The University of Rajasthan is the oldest institution of higher learning in Rajasthan. It was established on 8th January, 1947, as the University of Rajputana with the main objective of disseminating knowledge and catering to the needs of the students of Rajasthan. It had jurisdiction over the entire state. In the year 1956, the Rajputana University was renamed as the University of Rajasthan, keeping intact its enveloping jurisdiction. With the successive creation of other universities, its affiliating jurisdiction has come down, but it is still the hub of Higher Education in Rajasthan paving the way for the other universities. It attracts students from all over Rajasthan and other parts of India and abroad.

University of Rajasthan is a multi-faculty University and is recognized under 2f and 12B of U.G.C since its inception. It has 36 Post Graduate Departments, 15 recognized Research Centers ,6 Constituent Colleges and 500 Affiliated Colleges spanning 6 districts. The location of the University is Urban and its Central Campus is spread over 285.50 acres and the satellite campus, comprising the Constituent Colleges, is spread over 149.53 acres.

The Goals and Objectives

v Excellence in Education and Research

• To create, preserve & disseminate knowledge

• To impart higher education with quality and social relevance

• To inculcate amongst students a sense of discipline and dedication

• To pursue high quality research in diverse fields

• To give priorities to studies of frontier problems concerning national economy, social development and defense

• To emphasis interdisciplinary research

• To establish academic links and scientific cooperation with national and international institutions

• To create and strengthen of infrastructure through R&D projects

The University aims to impart higher education with quality and social relevance. It provides academic and research facilities in various streams to the students studying in University Departments, university Constituent Colleges and Affiliated Colleges/Institutions. University of Rajasthan offers 37 Ph.D. Programs, 20 M.Phil courses, 48 Master degree courses, and 14 Bachelor degree courses. Besides focusing on dissemination of knowledge and search for excellence in teaching and research, the University prepares the students as good future citizens and endeavors to inculcate amongst them a sense of discipline and dedication. The University is transforming its curricular activities keeping in view the recent trends of development.

The University generates cost effective resources to achieve financial self-sufficiency. Self financing courses are offered both at U.G. and P.G. level. Being both teaching and affiliating University, it ensures equitable distribution of facilities for higher education in different parts of the state under its jurisdiction.

The University encourages its teachers to undertake research activities and gives financial support to attend seminars and workshops. Financial grants are also given for Organizing Conferences. Interdisciplinary approach and collaborative research are being encouraged to achieve excellence in education.

The Teaching Units

The University of Rajasthan consists of the following components:

(a) Constituent Colleges

(b) Post -graduate Teaching Departments

(c) Research Centers

(a) Constituent Colleges

Undergraduate teaching is imparted in the 6 constituent colleges of the University, by the teaching faculty appointed in the University Post Graduate Departments:

(i) University Commerce college (Commerce Faculty)

(ii) University Law College (Law Faculty)

(iii) University Evening Law College (Law Faculty)

(iv) University MaharaniÂ’s college (Multi-faculty College for Women)

(v) University MaharajaÂ’s College ( Science Faculty)

(vi) University Rajasthan College (Arts and Social Sciences)

Looking to the needs and demands of students, the University started evening courses at Rajasthan College and Commerce College on self-financing basis.

All the constituent colleges provide library and sports facilities and motivate the students to join NCC and NSS programmes. Besides these, the colleges organize seminars, workshops, lectures and discussions to strengthen academic inputs.

(b) The P.G. Teaching Departments

37 P.G. Teaching Departments are in existence in faculties of Arts, Science, Social Science, Commerce, Law, Management, Fine Arts, Education and Library Science. Admissions to the P.G. Courses offered are based on entrance tests and merit. Some of the P.G. Departments run need-based self-financing courses also. Many eminent scholars have been teachers at the P.G. Departments. The well-known personalities include : Professors Raja Chelliah, Raj Krishna, L.S. Ramaswami, C.V. Subramaniam, M.V. Mathur, P.N. Srivastava, R.K. Kaul, R.C. Mehrotra, Yogendra Singh, G. Ranganathan, Satish Chandra, Dayakrishna, Om Prakash, Iqbal Narain, G.C. Pande, B.L.Saraf, S.Loknathan, S.P.Verma, C.P.Bhambhri, V. R. Mehta, Y.K.Alagh, C.Rangarajan etc.

Research support and Special Assistance have been made available to some departments by the UGC. A couple of departments are actively engaged in innovative research, and they are recognized for the FIST, COSIST and DST DAAD programmes of the University Grants Commission and the DST. The researches done by the faculty members have been in evidence by publications of articles in reputed journals. Some teachers have been honoured with international and national awards and citations.

Depending upon the disciplinary advancement, needs of the students and the demands of society, syllabi have been reviewed from time to time. The process of globalization, has also prompted formulation of new courses and this may go a long way in providing jobs to the students. Some of the new courses are as follows: –

The post-graduate courses include:

(i) Biotechnology

(ii) Microbiology

(iii) Information Technology

(iv) Journalism and Mass Communication

(v) Finance Control

(vi) Management

The under-graduate courses are:

(vii) Computer Applications

(viii) Business Administration

(ix) Fine Arts

(x) Film Production and Technology

(xi) Food Technology

(c) Research Centers

The University also provides opportunities to the deserving students and teachers to undertake research in the fields of their specialization. For this purpose, Research Centers were established. These research centers have strengthened research, and some of them offer M. Phil Programmes of study. The following Centers are in existence:

1. Centre for Development of Physics Education*

2. Indira Gandhi Centre for Human Ecology, Environmental and Population Studies*

3. Centre for Gandhian Studies*

4. South Asia Studies Centre*

5. Centre for Women Studies

6. Social Science Research Centre

7. Centre for Jain Studies

8. Centre for Rajasthan Studies

9. Centre for Adult and Continuing Education

10. Centre for Local-Self Government

11. Centre for Non-Conventional Energy Resources

* Status of Teaching Department

Teaching Learning and Evaluation

Aims of Teaching

• To develop an understanding of and skills in various modes of inquiry and of critical thinking and problem solving

• To provide a supportive environment

• To develop and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the rich complexity of human experience in terms of both its convergence and divergence

• To develop and demonstrate an informed sense of thoughtful ethical choice and concerned community involvement

• To inspire students to explore accurate and useful knowledge

• To expand and enrich learning of students with a view to advance knowledge

The University allocates majority of its budget for academic programs. Students are admitted either on the basis of entrance test or merit. Many departments and all the Constituent Colleges have their own library in addition to the Central Library. Modern teaching methods and teaching aids are employed for effective teaching involving blending of teaching techniques to suit specific needs of a course (interactive participation of students, tutorials, brainstorming sessions, case studies, collaborative learning and active learning strategy). The emphasis is given on problem solving and skills in critical- thinking.

Evaluation of the students is done on an objective basis. Examiners and Co-examiners are appointed for this purpose by the respective BOS. The method of evaluation has undergone changes recently to accommodate new trends. Opportunity for re-evaluation is also given to the students.Question papers are set by senior faculty members and the external examiners appointed by the Board of Studies. University adheres to the academic calendar and the results are declared within a month of the last examination.

Research , Consultancy and Extension

All faculty members are actively involved in research. They are guiding research in their respective disciplines. Besides this, teachers are publishing their articles / research papers in reputed national and international journals. Many faculty members of the University are working on research projects. There are more than one thousand full time research scholars registered for Ph.D. and Post Doctoral Work and a few of them are getting fellowships and scholarships.

There are 81 ongoing Research Projects with an outlay of Rs. 8 Crores. More than 2700 Research Papers and more than 250 Books have been published in the last five years. International linkages and collaborative programs with research institutes and Universities from countries such as USA, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, UK, Norway, Sweden, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Finland and France. Academic links and collaborations at National level exist with research support by several agencies such as UGC, DST, DAE, DRDO, ICSSR, CSIR, ICHR, ICAR and ICMR. University Teachers have served as Hony. Editors of several journals of high standing. A few University PG departments publish journals of their own on a regular basis.

The Support Services in the University

To strengthen teaching and research, support services are being provided by the University. The University has one of the best university libraries in India. It has nearly 3.33 lakh books, hundreds of journals, microfilms, and magnificent archival documents. Photostating and internet access are also made available at the library. The library also provides inter-library loan facility to its members.

The University has a modern Sports Complex. It has also a swimming pool, which has been a venue of many National Swimming Meets. The University has always accorded a high priority to games and sports. Facilities for all major indoor and outdoor games are available at the Constituent Colleges as well. Fully developed indoor stadium along with a yoga centre are the unique attractions of the Sports Complex. Besides this, the Department of Physical Education has started a postgraduate diploma and a masters’ programme in Physical Education.

The University provides Allopathic, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathic facilities at its Health Center. Medicines are provided free of cost. Health checkups are arranged from time to time. Blood donation camps are also organized . Consultation is also available to the outsiders.

A Students Advisory Bureau exists since 1962 with the motto: “We do not believe in framing the future for next generation, rather we wish to frame the next generation for the future.”

Residential accommodation is provided to the teachers and the Students. The university has 16 hostels, 9 for boys, 7 for girls. The University is going to construct two hostels one for SC girls and other for SC boys with 45% assistance from the ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with a cost of Rs. 5 crores. Besides hostels, there are Teachers Hostel, Working Women Hostel and faculty residences located at the main campus. Some residences are for the non-teaching employees as well. The University has an eco-friendly environment. The nursery-cum-garden office of the university looks after lawns and parks. The university has nursery which has some rare plants and shrubs.

In order to stimulate and coordinate various activities of the students the Dean of Students’ Welfare is provided grants and facilities. The Dean, Students Welfare, is also Advisor of International Students.

The University has also an Academic Staff College which was set-up by the UGC in 1988 for an overall development of young university and college teachers. The ASC organizes Refresher and Orientation Programmes. The Refresher Courses are discipline-specific, whereas the Orientation Programmes are interdisciplinary. The later aims to enhance over all intellectual worth of the teacher. The ASC is ranked one of the first ten best Academic Staff Colleges of India.

University Service and Instrumentation Center is also functioning. The center has an adequate workshop under its control with facilities for mechanical (Lathe machines, Milling Machines etc.), glass blowing, electronics, welding, and gas filling shops and an analytical instrument sections. The center houses costly instruments such as (1) Semiautomatic X-Ray Diffractometer DIANO (USA) make, (2) Phillips Liquid Nitrogen Plant with 6 liter per hour capacity.

The University has established a UGC Infonet Center which coordinates all the activity of UGC Infonet Project at University of Rajasthan end. The centre will further distribute and maintain the internet connectivity over Campus Wide Area Network making it available to constituent colleges, teaching departments, research centers, and administrative units. The Center maintains and host University Website and Mail-server. The center will also coordinate and maintain Intranet of University when it comes up.

The University has a Press. It looks after the requirements of the university. It is being modernized with assistance from UGC during the tenth plan.

The Guest House of the university is well maintained. It is the pride of the University. Recently it was expanded with seven rooms.

Healthy Practices in the University

Strict adherence is observed to the Academic Calendar formulated for each year by the Academic Council

National and International Seminars, Lectures and Workshops are regularly organized and faculty members are given all possible financial and academic backup to participate in such events at both the National and International levels. Eminent Scholars come to the University as visiting faculty.

Statutory bodies like the Senate, the Syndicate, the Academic Council, the Faculties, the Research Board, the Boards of Studies are regularly in their meetings and both vibrant and vigilant in their deliberations.

The University examination system is now fully computerised. The results of the entrance examinations are declared within twenty four hours.

The University Press looks after the printing requirements of the University. During the Xth Plan, it is being modernized.

To provide financial assistance to the needy students, a University Corpus Fund has been created.

To ameliorate the grievance of every strata of University Community a standing mechanism has been evolved wherein three separate Grievance Committees function on a continuing basis.

The University of Rajasthan has been striving with fullest commitment to uphold the Hand Book and to sincerely implement the rules and regulations provided therein.

While entering through Birendra Pole from Tripolia Side, one can have a look at a huge unique structure: that is Mubarak Mahal. The construction of this structure was completed during the reign of Sawai Madho Singh II. Colonel Jacob was the Architect of this building. Interesting part is, the building is the combination of age-old Indian as well as Mughal and Europeans architecture. The building was used, as reception hall during the Jaipur reign and probably that is why it is Mubarak Mahal. In early days at the order of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Mahabharata, Shahi-Ramayana, Surpadawali etc. famous manuscripts were displayed here.

Just after crossing the courtyard of Pitam Niwas there is the Ananda Mandir and on the top of floor of Ananda Mandir there are beautifully painted halls. Here, different kinds of arms and armour of Jaipur Amber rulers are displayed.

From Sileh Khana towards interior courtyard there is the Sarvatobhadra which is known as Sarvata also. During 18th-19th century this place was used as Diwan-e-Khas, Where Maharajas used to give their advice to their ministers. Now this area has been converted to visitors rests area and the worlds two largest silver vessels are also displayed here. There is an another gate from eastern side to enter into the Art Gallery. This Art Gallery was the Sabha-Niwas before.

In northwest part of the palace, there is the Chandra Mahal. It is a seven-storyed building and towers high above all the surrounding buildings. There are specific name to different parts of the Mahal - Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas, Mukut-Mandir etc. Towards the north of Chandra Mahal there is the Jai-Niwas garden and in the midst of the garden there is the Shri Govind Devji temple

The history of Jaipur State occupies a glorious part in Indian history and as well the Maharajas. The success, the achievements of the Maharajas are still the source of inspiration for common people. The sole aim of the museum is to portray the victory and achievements of the Maharajas and educate people of both India and abroad and feel proud of those. The collection of the museum includes decorative are objects of historical importance.

Presently there are three galleries in the museum. They are: -

1. Textile Gallery: The royal costumes are displayed in the first floor of the Mubarak Mahal. The enormous Atamsukh, a beautiful rich Banaras brocade quilted cloak of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I is an object of amazement. The finest examples of Sanganeri print, Tie and Die Lehariya, Pashmina shawls, Mishru(50% silk and 50% wool), 17th and 18th century cloth and fine Daca Muslin are displayed here. Musical instruments, glass cutlery and Indian games are also in display.

2. Sileh Khana (Armoury Gallery): one of the richest collection of the Indian weapons in the world is displayed here in a most artistic and symbolic manner.Amongst the important weapons displayed here are: Heavy Khanda(sword) probably of Raja Man Singh I, swords of Mughal emperors Jehangir and Shahjahan, night polo ball, Sawai Jai Singh’s pistol and matchlock guns of 17th century probably cast at Jaigarh fort, Amber. Rekhla(miniature cannon), Jujarba(Camel Guns), lances, Katars(daggers), bows and arrows, Maces and Gunpowder flasks, Howdahs(Elephants seat used during hunting) are also on display.

3. Art Gallery: The rich collection of Indian Miniature Paintings, Carpets from Kabul and Herat of 17th century, paper cuttings, illustrated and unillustrated manuscripts, 19th century photographs and photographic instruments, items of paraphernalia and regalia are displayed in the Sabha Niwas which is now called Art gallery. Sets of Ragamala of 18th century, Durga Path, 18th century, Srimad-Bhagavata, 18th century and the life size portraits of the rulers of Jaipur by artists sahib Ram are displayed here. The painted photograph of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II is a special attraction of the Art gallery.

4.In Baggi Khana: Chariots and Coaches(baggies) are displayed. The most interesting amongst these are the 19th century European cab adapted to Indian conditions and the Thakurji ka Rath (chariot used for carrying the state religious icon). The two silver jars (gangajali), the largest silver object in the world, as per entry in the Guinness Book of World record made in the The City Palace in 1896 weighing 345 kg each and taken to England by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II filed with Ganges water in 1902 can be seen in Sarvatobhadra.

The museum receives visitors from all over the world especially in winters it is found over crowded. There is separate entry fee for the Indians, foreigners and students. For large group of students tickets provided in concessional rate. Photography is prohibited inside the galleries. There are recommended guides to take a round. In the Friends of the Museum section artists of different field demonstrate their artistic skills. The staff of the museum with their traditional dresses makes the atmosphere of the museum more welcoming. The museum organizes many workshops and other educational activities, specially for children.

It is being proposed to extend some galleries in the museum. Three new galleries has been planned so far, displaying baggies and Jaipur miniature paintings and personal  gallery on Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and is about to open up for the public by January 2003. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II museum is one the centre for excellence. It provides research opportunity to scholars; education as well as enjoyment to the common masses

In the year 1892, the Indian Polo Association was formed. There were a number of Polo clubs all over the country at that time and had well-known teams and famous players. One of those was - famous Jaipur Polo team. In the year 1933, the Jaipur Polo team had established a unique and invincible record by winning all the open tournaments in the United Kingdom and the Indian Championship successively from the year 1930 to 1938. The royal family of Jaipur had produced a number of great polo players. Mention may be made of Sawai Man Singh II, Lt. Col. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC. For late his Highness Sawai Man Singh II polo was the spirit of his life.

In the year 1957, India sent an official Polo team to take part in the World Polo Championship in France. Sawai Man Singh II led the team. The players included Major Kishen Singh, Kr Bijey Singh, Roo Raja Hanut Singh etc. India won, beating all other combinations, which included many great players from England, Argentine, Spain, Mexico and France.

His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC,  of Jaipur

His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur is the eldest son of late H.H. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. Born on 22nd October 1931, H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh received education in Kashmir, Dehradun and then in United Kingdom.

In 1951, His Highness Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur was commissioned into Indian Army in the 3rd Cavalry regiments as a Second Lieutenant. In 1954, he was selected for the Presidents bodyguard. In 1963 he was posted to HQ 50(Indep) Para Brid. From January 1964-1967, he was selected and posted as Adjutant, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. In June 1967, he volunteered for the new Para Commando Unit and was posted to 10 Para Commando as 2nd-in-command. The following year he became the commanding officer. In 1970, he helped in training the “Mukti Vahini” before the commencement of the Bangladesh war. In 1971, in Indo-Pak war he led his Battalion into action as a result of his gallantry and exploits he was awarded the second highest gallantry award “Mahavir Chakra”. His Battalion also got 10 gallantry awards for their action in these operations. He took voluntary retirement in 1974.

When Indian Army was in action in Sri Lanka under “Operation Pawan” at the request of then President and Prime minister ,Mr. Rajiv Gandhi requested Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh  to go to Sri Lanka and boost the morale of his old unit (10 Para). He was successful in boosting the morale of the unit and for his success, the President of India bestowed upon him the rank of Brigadier for life. This is a rare offer when a retired Army personnel has been given a promotion in rank. Besides, Brig Sawai Bhawani Singh has also served as the first Resident High Commissioner to the State of Brunei from July 1993 to January 1997.

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Diety: Radha and Krishna
Original Location: Vrindavan, Uttarpradesh
Relocated By: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1590 AD

* THE DIVINE ARRIVAL * OF THAKUR SHRI RADHA GOVIND DEVJI MAHARAJ TO JAIPUR

* Jhanki (Darshan) *

Mangla

Dhoop

Shringar

Rajbhog

Gwal

Sandhya

Shayan

Jal Mahal is an 18th century pleasure palace and is located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The palace is perched amidst Mansagar lake, which is in turn nestled amongst the Nahargarh hills. The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its sophisticated design and grand architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs. The first four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside. One can have a wonderful view of the lake and the palace from Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799, the palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved. The lake eco system is home to a variety of migratory and resident birds. The Mansagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake acts as a vantage point for viewing the lake and the valley.

Located in the central pavilion of the elaborate sprawling Jai Niwas Garden, to the north of the magnificent Chandra Mahal, is the miniature temple of Lord Krishna. The idol of Shri Krishna, originally kept in a temple in Vrindavan, was installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II, as the ruling deity of his family.

Sri Govinddevji, the family deity of Amber’s Kachawaha Dynasty, now dwells in Jaipur, along with his consort Radha. The image, nevertheless, earlier existed in Vrindaban, where the Lord resided in the great temple built for him by Raja Mansingh, which was consecrated in 1590 AD.

Govinddevji was symbolic of Mansingh’s power and became the focus of political interaction of the Mughal Emperor and the Kachawahas and, hence, an object of imperial and royal patronage. In the end of the seventeenth century, Govinddevji and Radha, accompanied by Vrindaban’s tutelary goddess, Vrindadevi, were taken to the Amber territory to protect them from damage by the hands of iconoclasts.

It happened in the latter part of Emperor Aurangzeb’s rule when, with the impelling grave condition of the Empire, regional Hindu Kingdoms became increasingly self assertive. Thus, that move from Vrindaban to Amber, the patrimonial land of the Kachawahas, also marked the Kachawaha rulers’ assertion of regional power and identity.

Govinddevji and his consort eventually came to reside in the palatial temple, in the precincts of the City Palace of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh’s new capital, Jaipur. The rise of the deity to the status of a symbol of regnant power also meant the rise of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the deity’s custodians to power in the Kachawaha territory.

This is the most important and popular temple, which is visited in thousands by the devotees through out the year.

The City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures. In the heart of the old city, the City Palace occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Jai Singh built the outer wall but other additions were made much later, some right up to the start of this century. The former Maharaja still lives in part of the palace. The City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area of the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

The first building in it, is Mubarak Mahal, built by Maharaja Madho Singh. It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either side of this gate. Beyond this gate, lies the ‘Diwan-E-Khas’ or the ‘Hall Of Private Audience’ with a marble paved gallery. Across a paved square lies the ‘Diwan-E-Am’ or the ‘Hall Of Public Audience’, with its intricate decorations and manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit. There is also a clock tower and the newer Mubarak Mahal.

To the north-west is the stately and graceful seven-storeyed Chandra Mahal, the residence of ex-ruler. The seven-story Chandra Mahal is the centrepiece and commands fine views of the gardens and the city. The complex contains an excellent museum, an armoury and several fine halls. The apartments are maintained in luxurious order and the museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons.

The paintings include miniatures in Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools. The armoury dating back to the 15th century and many of the ingenious and tricky weapons, which the warrior Rajputs were famous for. A section of museum also contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. Each storey has a distinctive name and is a place of sheer beauty and luxury. Paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace. The uppermost storey is called the Mukut Mahal.

Opposite the Chandra Mahal lies the Badal Mahal. The Govind Devji Temple stands in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. A delightful system of mountains is placed in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. The palace has extensive and sprawling gardens.

Outside the buildings, you may see a large silver vessel which a former Maharaja used to take drinking water with him to England. Being a devout Hindu, he could not drink the English water!