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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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