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Introduction of Jhalawar |
The
Princely State of Jhalawar was created in 1838 A. D. after being separated from Kota by the British. It got its name derived from Jhalas,
the Jhala clan of Rajputs, also the rulers of Jhalawar.Lying in the south-eastern region of Rajasthan at the edge of the
Malwa plateau, Jhalawar has rocky, but water-laden verdant landscape,
unlike much of the Rajasthan.
With some exquisite pre-historic cave paintings, massive forts,
thickly-wooded forests and exotic wildlife variety, Jhalawar boasts of
rich historic as well as natural wealth.
Jhalawar region has an exotic flavor with its diverse range of flora
and fauna, with which it is richly-blessed. Red poppy fields add to
the vibrant
color, while the saras crane breeding grounds spotlight
the rich avian life dominating Jhalawar territory. |
Jhalawar Gagron Fort |
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History of Jhalawar |
History
of Hadoti
The city of Jhalawar is situated in the south-eastern region of
Rajasthan, a region widely known as Hadoti (Hadavati), the land of
Hadas. The Hadas are a major branch of the great Chauhan clan of
Agnikula Rajputs.
In the 12th century A.D., Hada Rao Deva conquered this territory and
founded Bundi state and Hadauti. Later in the early 17th century A. D.
during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir, the Ruler of Bundi, Rao
Ratan Singh gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho
Singh, but when Sahajahan became the emperor, he issued a Farmaan in
the name of Madho Singh, recognizing as him the King of Kota. The
domain of the Hadas of Bundi and Kota extended from the hills of Bundi
in the west to the Malwa plateau in the east, with a similar expense
from north to south.
The State of Jhalawar was founded on 8 April, 1838, out of the Kota
territory. Jhalawar state got rise as a result of a treaty between
English rulers, Kota state, and Malwa state.
History of Jhalawar
The city of Jhalawar was founded by Jhala Zalim Singh (First), who was
the then Dewan of Kota state (1791 A.D.). He established this
township, then known as Chaoni Umedpura, as a cantonment. The township
was surrounded with dense green forests and wild animals.
Jhala Zalim Singh often came here for hunting and he liked the place
so much that he wanted to develop it as a township. The objective to
develop this place as a military cantonment was due to the fact that
Maratha invaders passed through this central place from Malwa towards
Kota to capture Hadoti states.
Legendary Jhala Zalim Singh recognized the importance of this place
and started to develop it as a military cantonment and township, so
that he could use this place to attack and stop Maratha invaders
before they can reach to Kota state.
Chaoni Umedpura got developed as a cantonment and township around
1803-04 A.D. Colonel Todd, who visited the region in December, 1821
described this area as the cantonment established by Jhala Zalim Singh
plus a well-established township with large houses, havelis, and
surrounding walls.
In 1838 A.D., English rulers separated Jhalawar state from Kota state
and gave it to Jhala Madan Singh, the grandson of Jhala Zalim Singh.
He developed his administration services to develop the state of
Jhalawar. He resided in Jhalara Patan for a long time and started to
build The Garh Palace (1840 - 1845 A.D.). He was the first ruler of
Jhalawar state and made his great contribution in the history of
Jhalawar.
Jhala Madan Singh ruled Jhalawar from 1838 to 1845. After his death,
Jhala Prithvi Singh became the ruler of Jhalawar, and ruled for around
30 years.
Rana Bhawani Singh Ji, who ruled Jhalawar state from 1899 to 1929
A.D., did remarkable work in the development of Jhalawar state. His
active involvement was in the fields of social activities, public
works (construction), education, administration, etc. During his time,
a number of genius personalities of Jhalawar gave their active hand in
these activities. |
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Tourist Attraction in Jhalawar |
This part of Rajasthan is perhaps, the
least explored area in the state. What lies unexposed and unexplored
is a treasure of history dating back to several centuries.
Jhalawar is a unique combination of legends and folklore, of rocky
terrain on one side and dense forests and rivers on the other. Not
only the city, but the whole district and areas around it, is a
treasure house of wall paintings, formidable forts, forests and exotic
wildlife.
Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace)
Situated in the center of the town, this beautiful monument houses the
Collectorate and other offices. It was built by Maharajrana Madan
Singh during 1840 - 1845 and his successors later on added beautiful
paintings inside the rooms which can be seen with the permission of
the appropriate authorities. The Zenana Khas has some excellent
frescoes on both walls and mirrors, prime examples of the Hadoti
school of art.
Government Museum
Established in 1915 and located outside the fort palace, it is one of
the oldest museums of Rajasthan. It houses rare manuscripts,
paintings, coins, sculptures and statues of various gods and goddesses
are specially noteworthy. 5th and 7th century old inscription may also
be seen here. Most of the idols recovered form various ruins have been
added to this collection. The Ardhnarishvara Natraj, from this museum,
was displayed in Moscow, during the Festival of India celebrations.
Bhawani
Natya Shala
An interesting building constructed in 1921 by Maharaja Bhawani Singh,
near the Fort. This unique theatre was built for the performance of
plays and other cultural events. It was a popular Parsi theatre in
state times. It has been recently revived and gives a very good
insight into the theatre -art. It is quite a unique structure and an
architectural marvel.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that its deep stage with its
underground construction allows the horses, and even the chariots to
appear on stage. Believed to be one of the eight such theatres in the
world, in its heyday it was the venue of great plays ranging from
Shakuntalam to Shakespeare's classics.
Ren Basera
On the Jhalawar-Kota Road, just 6 km short of Jhalawar town is a
beautiful wooden cottage located on the banks of Kishan Sagar.
Maharaja Rajendra Singh brought it to the Jhalawar from an exhibition
held in Lucknow. It was originally constructed by the Forest Research
Institute of Dehradun.
Jhalara Patan
Known as the City of Temple Bells. About 7 Kms. away from Jhalawar.
The entire township is located within a wall. Founded by Parmara
Chandra Sen, grandson of Maharaja Vikramaditya, it is located on the
banks of the holy Chandrabhaga river. Colonel James Todd mentions
counting 108 temples here. Enclosed within its old walls is the famous
10th century 100-feet high Surya Temple. The temple is full of lovely
sculptures. Nearby is the beautiful group of temples on the
Chandrabhaga stream which rises from a spring. They belong to the 6th
- 14th centuries. The 11th century Shantinath Jain temple and Shri
Dwarkadheesh temple (built by Jhala Zalim Singh) are among the other
important temples of the city. Just nearby to Dwarkadhish temple,
newly developed Herbal Garden & Choupati are also worth a visit.
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Tourist Attractions Nearby Jhalawar
(Excursion) |
Gagron
Fort
12 Kms. Away from Jhalawar. The foundation of this magnificent,
impregnable renowned fort was laid in the 7th century and the fort was
completed in the 14th century. Outside of the fort is the Dargah of
Sufi Saint Mittheshah, where a fair is held every year during the
month of Moharram. Nearby is the monastery of Saint Pipa Ji, a
contemporary of Saint Kabir.
Chandrabaga Temple (7 km)
Located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, this complex has very
beautiful temple, some dating back to the 7th century.
The Chandramaulishwar Mahadev temple provides a very good example of
templearchitecture. The carved pillars, the arched gateways and the
exquisite workmanship make these temple outstanding.
Buddhist Caves and Stupas (90-100 Km)
Jhalawar district can boast of having the only rock-cut-cavers in
Rajasthan. The ancient Buddhist caves located in village Kolvi are of
great importance, both archaeologically and historically. A colossal
figure of Buddha, the carved stupas, are some of the highlights of
these caves. Similar caves have also been found in Vinaika, Hathiagor
and Gunai, which proves hat a flourishing civilization existed here
several centuries ago and the Buddhist influence in the region is
clearly visible.
Mau-Borda-Bhimsagar (24 Km)
This dam, built on Ujad River, is near the ruins of the old capital of
Khichi Chauhans. Ruins of the palaces, temple and mosques can be seen
here.
Atishay Jain Temple, Chandkheri Khanpur (35 Km)
This 17th century Jain temple is known for its architectural splendour
and religious sanctity. It has a six-foot tall lord Adhinath statue in
a sittin position.Accommodation and meals at reasonable are available
in the temple area.
Jain Shwetambar Nageshwar Parsavnath Temple Unhel (150 Km)
An important religious Jain pilgrim centre, having a thousand-year-old
Parsavnath statue. Accommodation and meals are available at nearby
Dharamshalas.
Dalhanpur (54 Km)
A place of antiquity, I has beautifully carved pillars, toran and some
erotic figures in he temple ruins scattered over an area of 1 km. it
stands on the banks of river Chhapi, close to an irrigation dam. A
dense green forest adda to the charm of the place.
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How to Reach Jhalawar |
By Rail
The nearest Railway Stations are Kota (87 km) Bhawai Mandir (45 km)
Ramganj Mandi (25 km), Proceed to Jhalawar by taxi or bus.
By Road
Jhalawar is well connected by road with Kota, Bundi and Jaipur.
National highway No. 12 passes through jhalawar. Buses are available
for all major cities. |
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You will visit
“Jhalawar”
during the below Tour of Rajasthan |
31 Days Rajasthan Tour
(Including Jhalawar)
31 Days / 30 Nights
Delhi - Alwar - Deeg - Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Dholpur -
Ranthambore - Tonk - Bundi
- Jhalawar - Kota - Bijolia - Chittorgarh - Dungarpur - Banswara -
Udaipur - Rajsamand -
Nathdwara - Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur - Mount Abu - Rohetgarh - Jodhpur -
Jaisalmer - Bikaner -
Nagaur - Mandawa - Sikar - Jhunjhunu -Jaipur - Delhi |
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