|
 History
: Kota
was established by Maharao Madho Singh around 1264. It is situated at
the bank of Chambal River. Kota is heart of Hadoti region of Rajasthan,
famous for kota stone industry, Chemical industry, Kota Doria Saree,
Electrical power generation, market of agriculture products and many
more things. It attains its position at top on industrial map of
Rajasthan as well as of India.
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.
The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi,
Baran, Jhalawar and Kota is a treasure of history dating back to several
centuries. Prehistoriccaves,paintings,formidable forts and the mighty
chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region.
When Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil Chieftain Koteya in a battle,
he raised the first battlement or the 'Garh'(fort) over his severead
head. The Independant state of kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao
Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by
the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to
become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful.
Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held
a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have
the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of chambal river and
is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of
Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic
power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of
Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home
memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling palaces, exquisitely
wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificient foil to its
exotic wildlife and delicate fresco Paintings. Situtated on the banks of
the Chambal River,at an important juncture of the trade route between
Delhi and Gujrat, Kota is Rjasthan's Fifth Largest City. This
Bustling,sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the
state.
The tentacles of the modern world have the city in its grip with the
Chambal Valley Project giving it a major position on the state's
industrial map. Chemicals,fertilizers, synthetic fibres, tyrecord and
sophisticated instruments, industry's mainstay, have helped in pushing
this ancient city into the forefront of modernisation. Yet memories of
its ancient links linger strongly. Present Day Kota owes its foundations
to a Kotya Bhil warrior who 800 years ago built a small fortification at
akelgarh and put up a protective mud-wall around it all the way to
Retwali. In 1580, Rao Madho Singh strenghtened both the fortification
and the wall. In time to come, Kota acquired the Hallmark of rajput
power as well as culture.
 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 and 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.
|
