Rajasthan - literally "land of kings" - is located in the near inhospitable Thar Desert and functions as a microcosm of India, warm people among a harsh environment, where soulful music and dance give rhythm to the ordinary life. The colors of the cities, turbans, and saris shine in contrast with the splendor of the Thar Desert Each city is a namesake for the colors symbolized within. From the pink city of Jaipur, named for its pink palaces and its swarming bazaars on the street; through the blue city of Jodhpur, named for the vibrant blue houses of the old city that still stand out from its more contemporary surroundings; to the golden city of Jaisalmer, they all share a history of folk music and traditional dance that are integral facets of Rajasthani culture. There is a strong connection among the people inhabiting the Thar Desert: the musicians, singers, and the nomads. While it means land of the kings, it is also a land of the nomadic roots, as it was historically connected to the