India • Abhaneri & Jaipur

Namaste 🙏🏼

Abhaneri, where there is a stepwell that is 1200 years old, really caught my attention.

This used to be used as a water catchment and the steps were used to get to the water level. The king and his family used to live in the building that is integrated into the fountain.

The many stones show the different deities that are worshiped.

There is a temple just as old next door.

Abhaneri was a stopover on the 5 hour drive to Jaipur - the pink city. This is the capital of the state of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is a very wealthy state and we immediately notice the difference to our previous destination. The Hindu princes were or are called Maharajas and had strong autonomy until India gained independence in 1947.

Until 1971, everyone still had their title of nobility, after which Prime Minister Indira Ghandi abolished it and so today it is just a form of politeness.

The influence and splendor of these high-ranking families at the time can still be found today in the pompous architecture and cityscape. The former princes still subsidize the preservation of cultural assets in the cities of Rajasthan because they are still very wealthy.

Have a good time and everyone stand up for democracy and diversity ✌🏼