Bharat - Royal & Historical India: A Jouey with Ethecs Holidays
Welcome to a land steeped in history, where time-honored traditions meet contemporary hospitality. Ethecs Holidays, a decade-old travel company in India, takes immense pride in offering you a remarkable experience of "Bharat - Royal & Historical India." Let's embark on a jouey through the vibrant tapestry of this incredible nation and discover the treasures it holds.
Bharat - Royal & Historical India
Bharat, also known as India, is a country that has a rich and glorious history that spans thousands of years. It is a country that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires, the birth and spread of many religions, the creation and destruction of many monuments, and the evolution and diversity of many cultures. It is a country that has a royal and historical legacy that is unparalleled in the world.
The Origin of Bharat
The name Bharat comes from the ancient Sanskrit word Bharata, which means “the cherished”. According to Hindu mythology, Bharata was the son of King Dushyanta and Queen Shakuntala, who ruled over a vast kingdom in the north-weste part of the Indian subcontinent. Bharata was a righteous and virtuous king who conquered and united many lands under his rule. He was also the ancestor of the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the protagonists and antagonists of the epic Mahabharata1. The Mahabharata is one of the two major epics of India, along with the Ramayana, which narrates the life and deeds of Lord Rama, another legendary king of Bharat.
The name Bharat also refers to the Vedic tribe of Bharatas, who are mentioned in the Rigveda as one of the principal kingdoms of the Aryavarta, the land between the Himalayas and the Vindhya mountains. The Rigveda is the oldest and most sacred text of Hinduism, which contains hymns and prayers to various gods and goddesses. The Bharatas were known for their valor and wisdom, and were involved in many wars and alliances with other tribes and kingdoms2.
The name Bharat has been used to denote the Indian subcontinent and its people since ancient times. It is also one of the official names of the Republic of India, along with India3. The name India derives from the Greek word Indos, which means “the river”, referring to the Indus river that flows through Pakistan and India. The name India was popularized by the Greeks and Romans, who came in contact with the Indian civilization through trade and conquest2.
The Royal Dynasties of Bharat
Bharat has been ruled by many royal dynasties over the course of its history. Some of them are:
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The Mauryan Empire (c. 322 - 185 BCE): The first pan-Indian empire that was founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of his mentor Chanakya, a renowned political strategist and economist. The Mauryan Empire reached its zenith under Ashoka, who is considered to be one of the greatest rulers in world history. Ashoka embraced Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war, and propagated peace and dharma (righteousness) throughout his realm and beyond. He also built many stupas (monuments) and pillars (inscriptions) that bear his edicts and teachings4.
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The Gupta Empire (c. 320 - 550 CE): The golden age of Indian culture that was marked by political stability, economic prosperity, artistic excellence, scientific advancement, and religious tolerance. The Gupta Empire was founded by Chandragupta I, who consolidated his power by marrying Kumaradevi, a princess of the Licchavi clan. The Gupta Empire reached its peak under Samudragupta, who expanded his territory through conquests and diplomacy, and Chandragupta II, who defeated the invading Huns and patronized many scholars and artists5.
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The Chola Empire (c. 850 - 1279 CE): The longest-ruling dynasty in Indian history that ruled over most of South India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and parts of Southeast Asia. The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya Chola, who captured Tanjore from the Pallavas. The Chola Empire reached its height under Rajaraja Chola I, who built the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjore, and Rajendra Chola I, who extended his naval supremacy over the Indian Ocean6.
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The Mughal Empire (c. 1526 - 1857 CE): The largest and most powerful empire in Indian history that was founded by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. The Mughal Empire reached its zenith under Akbar, who consolidated his empire through military conquests, administrative reforms, religious tolerance, and cultural synthesis. Akbar’s successors, such as Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, also contributed to the Mughal glory, but also faced many challenges and revolts. The Mughal Empire declined due to inteal strife, foreign invasions, and the rise of the British colonial rule7.
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The Maratha Empire (c. 1674 - 1818 CE): The last major indigenous empire in Indian history that was founded by Shivaji, a brave and charismatic leader who defied the Mughal authority and carved out a kingdom in the Deccan plateau. The Maratha Empire expanded under the Peshwas, who were the hereditary prime ministers of the empire. The Maratha Empire fought many wars with the Mughals, the Afghans, and the British, and played a crucial role in shaping the mode Indian nation8.
The Historical Monuments of Bharat
Bharat has a rich and diverse architectural heritage that reflects its royal and historical past. Some of the historical monuments of Bharat are:
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The Taj Mahal in Agra: A stunning monument of love built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architecture, and is one of the seven wonders of the world2.
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The Red Fort in Delhi: A majestic fort and palace complex built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as his capital. The Red Fort is a symbol of Mughal power and elegance, and is also the site of many important events in Indian history, such as the first war of independence in 1857, and the declaration of independence in 19479.
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The Qutub Minar in Delhi: A soaring tower built by the Delhi Sultanate rulers as a victory monument and a minaret for the nearby mosque. The Qutub Minar is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, and is adoed with intricate carvings and inscriptions10.
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The Hampi ruins in Kaataka: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the largest and richest empires in medieval India. The Hampi ruins include temples, palaces, markets, stables, and sculptures that display the artistic and engineering skills of the Vijayanagara craftsmen11.
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The Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the erotic sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. The Khajuraho temples are dedicated to various Hindu and Jain deities, and depict various aspects of human life, such as love, war, music, dance, etc.3
Why Exlpore Bharat with Ethecs Holidays ?
Bharat is a country that has a royal and historical legacy that is unparalleled in the world. It is a country that has witnessed many empires, religions, cultures, and monuments that have shaped its identity and destiny. It is a country that has a proud and glorious past that inspires its present and future.
Why Ethecs ?
A Decade of Excellence:
With ten years of experience under our belt, Ethecs Holidays has crafted unforgettable travel experiences for countless tourists. Our jouey has been a labor of love, dedicated to showcasing India's historical, royal, and cultural heritage.
100% Bootstrapped and Proud:
As a 100% bootstrapped enterprise, we've been driven by our passion for travel and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional services to our clients. Our independence allows us to focus on your needs and preferences, ensuring a truly personalized experience.
Bo in India, Rooted in Patriotism:
Founded by patriotic Indians, Ethecs Holidays embodies a deep love for the country. Our mission is to share the richness of Indian culture and history with the world. Our founders, Ameya Gatane and Gayatri Gatane, are committed to promoting India's heritage.
From B2C to B2B:
Having successfully operated in the B2C sector for a decade, we've expanded our horizons to serve the B2B market. This evolution signifies our growing presence and expertise in the travel industry.
A Vision for Employment:
Ethecs Holidays aspires to create a positive impact by generating 1000 employment opportunities through our channel partners. We are committed to contributing to India's economic growth and job creation.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:
We firmly believe in women empowerment and actively endorse women entrepreneurship. Our initiatives and partnerships aim to support and promote women in the travel and tourism industry.
Nurturing Overseas Indian Nationals and Indian Students Abroad:
Ethecs Holidays seeks to empower overseas Indian nationals and students based abroad. We provide a bridge to reconnect with their roots and explore the richness of Indian history and culture.
Bharat DMC - Promoting India Globally:
Ethecs Holidays functions as a Bharat DMC (Destination Management Company) to promote and represent India on the global stage. Our network of partners and deep local knowledge allows us to showcase India's diverse and royal heritage.
Enthusiastix Management Private Limited:
Ethecs Holidays is not just a travel company; it is the brand and holiday division of Enthusiastix Management Private Limited. This association underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality services and exceptional travel experiences.
With Ethecs Holidays, you're not just booking a tour; you're embarking on a voyage through the Royal and Historical heart of India. Our itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to immerse you in the splendor of India's palaces, forts, traditions, and history. Let us be your guide to the royal and historical treasures of Bharat - a jouey you'll cherish for a lifetime.
If you are interested in booking your trip to Bharat - Royal & Historical India with Ethecs Holidays, please visit www.ethecs.com