Bundi and Kota were once
a singly principality ruled by the Hada Chauhans, an offshoot of the famous
clan of Chauhans who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan
by Sultan Mohammed Ghori in 1193, the Chauhan nobles sought sanctuary in Mewar.
They were welcomed and proved allies to the Rana.Yet some young warriors ventured
on their own overpowered the Meena and Bhil Tribals of Chambal valley and established
the kingdom of Hadavati or Hadoti. Later two branches of the Hadas formed two
separate states on either sides of the Chambal. These were Kota and Bundi. Bundi
town nestles in a narrow valley, enclosed by huge walls and fortified by four
gateways.In the centre of the township lies a lake. A medieval fortress stands
sentinel to this city - amute witness to history and time.
Bundi is famous for its intricate paintings and murals.Bundi lies embraced by
hills, the capital of the Hada Rajputs who established their craggy stronghold
in these forested hills, but fate and the forces of power created Kotah, a breakaway
part of Bundi that went on to become larger and more powerful than its parent
state.
PRIME SITES
Taragarh
fort : The town's Rajput legacy is well preserved in the shape
of the massive Taragarh fort ( it is also known as Star Fort )which broods over
the town in the narrow valley below and the huge palace which stands beneath
it. This Fort was built in 1354. It is reached by a steep road leading up the
hill side to its enormous gateway, topped by rampant elephants. Inside are huge
reservoirs carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements,
on which is mounted a famous cannon. Views over the town and surrounding countryside
are excellent. The Palace is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture.
It is massed across a rocky height , approached by a road of stone steps and
ramps meant for horsemen and chariots. Here, the Chitra Mahal is an absolute
delight. In a gallery built around a sunken court open to the sky, there are
beautiful murals done in the Bundi style of miniature paintings. Above the palace,
accessed through the impressive Elephant Gate are the royal apartments, murals,
balconies, corbels, pavilions, fretted windows, domes.Sunset dusts the memorial
pavilions, or Chhatris, of the former rulers with gold. This quiet place is
set in a grove of old trees and the high platforms of the memorials are decorated
with horses and elephants.Bundi has a couple of beautiful baoris (step wells)
right in the centre of town.
Garh
Palace : A complex of various palaces, built by rulers of different
times. Hugging the steep hillside, the complex looks like a checkerboard when
viewed from above. This magnificent structure is a fine example of the Rajput
architecture housing some of the superb Bundi landscape including Chitrashala,
a fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace.
Rani Ji Ki Baori : Right in the
centre of the town are a couple of extremely awe-inspiring baoris or step wells.
The largest of its kind, is 46 mts deep and endowed with intricate carvings.
Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, the steps leading down to the water are framed
with soaring pillars. Panels, depicting images displaying animal-human evolution,
have been carved in the images of avatars.Largest of its kind, with beautifully
carved walls and pillars and the high arched gate is this stepwell of the Bundi
queen, who took baths here at religious occasions.
Chaurasi Khambo ki Chhatri : This 84-pillared
cenotaph was raised in the memory of Deva, the son of the wet nurse of Rao Raja
Anirudh Singh. Built on a high platform this unique double story cenotaph has
a large Shivlinga at the center, which makes it both a temple as well as a cenotaph.
Chitrashala : A beautiful pavilion and
gallery of fascinating murals in the miniature style. The walls areadorned with
elaborate painting depicting scenes from the Ragmala and Raslila, the Radha-Krishna
legends. The colour scheme of all these paintings is blue, green, turquoise
on white with touches of terracotta or yellow. Bundi Wall paintings are famous
all over the world.
Chatra Mahal, Ratan Daulat & Badal Mahal
: These palaces are part of Garh Palace. The main attraction
is rooms and galleries full of murals of Bundi Miniature Paintings. The colour
schemes of these paintings are red, golden and blue. Although these palaces
are private property of the Maharaja and are not open for public. But any
body can visit these places with the help of Maharaja's staff.
Sukh Mahal : Means Palace of
bliss where Rudyard Kipling stayed when he visited Bundi in late 19th Century.
This magnificent summer palace was constructed during the reign of Rao Raja
Vishnu Singh. It is said that an underground tunnel runs from Sukh Mahal to
Taragarh Fort.
Hunting Lodge: It was royal
hunting lodge. Nestled in the woods amidst lush greenery, it is a beautiful
picnic spot.The Rajputana of yore, set amidst the great Thar, the only desert
of the sub-continent, is known not only for the sizzling heat and the dunes
but also for the warmth in the hearts of the people. Considered as the most
colourful region of India , this exotic land of valiance and chivalry has
an unusual diversity in all its forms, people, customs, culture, costumes,
music, manners, dialects, and cuisine etc. It is the land of superlatives,
everything here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating. Rajasthan
is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and havelis. We will
confine ourselves only with the southern Rajasthan - The Hadoti region that
is BUNDI, the least explored land of Rajasthan. The Remote but fascinating
town of Bundi deserves more than a short visit. It is reputed among the tourists
for its palaces, step wells and water tanks. Countless monuments spread the
city reflects the peaks of the architectural excellence achieved during the
days of yore. The huge frescos depicting the glory of Rajput rulers are the
special attractions.
Menal
: In the middle of beautifully wooded revives is a gorge of the Menal river
and the ruins of what used to be the mountain retreat of thegreat Raja Prithviraj
Chauhan. On the banks of river are the ruins of an ancient palace and a complex
of beautiful temples dating 12th century. The waterfalls here are in stark
contrast of the image one usually holds of Rajasthan Haveli Braj Bhushanjee
invites you to explore the rich heritage and culture of BUNDI. Your every
moment will be caught and held in its history. Bundi is a dream remembered.
Nestling at the footsteps of a large craggy hill, Bundi, named after Bunda
Meena, was established by Rao Deva in 1241 A.D. The large dominating complex
of fort and palaces, hugging the steep hillside, is mainly made of two- Garh-Palace
and Taragarh-Fort.
Jait Sagar Lake (3 km): A picturesque
lake cradled in the hills, built by Jaita Meena. The swirling fountain at
night is a visual delight.
Rameshwaram (20 km):The cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded
by the Aravalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.
Keshavraipatan (45 km.): It
is an ancient city famous for the temple of Keshavraiji (Vishnu). The architecture
and sculpture at this temple is unique. It was constructed in the year 1601
A.D. by Maharaja Shatrusal of Bundi. A famous Jain temple is also there.
Ramgarh (45 km):The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa
road. One needs to take permission for the State Forest Department prior to
a visit to the sanctuary.
Bijolia(50 km): An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is
situated on the Bundi Chittaurgarh road. On the side of the fort is a large
temple of Lord Shiva in its center with a fine image of Lord Ganesha standing
as a guardian at the entrance. A carved archway leads to the temple.
Nawal Sagar: Visible from the
fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar, broken up by islets. A
temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water, stands half submerged
in the center of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces
can be seen in the lake – making it a unique attraction of Bundi
Talwas (53 km):A magnificent
fort built by the ruler Ajit Singh. A temple of Dhooleshwar Mahadev and a
picturesque water adjoining the fort are worth a visit. The beautiful Ratna
Sagar Lake is close by and it’s a haven for fauna like bear and deer
during the monsoon.
Dugari (65 km): Remnants of
ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort
of Dugari.
Indragarh (77 km):The Indragarh
Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali
and Kamleshwar. The palace is also famous for wall paintings.
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