|
. |
|
v
|
Once known as Mewat, the Rajput kingdom came under Muslim domination during the 13th - 18th centuries with intermittent attempts to win it back which, Kachchawaha prince succeeded in doing in 1771. Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces, not all open to the public. Administrative Set-up:Alwar, Behror, Rajgarh and Kishangarhbas are four sub-divisions in the district. The district consists of ten tehsils, seven sub-tehsils and six Nagar Palikas.Languages :Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English | |||||||
|
|
Sights to
see
Sariska:A tiger reserve, Sariska is densely wooded, making sightings difficult, though the picturesque park is also home to deer, langurs and avifauna.Maharaja Jai Singh and Vieny Singh were instrumental in setting up this museum, which is housed in a portion of the old city palace of Alwar. It has a representative collection of sculpture of the region, paintings and manuscripts, and a number of articles belonging to the royal family of Alwar, such as textiles, royal robes, turbans and ceremonial gowns. Items from the palace, such as hookah stands, fly whisks, pen holders, plates, boxes and ornamental vases stand witness to the eclectic tastes of 19th century Indian royalty. the strangest object is a silver dining table with a motor that moves water around it, giving the illusion of it being a floating fish.The museum has a large display of arms, including ornamental and ceremonial shields inlaid with gold and silver. swords and the katar (dagger) with a variety of different types of hilts - some worked with metals, some ivory, even walrus bone, crystal and jade inlaid with precious stones - are on display.Fro the lover of traditional Indian art , it is the painting and manuscript sections that are the most interesting. the museum has a copy of the famous Gulistan (The Rose Garden), written in 1258. the entire manuscript is beautifully illustrated by artists of Alwar. Paintings from the Alwar school of the 19th century include a series of the incarnations of Vishnu and a Ragamala series, and there are some late Mughal paintings, as well as portraits of the Alwar royal family. Another curiosity of the museum is an illustrated scroll, written on a single sheet some 80 yards long, of hand-made Kashmir paper. the extraordinary calligraphy has to be read with a powerful magnifying glass. Sariska Tiger Reserve: The picturesque jungles of Sariska have tigers, wild boars, spotted deer, blue bulls, etc in good numbers. The protected park can be visited in jeep safaris. The best way is to stay in the pleasant Sariska Palace (located within the forest) and take two or three wildlife safaris at different times of the day. There is another picturesque location a few miles away by the side of Lake Siliserh, where one can consider staying. Nestled in the quaint surroundings of Aravali, this thickly wooded part throbs with life , it is a marvel of ecological adaptation and endurance . it is not only a delight for wildlife lovers but also for followers of art and archaeology.There are about three hundred Hindu and jain temples constructed between the eighth and the twelfth centuries ,which have great mythological, religious as well as historical significance. The tiger reserve features dry open deciduous forests sprawling over a vast tract of rolling hills and valleys, lovely springs cascading through the hills,numerous valuable sites of geological and historical interests and above all, a rich and varied exotic fauna constituting tiger ,leopards, and hyena,jungle cat,sambar , chital, nilgai, chausingha, jackal, wild boars ,wild dogs, langurs and rhesus monkeys. Avifauna varies with shrike, parakeet, Partridge, crested serpent eagle, red spurfowls, quail, sandgrouse, dove ,vultures, owl, treeple & golden backed woodpecker, Babbles & bulbuls. The sanctuary houses ruined temples, a fort ,pavilions and palace. Entry fee for the Sariska Century : Bus Rs 100/- Mini Bus Rs 50/- Diesal jeep Rs 100/- Petrol jeep/car Rs 75/- CITY PALACE:The City Palace ("Vinay Vilas" as it is officially called) was built in 1793 by Raja Bakhtawar Singh at the foot of a rugged towering hill and was handed to over the centuries by his successors.The Elegant City Palace The palace is marriage of Rajput and Mughal styles - an almost baroque profusion of arches , balconies pavilions and porticoes, with an accent on bangaldar eaves, which seem characteristic of northeastern Rajasthan/ Once this palace was part of the Maharajas ornate lifestyle and housed, among other things, a drinking cup cut out of a single emerald in its treasury and a mammoth, double storied four-elephant carriage in its stables. Today however the palaces has been converted into the district's collectorate, and its hall and chambers have a been turned into government offices. Neemrana Fort:The Neemrana Fort-Palace is situated on a majestic plateau concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravali ranges, considered the oldest fold mountains in the world. The beginnings of this rugged architectural jewel which rises to nine levels, date back to 1464 AD, making it India's oldest heritage resort. Conveniently located just off the Delhi-Jaipur highway, Neemrana is Rajasthan's closest palace to India's capital. Today the property covers 10 hectares/25 acres. Thirty five well-appointed rooms, Hill Side View furnished in an eclectic mixture of traditional Indian and colonial furniture, welcome discerning travellers. Evocative public spaces, lend themselves to memorable overnight conferences. In the short period since Neemrana opened its doors to the world, it has earned a reputation for its Rajasthani and French cuisiness.The picturesque site of Neemrana Fort Palace was chosen by the Chauhan ruler Raja Rajdeo. Today the property covers 10 hectares/25 and the stepped palaces variously built over 5 centuries cut into the hillside to sprawl over 1.2 hectares/3 acres. Along the southern ramparts hanging gardens have now been laid. A short walk away lies the amazing underground stepwell that once also served as a caravan serai.Twenty five well-appointed rooms furnished in an eclectic mixture of traditional Indian and colonial furniture welcome discerning travellers. Evocative public spaces lend themselves to memorable overnight conferences. First sighted in 1977, the splendid ruins of this fort-palace have been sensitively restored since 1986. The work continues in the back wings for the guests to see and participate in. The clean, fresh breeze blows through the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Breezes. Under the clear star-lit skies a guest remarks 'This must be a million-star hotel!' Most suites and rooms have private balconies, terraces or sit-outs facing panoramic vistas. Even the bathrooms have been designed to have views of the magical countryside below. In the short period since Neemrana opened its doors to the world, it has earned a reputation for its Rajasthani mango curry, gatta and kair sangri, just as for its French quiches and gigot, its lemon mousse and profiteroles. The beginnings of this rugged architectural jewel date back to 1464 AD making it India's oldest heritage resort. Conveniently located just off the Delhi-Jaipur highway, Neemrana is Rajasthan's closest palace to India's capital. Bala Quila Fort:This is a huge fort,with its five kms of ramparts stands 300 mts. above the city.Predating the time of Pratap Singh, it is one of the very few forts in Rajasthan which was constructed before the rise of Moghuls. Unfortunately, because the fort now houses a radio transmitter station,it can only be visited with special permission. The way to the fort goes near the collectrate office in the city. it is a climb up to the hill with panaromic view all around. In the way one can see the temple of Godess Karani Mata.The fort is believed to be constructed by Nikumbh Rajputs in 928 AD. It then passd in to the hands of the Jats and the Mughals.In 1775 AD the fort was conquered by Maharao Raja Pratap Singh ,the founder of the Alwar State.The fort is 595 mts. above the sea level and 304 mts. above the city , and extends about 5 kms from north and south and 1.6 kms from east and west. It has 15 large and 51 small towers, which contains 446 loopholes for the musketry.And eight towers all around defend it .There are 3,599 kanguras ,each containing two loopholes for musketry. The fort can be entered through six gates, namely Jai Pol, Suraj pol, laxman Pol, laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Krishan Pol and Andheri Gate.Most of the structure inside the fort are in the ruins,but they reflect the grandeur of the bygone era. the are remains of Jai mahal, Nikhumbh Mahal ,Salim Sagar Pond,Suraj kund and many other temples. A dilapidated fortress, built in V.S. 1106(about 1049 AD) by Alagh rai and extended by his successors, also exists overhere.The most distinguished visitors to the fort were the Mughal Emperors Babur who stayed overnight, and Akbar the Great,on his way to Fatehpur Sikri in 1579. Prince Salim son of Akbar also resided here during his exile, the palace where he stayed is called as Salim Mahal which is now in the ruins.Siliserh Lake
and Palace Hotel(13Km):-An
idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscape of wooded hills and
beautiful chhatris on the embankment of the 10.5 km placid lake. A
magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge, built by Maharaja
Vinay Singh in 1845 A.D. for his queen Shila stands overlooking the
lake. Now converted as the Hotel Lake Palace, it offers boating and
sailing facilities and is a delight for the trigger-happy
photographers and film makers. Best time for a drive in the century is between 6:30 AM to 4 PM: Bharthari
Ji :A
throbbing pilgrimage center which revels around the legend of King
Bharthari who wandered about in exile in penance for his suspicion
against his younger brother Vikramaditya (The famous king of Malwa) Vijay
Mandir :The
royal residence of Maharaja Jai Singh was built in 1918. The largely
uninhabited palace is a window into the lifestyle of the royal. The
migratory birds and water fowls can be observed feeding on small
fish in the small lake beside the palace. On the occasion of Ram
Navami, a large number of devotees visit the Sita Ram temple,
situated here. Pandupol :The
metalled road commencing from Sanctuary gate ends at this temple
dedicated to Lord hanuman.This is backed by the delightful sight of
Pandupol or Pandu gate where a cascading spring emerges from hard
and compact rocks.:legend has it that Pandava brothers took refuge
here during the exile.Access through the park gate,distance 20 kms Neelkanth :An arduous, bumpy drive of 8 kms taking off from a Tehla Village is very well compensated by an overwhelming view of ruins of several ten centuries old,fabulously carved temple which stand studded on a small hillock surrounded on all sides by forest covered hills.Particularly remarkable is the highly venerated Shiva temple where worship is done even today and the single stone giant structure of 23rd Jain Tirthankar locally known as "Nogaza".Access through the park gate, Distance 47 kms.
| |||||||
|
Economy
Minerals:Production:
1999-00 (Tonnes) Felspar 330,Quartz 73, Steatite 440 Electricity: As of March 2000, 1,921 villages have benn electrified out of 1,946 villages in the district. Water: The water is generally fresh and potable. Irrigation in the district is mostly done by dug wells, energized tube-wells and canals emanating from irrigation tank, like Jaisamand, Siliserh, Mangulasar, Baleti and Deooti. Educational
Facilities/Institutions:(No.) Primary and Middle Schools -3,578
Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools 332 -Colleges 11 Agricultural
Research-Center 1 Polytechnic- College 1 ITI 4 Main Industries: Major industries in the district are Bone china crockery, caustic soda, cement, ceramic tiles, C.P.W.dyes and chemicals, edible oil, electronics, engineering machines, GI and CI pipes, granits slabs and tiles, hand tools, hawai chappals, high aluminica fire bricks, leather shoes, lime bricks, marble slabs and tiles, medicines, mineral grinding, oil refinery, paper, pesticiles, plastic containers, plywood, seed processing, sunmica, surgical needles, synthetic suitings, synthetic yarn, telephone instrument, transformers, truch, tractors and mop eds and white goods. Export items: Audio/video cassettes, bone china crockery, cut flower, leather shoes, medicine, synthetic yarn, telephone instruments and woolen carpets.
| ||||||||
|
|
Transportation
and Communication
Road Transport: The National Highway No.8 passes through the distict. Behror, an important city of the district is on the route connecting Jaipur with Delhi. A State Highway also runs from Alwar to Bharatpur. The total length of roads in the district is about 3,511 kms. as of March 2000. Rail Transport: Alwar is the biggest railway station in the district, situated on Delhi-Jaipur broad gauge section of Western Railway. There is 158 kms of railway track in the district. The district is well connected by rail to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mathura and other major towns of Rajasthan like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, etc. Air Transport: The nearest airport is Jaipur airport at a distance of 143 kms. Communication
Facilities:(No.) Post offices 492- Telegraph offices 82-Telephone
exchanges 100- Public call offices 1073 | |||||||
|
|
Fairs
Sawan
:Teej is
a well known and is celebrated in honour of Parvati . It is held in
the month of August. Jagannath Fair
:is celebrated in the month of July and Bhartrihari and Pandupol
festivals fall in the month of August whish are celebrated with
great zeal .
| |||||||
|
Climate and Rainfall:The district has a dry climate with hot summer, a cold winter and a short monsoon season.,During May the maximum temperature is around 41 degrees celsius and minimum is around 28 degrees celsius,During January the maximum temperature is around 23 degrees celsius and minimum arouond 8 degrees celsius,.The normal annual rainfall in the district is 57.77 cms.,The average humidity: 70 per cent . Climate :Mean Max. Mean Min. Summer :37.0° C 24.0° C Winter :31.0° C 11.0° C Rainfall :50 to 62 cms. Summer :Light Tropical Winter : Woolen Best Season : September-February | |||||||
 |
Land
Area 8,380 sq.kms. (2.45 per cent of the State) Location: Alwar district is situated in the North-Eastern part of Rajasthan. It is bounded in the North by Gurgaon of Haryana, Bharatpur district on North-East and Mahendragarh of Haryana. Jaipur lies in the South-West and Dausa in the south. Distance from Major Cities: Jaipur-143 kms., Delhi-155 kms,. Ahmedabad-768 kms., Mumbai-1319 kms Altitude : 268 Mts. Latitude : 27.74 N Longitude : 76.38 E | |||||||
 |
History
The erstwhile state of
Alwar,
in North Eastern Rajasthan, is possibly the oldest kingdom in
kingdom-studded Rajasthan. In 1500 BC it formed a part of the Matsya
territories of Viratnagar (present-day Bairat), which also
encompassed Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli. History becomes
inextricably bound with mythology, as it was here in the ancient
kingdom of Matsya. The city of Alwar is believed to have founded by
a member of the Kachh family who hailed from Amber, but control was
wrested from the Kachhwahas of Nikumbhas. They in turn lost the city
to Bada Gurjara Rajputs of Machari. It passed to the Khanzadas,
under Bah Nahara of Mewar, who converted from Hinduism to Islam to
win the favour of Emperor Tughlaq of Delhi. At this time, Alwar was
part of the kingdom of Mewar. |
