This diverse
state is home to the rajputs, warrior clans claimed to originate from the sun,
moon and fire, who have controlled this part of India for more than 1000 years.
While they forget temporary alliances and marriages of convenience, pride and
independence were always paramount with the result that much of their energy was
spent squabbling among themselves and resultant weakness eventually led to their
becoming vassals of the Mughal Empire. With the Mughal empire declining the Rajput
gradually clawed back their independence atleast until the British arrived.
As the Raj inexorably expanded, most Rajput states allied with the British which
allowed them to continue as independent states, subject to certain political and
economic constraints.
Bundi
is the undiscovered splendour, 36 Kms from Kota ruled by the Hada Chauhans.
The palaces and forts have fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent,
this picturesque location has much to offer. Rajput architecture shines and in
the intricately carved brackets, pillars etc. Interesting places are Diwan-e-
aam, Hati Pol, and Naubat Khana.
Sight
seeing of Bundi
Sukh
Niwas Palaces: Sukh Niwas
Palaces evokes memories of RUDYARD KIPLING who not only stayed here but found
inspiration for his famous work KIM.
Sar
Bagh: SAR BAGH has 66 royal cenotaphs. Step wells (Bawari) are
another prominent highlights of Bundi, these served as water reservoirs in the
months of summers, there were over 50 wells but many of them had to suffer the
ravages of the time. The CHHATAR MAHAL is adorned with beautiful wall paintings
of the famous Bundi School. And so are the ZANANA MAHAL (palace for the queens)
and BADAL MAHAL
Phool Sagar: The PHOOL SAGAR is an excellent and well-planned structure as also
the decoration of this Rajput edifice, and the same beauty lies in the massive
TARAGARH. This little town has yet retained a medieval atmosphere. Bundi is not
exactly a tourist tramping ground but never the less, this adds on to its appeal
with a curiosity to explore it. The look of the town has a Bluish hue same as
that of Jodhpur. With no renovating desire, the art is in a crumbling state of
disrepair. The original history claims that Bundi was once the capital of the
great HADOTI KINGDOM. But then KOTA in 1624 was separated as an independent state
and thus the journey of Bundi downfall started. A prominent author approached
BUNDI, He came, He saw and He created RUDYARD KIPLING's inspiration took birth
in the state of Bundi and so inspired was he by the enchanting set up that he
captured its images and applied them to his works.
Taragarh
fort:
It
was built in 1345 and is great ramble around at leisure. This is rather a ramshackle
fort, with its overgrown vegetation. The view over the town and surrounding countryside
from the top are magical, especially at sun set. Inside the ramparts are huge
reservoirs carved out of solid rock, and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battle-
fields, on which there is mounted a famous cannon. Taragarh is reached by steep
road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway. Take a path up behind the
chitra Shala, go east along the inside of the ramparts then left up the steep
stone ramp just before the Dudha Mahal, a small disused building 200m from the
palace.