves used to crash on its shores. No one knows why or how that vast sea disappeared over time. Now, the area is covered by sand, with dunes rising like waves. People in Rajasthan still remember it and call it *Hakra*. This word comes from the old Dingal language and is still used in modern Rajasthani.
The enchanting beauty of the dunes, along with the rich and colorful culture of Rajasthan, has made the Thar Desert a remarkable tourist destination. From a distance, the landscape reveals undulating sand hills, endless barren stretches, and scattered thorny shrubs. As the scorching sun sets, it sinks into the sandy horizon, casting a crimson hue across the twilight sky. The desert, illuminated by moonlight and traversed by lines of caravans, transforms into a mesmerizing and magical realm.
In ancient times, *Malwa Nights*, *Ayodhya Evenings*, and *Rajwara Mornings* ranked among the most beautiful in the world. This discussion highlights only a small aspect of the beauty of *Malwa Nights*. The word *Malwa* originates from the ancient Indian tribe *Malavas*. Around the 1st and 2nd centuries, Malwa was likely under the rule of the Kushan, Shakya, and Satavahana dynasties. Historical records from 1436 CE show that Mahmud Khilji expanded his empire to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Deccan.The Muslim sultans invited the Rajputs to live in their lands. Around 1700 CE, the Mughal Empire became weak. However, *Malwa Nights* still exist in all their charm. Many poets of that time, including Muslim poets, were inspired by its beauty and wrote *bayt* (verses or poems in Arabic or Urdu). Even today, the air of Rajasthan carries the sweet smell of ketaki flowers and a lovely love story that makes *Malwa Nights* even more magical.
There are wild camels, commonly known as the ‘ships of the desert.’ Riding these camels across the vast, endless dunes is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Every year, between July and September, a specific amount of rain falls here. As soon as the rain hits the ground, several varieties of plants emerge. After the rain, the sand is covered in lush vegetation. In the dunes, date palms and *jal* trees can be found. The camels enjoy eating the *fog* plants here. Nomads use the dry leaves of these trees for fuel.
As nightfall approaches, the light of the full moon stretches across the sand dunes. Some dunes are high, some are low, and some are flat, all illuminated by the moonlight, producing a dreamy and peaceful appearance. Their culture came alive under the vast sky, bathed in moonlight. With songs and impressive dance moves, they sang, ‘Kesarīyā bālām āh nī padhāro māhre deś.’ The place was prepared for guests in a royal-style meeting area with refreshments. In the distance, the desert wind howled softly.
When I returned, drenched in moonlight, it felt like I had left something behind. The chilly, aromatic air, the moon’s silver radiance like a clean waterfall, and the dusty scent of the barren desert transported my imagination to an undiscovered world. Everything else was motionless and silent—only the dunes and the magnificent full moon, with its companion stars, were awake. The sound of the wind and the waves of the dunes carried a scream of separation, but it also contained an invitation to return.
This vast desert, bearing witness to a distant history, continues to attract tourists even today. The fragrant, peaceful ambiance of the moonlit night evokes the enchanting beauty of the Malwa Nights, even though Malwa itself is no longer present.
*Malwa Nights* refers to a poetic and historical reference to the beauty and mystique of the nights in the Malwa region. Known for its vast deserts, the moonlit nights in Malwa are described as enchanting, with a serene, fragrant atmosphere that has captivated poets and travelers alike. The term evokes a sense of timeless beauty, often associated with the region’s cultural heritage and its association with historical moments and legends.
Writer is MCA
Professional Web Developer
Guwahati, Assam.
Email: mrdinfotechnology@gmail.com
(The article is opined on the author’s studies and personal experience and not in any way connected to any organisation or any political party.)