Rajasthan Kota
Kota, the army headquarters town, lying on the east bank of the Chambal River, was once on a major trade route from Delhi. Known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan, it is in interesting blend of the old and the new. It is also Rajasthan's industrial centre for chemicals powered by the hydroelectric plants on the Chambal River and the nearby nuclear plant.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th century AD when the Had Chauhan Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory, defeat of the tribal Bhil chieftains and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Bundi was chosen as the capital, with Kota as the land grant of the ruler's eldest son. Later in the early 17th century, Rao Madho Singh, a son of the ruler of Bundi, was made ruler of Kota by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Thus Kota became a separate state, remaining so until was integrated into Rajasthan after Independence.
Places To See In Kota
1. City Palace & Fort
Located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, thee City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Some of its buildings are now occupied by schools, but most of the complex is open to public. Entry to the complex is from the south side through the Naya Darwaza or New Gate. The palace within contains some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework.
The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. The Bhim Mahal, an early 18th century Durbar Hall, is covered with Rajput miniature paintings documenting the town's history and local legends. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state.
2. Brij Vilas Palace Museum
Located near the Kishore Sagar, this palace houses the Government Museum. Exhibits on display include stone idols, sculptural fragments from the archaeological sites of Baroli and Jhalawar, rare coins and manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.
3. Gardens
Kota has several well-maintained gardens, a sight for sore eyes in this industrial town. On the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort are the Chambal Gardens. The centerpiece of which is a pond stocked with crocodiles. The Chhattar Bilas Gardens has a curious collection of impressive royal cenotaphs.
4. Maharao Madho Singh Museum
Situated in the old Palace, the museum has superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota School, eqxuisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.
5. The Government museum
Housed in the Brijvilas Bhawan Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. specially noteworthy is an exquisite sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.
6. Baroli (Badoli)48km
On the way to Rana Pratap Sagar Dam lies one oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan belonging to the 9th century AD. It is built a little before the classical period of temple building. The craftsmanship seen here is stunning. The carvings and the figure of Natraj, Shiva as cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap are bewitching. There are many interesting shrines that can be visited here.
7. Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrod Garh55km.
These two places come under Chittaurgarh district. Bhainsrodgarh is located on the bank of Chambal River. It has wonderful natural surroundings and a whole village is established in the fort. On the way, the ancient temple of Gapernath Mahadev can be visited which is a beautiful picnic spot.
8. Temple (Ramgarh)110km
It is situated in Baran district. Built in the 11th century, and was renovated in 12th century. Perched on Ramgarh hill, the best way to reach the temple is by a jeep. This temple is now in ruins. [ Read more on Rajasthan Kota]
