A word about the founder
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh...
To check the increasing incursions
of the Marathas, Madho Singh the ruler of Jaipur requested the imperial emperor
for the grant of the fort of Ranthambhore, but did not succeed. He therefore fortified
sherour and named it sawai Madhopur, in 1765 AD . in the same year the emperor
assigned the fort of Ranthambhore to the Jaipur Raja. Therefore, the history of
the region is a part of the history of the eastwhile Jaipur State.
The
mediaval history of the district is mainly the history of Ranthambhore and former
State of Karauli. Ranthambhore was one of the strongest forts of medival India
and is linked to the philanthropy of Prithviraj , the rular of Shakambhari who
had golden cupolas put on the Jain temple of Ranthambhore.
 | After
the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 AD, the Mughal empire rapidly disintegrated and
petty ceiftains started carving new principalities and building their power .
Maharaja sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur State (1751-1768 AD) fortified Sherpur and
renamed it it sawaiMadhopur in 1765.Lying on the main Delhi - Mumbai railway line
, Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the Ranthabhor Fort and the famous Ranthambhor
National Park.Palace to see |
Ranthambhore
Fort :
The history of sawai Madhopur revolves around the
Ranthambhore fort. It is still not known for certain who built this Fort and when….one
opinion is that it was built in 944AD.
The strength and inaccessibility
of the fort was a challenge to the ambitions rulers of ancient and medieval India,
particularly those of Delhi and Agra. The eminent ruler of the fort was Rao Hamir
who ruled around 1296 AD.
History relates that none of the rulers had
a peaceful spell inspite of its strong geographical strength. Remnants of marvelous
architectural monuments , ponds and lakes enlighten avide lovers of the subject.
This great fort inspires patriotism, valour and love. Every part reflects the
ancient character of Indian culture and philosophy.
There are various
places of historical intrest inside the fort namely Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri,
Samanton ki Haveli, 32 Pillared Chhatri, a Masque and the Ganesh Temple.
The
Ganesh temple is a major attraction of the fort. Thousands of people come from
every corner of the country and seek blessings of the Lord for happiness and prosperity.
One interesting aspect is the mail sent to lord Ganesha, consisting mainly of
wedding invitations. A fair is held on Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi over here.
Sight
Seeing of Sawai Madhopur
Ranthambhore
National Park:
Ranthambhore
National Park is situated 14 kms from Sawai Madhopur . the Park derives its name
from the Ranthambhore Fort situated within its precincts. The park is a remarkable
example of a precariously balanced arid ecosystem. Surrounded by the Vindhyas
and the Aravalis, amdist vast, arid and denuned tracts of the desert ecology of
Rajasthan, lies this oasis of biomass. The Ranthambhore National Park, spread
over an area of 392 sq. kms of thick forest with nullahs and waterfalls.
The vegetation of the Park is the tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn forest
type. Due to its hilly tract, water is confirmed to narrow valleys and some lakes.
Important tree species include Dhok. Flame of the forest , ber, Aam and Acocia
lenco Phleea , Padam talab and Malik Talab lake are a paradise for wildlife and
are full of Nymphaeas and Lotus. The herbivorous population includes chital, sambhar
blue bull , and chinkara. Sambhar deer is the pride of the Park. There is no park
in Asia where these largest of all Asiatic deers can be seen so frequently during
the day time. Wild boars and langurs are a common sight. Among the reptiles, crocodiles
can be seen basking in the sun near the lakes.
The tiger is the biggest
attraction of the park. According to naturalist, Ranthambhor is one of the best
parks in the country for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger.
Other carnivores in the Park include the Leoperd , Hyena, Jackal,Fox, caracal
, jungle cat and retal. Around 80 sloth bears are known to exist in the Park.
The Park has more than 300 varieties of birds. Common birds seen in the reserve
are peafowls , doves , partridges, stroks, egrets, flycatchers, eagles and owls.
During the winter months, migratory birds such as greylag goose, ruddy shelduck
and pintails are als seen. Some rare birds like the black eagle have also been
sighted in the Park recently. Recently , the Kaila Devi Sanctuary to the north-east
of Ranthambhore National Park , which is also famous for its tiger, and sawai
man Singh Sanctuary towards the south have been included in the Park and are now
a part of Ranthambhore National Park.
The dry deciduous forest of kaila
devi is spread over 676sq. kms. Besides the tiger, visitors can also see the leopard,
hyena, sambhar, chital, blue bull , fox, jungle cat, jackal, crocodile gharial
and a varity of birds.
Excursions
The
village near Sawai Madhopur town are famous for folk arts, especially for the
decorative sketches (Mandana) which adorn the walls of their mud houses. The pet
subjects of these Mandanas are animals, birds, flowers and village life.
Siwad (40 kms)
Siwad village
is known for the Ghusmeshwar Mahadeo temple dedicated to lord Shiva. Hundreds
of people come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity. An imposing
fort perched on a small hill is an added attraction of the place.
Siwad is
just 3 kms away from the Isarda railway Station.
Hathi
Bhata
On the route to Sawai Madhopur, just 10 kms, away from Kakod,
is Hathi Bhata, a hug life size stone elephant. Inscribed also on this rock is
the story of Raja Nal and Damyanti.
Mareshwar Mahadev : On the way to Ranthambhore
National Park, nested amidst the high hills, is the sacred Amreshwar Mahadeo temple.
Khandar fort (45kms)
The
imposing Khandar fort about 45 from Sawai Madhopur is worth visiting.
Chauth Mata Temple (25 kms)
25 kms from sawai madhopur and situated hill near Chauth Ka Barawara town, is
the famous temple of mother goddess.
Chamatkar
Temple
The Teple is dedicated to Rikhabdeo, the 1st Jain Tritankara.
Tonk
On the rout to Ranthambhore,
laying about 96 kms from Jaipur Tonk was once the stronghold of the pathan tribesmen
of Afganistan, who came to India seeking Zan, Zar, Zamin - Women, Gold and Land.
Over a millennia, this quiet little township became a pawn in the hands of numerous
rulers. Modern Tonk was, in fact, founded by Nawab Ameer Khan as a result of a
treaty with the British 1818. Tonk is a quaint amalgamation of cross-cultural
influences of that have dominated its fortunes since 946 AD. The evidence of this
is reflected in its colonial buildings, painted mosques, quasi-Hindu architecture
and repository of ancient manuscripts and books.
Sunehri
Kothi
Its exterior belies the grandeur within. Constructed in
1824,by Nawab Ameer Khan and later renovated by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan, this small
and simple structure is a poem of embellishment within. Inlay work in mirrors,
coloured glass, gilded stucco, mosaic and lapis lazuli, painted and polished floors
reflected in the fabulous stained glass windows, leave the visitor quit bedazzled
with all this superb craftsmanship. The deft cohesion of Hindu and Muslim architectural
lines make the Sunehri Kothi a composite example of fine craftsmanship and aesthetic
appeal.
Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Arabic
Persian Research Institute
The institute has a collection of 8053
manuscripts, 27785 printed books, 674 Faramin, 10239 old magazines and 6500 judgement
files of the shariat records of the erstwhile Tonk State in addition to the historical
documents, belonging to the old Munshi Kana Huzuri of the said state , housed
in Rangeen Kothi which is situated in front of the famous sunehri Kothi - a Kothi
well known to the world for its artistic beauty. There is also a good number of
Asnad , Tughrajat and exhibits of decorative calligraphic art etc.in the Institute.
Jama Masjid
Located in
the heart of the bustling city is the Jama Masjid, still a place of active worship.
The mosque is embellished with some beautiful Indo-Persian motifs. Some of the
ancient lamps within are well - preserved.
Karauli
Karauli is well known for its red sandstone. It is away from the hustic-bustic
of modern life. The rural ambience of the town affords the tourist a memorable
time-viewing the impressive architecture of the city Palace, monuments, buildings
and temples. The majestic Darbar Hall with its delicate stone carvings and exquisite
medival frescoes are worth seeing. The town is also famous for wooden toys, especially
lotus flowers and peacocks. It is also a centre of Khadi Industry.
Kaila
Devi
Kaila Devi's (Mother Goddess) temple is situated about 23
kms from Karauli. The colourful Kaila Devi fair takes place in the month of March-April
and September-October when devotees worship for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Shri Mahaveerji Temple
This pilgrimage place located on the banks of Ganbhiri River is dedicated to Shri
Mahaveerji, the 24th Jain trithankara.
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