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Bundi- A Tour

Sights to see
economy
Transportation
FAIRS
Climate
Land  
HISTORY               

     

Nestled in a fold of the Aravlli hills, Bundi bristles with medieval enchantment. Its fortifications house palaces and apartments, artificial lakes and waterside pavilions. Ruled by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its Rasleela frescos.

Administrative Setup:There are two sub-divisions in the district viz., Bundi and Nainwa. These two sub-divisions are further divided into four tehsils.

Languages :Rajasthani, Hindi, English.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sights to see

Taragarh fort :The town's Rajput legacy is well preserved in the shape of the massive Taragarh fort ( it is also known as Star Fort )which broods over the town in the narrow valley below and the huge palace which stands beneath it. This Fort was built in 1354. It is reached by a steep road leading up the hill side to its enormous gateway, topped by rampant elephants. Inside are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which is mounted a famous cannon. Views over the town and surrounding countryside are excellent. The Palace is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. It is massed across a rocky height , approached by a road of stone steps and ramps meant for horsemen and chariots. Here, the Chitra Mahal is an absolute delight. In a gallery built around a sunken court open to the sky, there are beautiful murals done in the Bundi style of miniature paintings. Above the palace, accessed through the impressive Elephant Gate are the royal apartments, murals, balconies, corbels, pavilions, fretted windows, domes.Sunset dusts the memorial pavilions, or Chhatris, of the former rulers with gold. This quiet place is set in a grove of old trees and the high platforms of the memorials are decorated with horses and elephants. Bundi has a couple of beautiful baoris (step wells) right in the centre of town.

Trust: Shri Digamabar jain Parsvanath atisay kshetra committee; Bijolia Dist. Bhilwara;State - Rajasthan, India.

Garh Palace :A complex of various palaces, built by rulers of different times. Hugging the steep hillside, the complex looks like a checkerboard when viewed from above. This magnificent structure is a fine example of the Rajput architecture housing some of the superb Bundi landscape including Chitrashala, a fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace.  
 
Rani Ji Ki Baori :Right in the centre of the town are a couple of extremely awe-inspiring baoris or step wells. The largest of its kind, is 46 mts deep and endowed with intricate carvings. Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, the steps leading down to the water are framed with soaring pillars. Panels, depicting images displaying animal-human evolution, have been carved in the images of avatars.Largest of its kind, with beautifully carved walls and pillars and the high arched gate is this stepwell of the Bundi queen, who took baths here at religious occasions.
 
 
Chaurasi Khambo ki Chhatri :This 84-pillared cenotaph was raised in the memory of Deva, the son of the wet nurse of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh. Built on a high platform this unique double story cenotaph has a large Shivlinga at the center, which makes it both a temple as well as a cenotaph.
 

Chitrashala :beautiful pavilion and gallery of fascinating murals in the miniature style. The walls areadorned with elaborate painting depicting scenes from the Ragmala and Raslila, the RA adha-Krishna legends. The colour scheme of all these paintings is blue, green, turquoise on white with touches of terracotta or yellow. Bundi Wall paintings are famous all over the world. These palaces are part of Garh Palace. 

 

CHATRAMAHAL, RATAN DAULAT AND BADAL MAHAL:Dooms and galleries full of murals of Bundi Miniature Paintings. The colour schemes of these paintings are red, golden and blue. Although these palaces are private property of the Maharaja and are not open for public. But any body can visit these places with the help of Maharaja's staff.
 

SUKH MAHAL ( PALACE OF BLISS) :
This summer palace where Rudyard Kipling stayed when he visited Bundi in late 19th Century. This magnificent summer palace was constructed during the reign of Rao Raja Vishnu Singh. It is said that an underground tunnel runs from Sukh Mahal to Taragarh Fort.
 
SHIKAR BURJ (HUNTING LODGE):It was royal hunting lodge. Nestled in the woods amidst lush greenery, it is a beautiful picnic spot.The Rajputana of yore, set amidst the great Thar, the only desert of the sub-continent, is known not only for the sizzling heat and the dunes but also for the warmth in the hearts of the people. Considered as the most colourful region of India , this exotic land of valiance and chivalry has an unusual diversity in all its forms, people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, and cuisine etc. It is the land of superlatives, everything here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating. Rajasthan is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and havelis. We will confine ourselves only with the southern Rajasthan - The Hadoti region that is BUNDI, the least explored land of Rajasthan.  The Remote but fascinating town of Bundi deserves more than a short visit. It is reputed among the tourists for its palaces, step wells and water tanks. Countless monuments spread the city reflects the peaks of the architectural excellence achieved during the days of yore. The huge frescos depicting the glory of Rajput rulers are the special attractions.
 
Menal :In the middle of beautifully wooded revives is a gorge of the Menal river and the ruins of what used to be the mountain retreat of thegreat Raja Prithviraj Chauhan. On the banks of river are the ruins of an ancient palace and a complex of beautiful temples dating 12th century. The waterfalls here are in stark contrast of the image one usually holds of Rajasthan Haveli Braj Bhushanjee invites you to explore the rich heritage and culture of BUNDI. Your every moment will be caught and held in its history. Bundi is a dream remembered. Nestling at the footsteps of a large craggy hill, Bundi, named after Bunda Meena, was established by Rao Deva in 1241 A.D. The large dominating complex of fort and palaces, hugging the steep hillside, is mainly made of two- Garh-Palace and Taragarh-Fort.
 
Jait Sagar Lake (3 km):A picturesque lake cradled in the hills, built by Jaita Meena. The swirling fountain at night is a visual delight.

Rameshwaram (20 km):The cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.

Keshavraipatan (45 km.):  It is an ancient city famous for the temple of Keshavraiji (Vishnu). The architecture and sculpture at this temple is unique. It was constructed in the year 1601 A.D. by Maharaja Shatrusal of Bundi. A famous Jain temple is also there.
Ramgarh (45 km):The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa road. One needs to take permission for the State Forest Department prior to a visit to the sanctuary.An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi Chittaurgarh road. On the side of the fort is a large temple of Lord Shiva in its center with a fine image of Lord Ganesha standing as a guardian at the entrance. A carved archway leads to the temple.
Nawal Sagar: Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar, broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water, stands half submerged in the center of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake – making it a unique attraction of Bundi

Talwas (53 km):A magnificent fort built by the ruler Ajit Singh. A temple of Dhooleshwar Mahadev and a picturesque water adjoining the fort are worth a visit. The beautiful Ratna Sagar Lake is close by and it’s a haven for fauna like bear and deer during the monsoon.

Dugari (65 km):  Remnants of ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort of Dugari.

Indragarh (77 km):The Indragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The palace is also famous for wall paintings.

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Economy   

Major Crops and Their Production:Production: 1999-00) (Tonnes), Paddy 76,293, Jowar 5,394, Maize 28,828, Pulses 13,202, Sesamum 315, Groundnut 1,036, Sugarcane 2,39,301, Red chillies 201, Wheat 2,69,295, Barley 1,889, Gram 7,626, Rapeseed and Mustard 1,11,692 .

Minerals:The major minerals found in the district are limestone and silica sand. The minor minerals quarried are sandstone, marble, bajri, masonary stone, marrum and China clay.


Production: 1999-00 (Tonnes), Lime Stone 4,36,000, Masonary Stone 1,33,980, Silica Sand 14,981, Sand Stone 11,96,926, Marble 1,859, Granite 27 .

Infrastructure:

Electricity: In Bundi district, the distribution of power is controlled through 2 big 132 KV sub-centers. These sub-centers are located in Bundi and Lakheri. To strengthen and make regular power supply, a new sub-centre is being constructed at village Namana, panchayat samiti Talera. As of 31 March 2000, 820 villages were electrified.

Water: There has been a gradual increase in the canal irrigated area over the years. The two tehsils – Bundi and Keshoraipatan are in the Chambal compound area. The major sources of irrigation in Bundi and Keshoraipatan are canals, while in tehsils of Hindoli and Nainwa the major source of irrigation is wells.

Educational Facilities/Institutions:(No.) Primary Schools 933, Middle Schools 341, Higher Secondary and Secondary Schools 89, Degree Colleges 2, Special Commercial Schools 3, ITI 3 .

Industrial Scenario: No. of Large and Medium Scale Units: 5, No. of Small Scale Units: 2,211, No of Industrial Areas: 5, Bswari-Govindpur, Bundi By-pass, Bundi-Nainwa Road, Bundi Chittorgarh, Indergarh.

Main Existing Industries:General engineering, Oil mill, Oil refinery, Paper, Poha making, Portland cement, Rice milling, Stone cutting, Polishing, Sugar

Export Items:Cement, Rice .

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Transportation and Communication

Road Transport: The National Highway No.12 (Jaipur-Jabalpur) passes through Hindoli tehsil in the north and Bundi tehsil in the south. The total road length of this road in the district is 64 kms and total road length in the district is 1,526 kms.

Rail Transport: The nearest railway station to Bundi city is Bundi road. The two rail routes passing through the district are Delhi-Bombay and Kota-Chittorgarh route on broad gauge. The total railway line in the district is 126 kms.

Air Transport: The nearest airport is Jaipur (202 kms) .

Communication Facilities: (No.) Post offices and Telegraph offices 207, Telephone exchanges 37, Public call offices 512 .

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Fairs

Fairs & Festivals:

Festival of Kajli Teej (July/August): This is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra, unlike Teej, which is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana. A procession takes place for two days from the Nawal Sagar to the nearby Azad park. Cultural performances by the local artists as well as artists from the Hadoti region are part of the celebrations. The festivities continue till the eighth day, finally ending on Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

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CLIMATE  


Climate and Rainfall:The district is generally dry except during the monsoon or winter rains,.Maximum temperature is 42.6 degrees celsius,Minimum temperature is 29.7 degrees celsius,.Normal annual rainfall in the district is 76.41 cms.
Temperatures in summer
: 43.0 deg C.
, in winter: 30.7 deg. C .
Rainfall
: 75 cm.
Best season
: August-February
Clothing
: Summer- light tropical
Winter
- light woolen
Latitude
: 25.27 N
Longitude
:75.41 E

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Land       

Area:5,550 sq. kms. (1.62 per cent of the State)

Location:The district is situated in the south-eastern part of Rajasthan. It is bound in the north by Tonk, in the west by Bhilwara and on the south-west by Chittorgarh districts. The river Chambal forms the southern and eastern boundaries separating the Bundi and Kota territories. The southern tehsils of Bundi forms a wedge between Bhilwara and Kota and also touches Chittorgarh district.

Distance from major cities:Jaipur-202 kms., Delhi-483 kms., Ahmedabad-827 kms., Mumbai-1,378 kms.

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History                                            

A moment in history caught and held. Bundi is a dream remembered - named after Bunda, a Meena chieftain. A Rajput town so ancient that one gets the feeling of having stumbled upon a page of history.Bundi and Kota were once a singly principality ruled by the Hada Chauhans, an offshoot of the famous clan of Chauhans who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Sultan Mohammed Ghori in 1193, the Chauhan nobles sought sanctuary in Mewar. They were welcomed and proved allies to the Rana.Yet some young warriors ventured on their own overpowered the Meena and Bhil Tribals of Chambal valley and established the kingdom of Hadavati or Hadoti. Later two branches of the Hadas formed two separate states on either sides of the Chambal. These were Kota and Bundi. Bundi town nestles in a narrow valley, enclosed by huge walls and fortified by four gateways.In the centre of the township lies a lake. A medieval fortress stands sentinel to this city - amute witness to history and time. Bundi is famous for its intricate paintings and murals.Bundi lies embraced by hills, the capital of the Hada Rajputs who established their craggy stronghold in these forested hills, but fate and the forces of power created Kotah, a breakaway part of Bundi that went on to become larger and more powerful than its parent state. And yet, the strength and the delicacy of the fort of Bundi has not been recaptured by that in Kotah. The size of both forts is impressive, and their collection of royal memorabilia recounts centuries past. Both Bundi and Kotah, fortunate to be located close to the river Chambal, and fringed by ravines, have attempted to create palaces around waterbodies, whether it is delicate pavilions set afloat amidst water in Bundi, or complete palaces such as Jal Mahal set upon lake-islands in Kotah. When in Bundi don't forget to visit the waterfalls on the Menal river. The small sleepy town of Bundi, a rather unexplored city with rich historical wealth, is surrounded by the Aravali hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Impressive medieval forts, palaces and temples with beautiful stone idols and chhatris(Cenotaphs) with carved pillars along with a scenic lake in the heart of the town that add to its charm. In 1193 A. D. when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammad Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Handoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

 

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