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Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River
lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and
modern industrialisation temples its untouched wealth of impressive forts,
opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries
retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have
made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the
12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered
the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early
17th century AD 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.
The commanding fort stands overlooking the
modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi
Sagar,Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. An old palace,dating back to
the time when Kota was under the control of Hada Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces
the Kota Barrage. The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror 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
the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,Jag Mandir-and island Palace, a splendid haveli
(mandion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
PRIME
SITES
Chambal GardenA beautifully
landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a
popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boar rides.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum
Situated in the old palace, the museum has a superb collelction of Rajput
miniature paintings of the Kota school,exquisite sculptures,frescoes and
armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used
by the Kota rulers.
The Government MuseumHoused
in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich
collection of rare coins,manuscripts and a representative selection of
Hadoti sculpture.Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue
brought here from Baroli.
Timings: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Entry Fee:
Rs.2/-
Closed on every Friday and Government holidays.
Photography is prohibited. A prior permission has to be obtained from the
Director of Archaeology and Museums,Jaipur.
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Jag Mandir Amid the picturesque artificial lake
of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi,
stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around
the red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty.Boat-rides can be enjoyed
in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the
vicinity.
Haveli of 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.
Kota Barrage A part of the
irrigation canal system on the Chambal River,this beautiful setting is
ideal for outings and evening strolls.
Other Places worth visiting
- Kansua temple with
a four faced Shiva Lingam,
- Bhitria Kund
- Adhar Shila
- Budh Singh Bafna
haveli
- Yatayat Park.
EXCURSIONS
Bardoli (48 km) The oldest
and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating back to the
9th century A.D. lies on the way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. The
intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraj (Shiva)-the cosmic
dancer on the door of the mandap,offer fine examples of craftsmanship.
Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.
Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh
(50-55 km) Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the
Chambal River and a village lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst
scenic surroundings. An ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way
is an idyllic picnic spot.
Bhanddeora Temple(Ramgarh)
(110 km) Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh hill, is the
11th-12th century temple now in ruins. Easily
approachable by jeep and car.
The Remains of Garhgachh (110
km) The 9th and 13th century AD temples in red
stone, situated in the Baran district near Atru (30 km).
Nahargarh Fort (145 km) An
impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of the
Mughal architecture.
Sitabari (120 km) An ideal
picnic spot,situated near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district on
the way to Kota-Shiv Puri. The old temples of Sita,Laxman and seven water
tanks are worth a visit. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in
May/June every year.
Shergarh (125 km) A historic
fort near Barora 10 km in Atru Tehsil in the Baran district.
Fort of Shahbad and Mosque
(160 km) The fort was constructed in 1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler
Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest in Rajasthan and was built during the
reign of Aurangazeb.
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50
km.) An erstwhile royal hunting preserve,it is a thickly wooded sanctuary
lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain
range. The wildlife variety includes panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild
boar and bear.
Rock Paintings of Alaniya (25
km) Beautiful rock paintings adorn the bank of the River
Alaniya.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
- Area : 193.58 sq. km.
- Altitude : 251.1
metres
- Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
- Summer : 42.6 degree C 29.7
degree C
- Winter : 24.5 degree C 11.6 degree C
- Rainfall : 88
cms.
- Best Season : Oct-Feb.
- Clothing : Summer light
tropical
- Winter: light woolen
- Language : English ,Hindi,
Rajasthani.
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