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.
An
amazing, juxtaposition of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization,
mainly the Hydro Electric Plant on the Chambal River and the Nuclear Power Plant
has a few traces of its past still left. The fort overlooking the river Chambal
is the foremost tourist attraction. It also houses the museum with a rich collection
of art and artefacts and some elaborately painted chambers.
Earlier it was a part of Bundi state, but
later it grew to be a bigger state. What retains the past glory are the untouched
wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and temples dating back over several
centuries. These temples were conquered by the Hada chieftain Rao Deva. It was
at the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir that Rao Ratan Singh gifted this territory
to his son Madho Singh. The Kota state reflects in the form of a beautiful collection
of Stone Idols (murties) in the Raj Mahal, embellished with gold stained glass
work on the walls, the silver mirror work on ceilings and the marvelous wall paintings.
More... JHALAWAR The princely state of the Jhalas created in 1838 AD, after being
separated from Kota by the British. It is best explored by foot within the city
and a horse safari in the outskirts as Jhalawar boasts of rich natural wealth,
with flora and fauna as active.
Since
it is situated at the edge of the Malwa Plateau it has rocky but water laden verdant
landscape unlike much of Rajasthan, with some exquisite pre-historic cave paintings,
massive forts, thick woody forests, exotic wild life variety and a lush country
side which has Red poppy fields, orange laden orchards making it look fascinating
and colourful during winters.