The
history of Kota is linked with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and
Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The
descendents of the Chauhans set up their capital at Bundi and ruled
from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted
to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement continued until
1624. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned
Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of
the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a part of
the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian
state of Rajasthan, when it gained independence in 1947.
The
history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the
Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi
and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of
the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh,
gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since
then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. The
commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project
with its many dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar,Rana Pratap Sagar and
Jawahar Sagar. An old palace,dating back to the time when Kota was
under the control of Hada Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces the Kota Barrage.
The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony
and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed
within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the
Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,Jag Mandir-and island Palace, a splendid
haveli (mandion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
ShoppingThe city is located on the east
bank of the Chambal River, Rajasthan's only perennial river. While
some associate the place with Kota Doria Saris, others link it with
the Kota School of miniature paintings. Made of cotton or silk, and
often with delicate golden thread designs, the saris are woven in
the nearby village of Kethun. The Kota paintings are often a vivid
and detailed portrayal of hunting expeditions that were launched in
the once thickly wooded forests around the place.
Gangaur
Festival (Mar-April)Gangaur is an 18-day festival
celebrated by women all across Rajasthan. Married women pray for the
long lives of their husbands while unmarried girls pray for a good
match. The festival celebrates the love between Shiva and his
consort Gauri or Parvati. The festival commences on Holi. Women
gather flowers and draw water from selected wells while chanting
hymns in praise of the goddess. At the end of 18 days, the
festivities culminate with the arrival of Lord Shiva to escort his
wife back home. A grand procession, symbolic of a marriage
procession, carries a beautifully decorated idol of Gauri in a gold
and silver palanquin through the city. The procession includes
elephants, camels, horses, dancers, drummers and joyous children.
How To Reach
- Air
Jodhpur is connected by air with Delhi,
Mumbai, Udaipur.
- Rail
Jodhpur is connected by rail with major
cities of the state.
- Road
Jodhpur is connected by road with all major
towns and cities of Rajasthan
