KOTA - MAGIC ALONG THE MIGHTY CHAMBAL
Along the eastern bank of the Chamabal river lies Kota- an amazing juxtapostition
of majestic medievalage and modern industrialisation. While its untouched
wealth of impressive Forts, opulent Palaces and splendid temples dating back
over several centuries retain the past glory. The history of the city back
to the 12 century when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory
and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later in the early 17th century during the reign
of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi - rao ratan singh gave
the smaller principality of Kota to his son Madho Singh. Since then Kota became
a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. Kota is an offshot of the
kingdom of Bundi. The huge Fort at Kota with itsDurbar Hall is ornate with
beautiful mirrror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures
of the Kota school are housed within the hall. Other noteworthy edifices of
the bygone era are Brijraj Bhawan Place, Umed Bhawan Palace, Jag Mandir -
an Island Palace, a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and
the royal cenotaphs.
Place to Visit
Maharao Madho Singh Museum
Situated in the old Palace, the museum has superb collection of Rajput miniature
paintings of the Kota School, eqxuisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury.
The museum also houses a rich reposistory of artistic items used by the Kota
rulers.
The Goverment museum
Housed in the Brijvilas Bhawan Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays
a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection
of Hadoti sculpture. specially noteworthy is an exquisite sculptured statue
brought here from Baroli.
Jag Mandir
Amid the picturesque artificial Lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346
by prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little Palace of Jag mandir.
The azure waters around the red sandstone monument. The Keshar Bagh famous
for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.
Haveli Devtaji
The beautiful haveli of Devta Shridharji is located in the middle of the busy
market. The haveli is noted for its splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with
lovely wall paintings.
Chambal Garden
A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make
it a popular, offering enjoyable boat rides.
Kansua Temple
A rare four faced Shivlinga is installed here Other places to see Mathuradheesh
temple, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, traffic Park, Adhar Shila and Budh Singh
Bafna Haveli are worth seeing.
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BUNDI - THE UNDISCOVERED SPLENDOUR
36 kms from Kota is tiny picturesque town Bundi. One of the unexplored cities
with a rich historical wealth. once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada
Chauhans - an offshot of the famous Chauhans clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
1193 when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by sultan Mohammad Ghauri, some
Chauhan nobles seked shelter in Mewar and become alies to the Rana while other
young warriors moved towards Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and
Bhil tribals - thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later two branches
of Hadas formed two seprate states of Kota and bundi. on either side of the
River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravali hills on three sides and
is circumscribed by massive wall with four gateways.
Interesting monument including impressive medieval Forts, palaces, Havelis
Temples with beautiful stone and chhatris with carved pillars, along with
a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very
famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
Place to Visit
Taragarh or Star Fort
Built in 1354 AD, the fort is one of the mostr impressive forts of Rajasthan.
Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvellous white fort wih a huge reservior
which once supplied water to the Palace. The view over the town and surrounding
countryside from the top are magical, especially at sun set.Inside the ramparts
are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock, and the Bhim Burj, the largest
of the battle- fields, on which there is mounted a famous cannon. Taragarh
is reached by steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway.
Take a path up behind the chitra Shala, go east along the inside of the ramparts
then left up the steep stone ramp just before the Dudha Mahal, a small disused
building 200m from the palace.
The Plaace
This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing
some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chhattar Mahal or Palace of Towers
A steep, paved carraife way is the only way to reach the monument. In Palace
is the Hazari Pol or gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol
with old water clock and the Diwan-e-Aam.
Chirashala
A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the Palace.
Elaborate colourful paintings on the wall depict scenes from the 'Ragamala'
and 'Raaslila' the Radha-Krishna story.
Sukh Mahal
A magnificent summer Palace on the Sukh Sagar lake amid the lush suroundings
of beautiful garden.
Phool Sagar
The 20th century Palace with artifical tank and picturesque gardens. Presently
residence of former ruler.
Shikar Burj
The royal hunting lodge set amdist the lush surroundings.
Kshar Bagh
An ancient garden near the Shikar Burj with beautiful chhattris of the Bundi
rulers and their queens.
Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph
An amazing magnificent memorail with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along
with shiva lingam.
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