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or
decades, if not centuries, the Rajput fortress,
the defensive
castle, the composite havel iwas
the abode of nobility-
where |
hospitality
was a way of life. Visitors, guests,
even strangers
were welcomed in a tradition that was a part of the life
styles. Even enemies, should they have come calling ,
were treated with utmost respect. And an extensive network
of matrimonial alliances amongst the warring clans ensured
that all battles ended on the field.
The chivalry and gallantry of the warrior clans was reflected
in the architecture of the feudal homes. A grand entrance
was reserved for state guests. There were separate viewing
galleries for woman, and the ladies of the 'zenana' conducted
their own durbars and wielded considerable power from
behind the 'purdah' |
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Post independence democratic India witnessed the merger
of the Princely States, aboition of 'Jagirs' land reforms
and finally the withdrawal of the special privileges
and privy purse from the royal families a few decades
later consequently the noble families lost their traditional
means of livelihood and even the wealthy merchants left
their homes for more lucrative pastures.
Their large castles and mansions lay almost abandoned
or unattended till a few enterprising pioneers realised
that perhaps the only way to maintain these historic
homes was their appropriate reuse. The large Palaces
of the Maharajas set the trend by becoming five star
hotels. Now, some of the ancestral homes too find sustenance
in this new lease of life -
as Heritage Hotels, in different parts
of India.
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Much
of the charm of these heritage hotels, united under a
common banner, is the individual attention and personalisation;
the very meals, for example that were cooked for generations
are still served at your table.
Families in residence for centuries now welcome you to
their homes as guests. And each ancestral home is different,
uniquely so, reflecting its own, exceptional history,
tradition and period.
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The
ambience is perfectly reflected through sepia photographs
and family memorabilia. Even the retainers may have been in
the service of the families for generations.
While history
is always at hand, there have been changes too, so that the
home are modernised to meet the needs of Today's international
traveller, with adjoining bathrooms, running hot and cold
water, modern plumbing, even perhaps a swimming pool.
These help
to enhance the experience, making your visit to India's Heritage
hotels in memorable one.
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