Ratlam

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Ratlam pronunciation (help·info) (Hindi:रतलाम). also known as Rijtlam, is a city in the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh state of central India. The town of Ratlam lies 1577 feet above sea level. It is the administrative headquarters of Ratlam District.

[edit] Princely history

Ratlam is also a major railway junction on the western railway lines.It was famous for its Diamond crossing. Ratlam was a princely state in British India, part of Malwa agency of Central India. The raja was a Rathor Rajput who traced his lineage to the ruling family of Jodhpur. The state had an area of 902 sq. mi., which was closely interlaced with the territory of the princely state of Sailana. In 1901, the state had a population of 83,773; the town of Ratlam had a population of 36,321. The state enjoyed an estimated revenue, Rs.34,000/- and paid a tribute of Rs.2,850/-. The town was a junction on the Rajputana-Malwa railway, and was an important trade centre, especially of opium.

Ratlam was initially held by its chiefs in vassalage to the Sindhia rulers of Gwalior, but in 1819, an arrangement was made by which the Sindhia engaged never to send any troops into the country or to interfere with the internal administration, and in 1861 the tribute was assigned to the British government in part payment of the Gwalior contingent.

[edit] Delicacies of Ratlam

Ratlam is situated at Madhya Pradesh/ Rajsthan Border. It's know for its spicey snacks (Namkeens) made out of besan, red chillis. The food at resturants around ratlam is delight for those who love chillis and spicy foo, the ratlam food is red hot. The common breakfast is tea, jalebi, ponha with ratlam sev (sweet, chilli, lemony, beaten rice garnished with mustard, jeera, coriander, and onions).