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Introduction of Karauli |
Karauli is a picturesque old
fortified town situated
at a distance of 180 kms from Jaipur in the North Indian state of
Rajasthan. It was founded in 1348 AD by Raja Arjun Pal.
Initially, the town was known as Kalyanpuri, which was named after the
local deity Kalyanji. The fortified city of Karauli is surrounded by Red
sandstone walls with bastions for security. In the present day, these
fortifications are in wrecks, yet it boast of the six gates and eleven
posterns. Karauli is well known for its Madan Mohanji Temple. Karauli is
also known for the fair at Kaila Devi temple, which is celebrated annually
at Kaila in Karauli district. The climate of Karauli is moderate. Hindi, Rajasthani
and Marwari are the common languages which are spoken
here. |
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History
of Karauli |
Karauli was
founded in 1348 AD by Raja Arjun Pal. In those days Karauli used to be the
capital of a small state of the same name. Legend has it that the ruling
family were descendants of Lord Krishna, one of the most loved god of
Hindu mythology. As such they occupy the topmost rank among the Yaduvanshi
Rajputs and their family history is rich with tales of valour and glory. |
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Tourist
Attractions in Karauli |
Today Karauli, famous for its pale red sandstone, is also known as a holy
place. There are some old monuments you could see here, apart from
exploring the rambling countryside and the game sanctuary. Near the town
of Karauli, there is a celebrated Kaila Devi temple. Kaila Devi Temple is
situated on the banks of the Kalisil river in Karauli district. The temple
is dedicated to the tutelary deity, goddess Kaila, of the erstwhile
princely rulers of the Karauli state. It is a marble structure with a
large courtyard of a checkered floor. In one place are a number of red
flags planted by devotees. The place is also famous for its fair held
during the dark half of 'chaitra' (March-April) and lasts for a fortnight.
Karauli is well known fo as a residence by the Royal family. The fort has
been deserted by them since that time. Today, it serves as a shelter for
monkeys and geese. In the old days, the geese were usedadan Mohanji Temple. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Krishna. Karauli also possesses a a warning system
against any intruders. It seems that still geese are doing their duty. Bhanwar Vilas Palace was
built as a royal residence in 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Palr its M600 years old fort.
This fort makes the highlight of Karauli. Until 1950, this fort was used Deo Bhadur, the
then ruler of Karauli. The architecture is of colonial style and the
interiors are furnished in art - de-decor period furniture. The Bhanwar
Vilas Palace still belongs to the successors of the Royal family. However,
the Palace has been converted into a Hotel to serve the current visitors.
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Festivals in
Karauli |
In Karauli, one animal fair and two religious fairs are held. The
religious fairs are held in March - April and Sept - Oct at the temple of Kaila Devi. The Animal fair is
held at Karauli in the month of February every year for a week which
coincides with the festival of Shivratri. This fair is one of the oldest
animal fairs of Rajasthan where every year thousands of animals of all
kinds are brought for sale/purchase. Here one can see the trading of
animals, the animal owners camping, shops selling colourful and attractive
items for use and decoration of the animals. In the end of the fair,
various competitions are held to judge the outstanding specimens. Then the
animal fair gets converted in a commodity fair where spices, handicrafts
items and household goods of all kinds are traded. |
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How to reach Karauli |
By Air
The nearest airports are Jaipur and Agra which are
situated about 182 kms. away.
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Gangapur City, about 31
kms and Hindaun, about 30 kms, both on the main
Delhi-Mumbai Broad gauge Line, where almost all the trains
running between Mumbai and Delhi Stop.
By Road
Karauli is
situated only 64 kms off the well known Jaipur-Agra
Highway.
To know the distances
from Karauli
click
here. |
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