The Colours of Rajasthan
Photographer Karishma Pranjivan masterfully captures the vibrant symphony of colors woven into Rajasthan’s architecture, décor, people, and everyday life, bringing the region's kaleidoscope of hues to life with every shot.
In a land where color is celebrated like nowhere else, Rajasthan stands out, outshining its neighbors by far. With its stunning architecture, lavish décor, and location in the heart of the desert, surrounded by vast sand dunes, it’s easy to believe you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Often referred to as the “jewel in India’s crown,” Rajasthan nestles comfortably in the country’s northwestern corner, along the border of Pakistan. This region is renowned for its extravagant palaces and imposing forts, once the backdrop for everything from Burkha soldiers to war elephants. These towering historical structures tell tales of bygone eras, while the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail continue to captivate, even centuries later.
“Rajasthan specifically has always been a magical place for me,” photographer Karishma Pranjivan gushes to LYFSTYL. “No matter how many times I go, I still can’t get over its majesty and ethos.”
Beyond the grand architecture and royal palaces, many, including Karishma, point to the explosion of color at every turn as the defining feature of Rajasthan. Throughout its history, generations of dynamic and eccentric kings, queens, warrior castes, and religious houses have each infused their own sapphire, fuchsia, saffron, crimson, turquoise, indigo, magenta, or lavender into the region’s design, ensuring that behind every color lies a story.
“I believe that traditional dress, as well as architecture, is what really sets Rajasthan apart in regards to color,” Karishma says. “It’s so rich in history that you can truly feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when walking through almost any city or town. It has this regal and almost fanciful charm that you can really get lost in.”
Known as the “Pink City,” “Blue City,” “White City,” and “Gold City” (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, respectively), Rajasthan’s four principal cities each boast their own distinctive color and charm. These nicknames, inspired by the hues of their architecture, sweep across the cityscapes, absorbing the skyline and reinforcing the pride locals take in their colorful heritage.
“In Udaipur, we stayed at an incredible hotel that was once a 16th-century palace,” Karishma recalls. “The hotel is perched on a hill overlooking the Rajasthani village of Delwara, so you really feel immersed in it all. The building sprawls over the entire hill and stands four stories high. Each room is unique, and the grounds are completely open to explore, with hidden spaces and rooftop areas adorned in traditional Rajasthani décor. What I loved most about this place was that during the renovation, they preserved almost everything as it was when first built, retaining its authenticity. It feels luxurious in an old-fashioned way, rather than completely modernized.”
As she wandered aimlessly through the streets of Udaipur and Jodhpur, Karishma observed the everyday scenes and ordinary inhabitants of Rajasthan. “I really tried to capture the spirit of each scene and place we visited as authentically as possible by focusing on the details that caught my attention most,” she says. “I was inherently drawn to the really mundane and ordinary things, capturing everyday moments or seemingly boring details.”
Here, color isn’t just a visual feast; it’s in the very lifeblood of Rajasthan. From bustling bazaars to the vibrant turbans and traditional dresses that span every shade imaginable, it’s not just the architecture that paints a vivid picture—it’s everyday life.
This unscripted warmth and enthusiasm are evident in how the locals revel in the opulent displays that surround them. The paintings, murals, stonework, and ornaments have withstood the test of time and continue to dazzle. Visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for how these vibrant colors have elegantly woven themselves into every aspect of life, from the most extravagant palaces to the daily routines of its people. Even the Rajasthan provincial flag is a rainbow of colors.
“Color is something synonymous with India as a whole, but I definitely think that color in Rajasthan is unlike any other region,” Karishma admits.
Words by Braeden Alexander.
Photography Karishma Pranjivan.