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Moosi Rani ki Chhatri, Alwar |
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Sagar, Alwar |
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Hope Circus, Alwar |
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Sariska Palace, Sariska |
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Lake Palace, Siliserh |
Alwar is 150 km form Jaipur and 170
km from Delhi. Alwar is nested between a cluster of small hills of
the Aravalli range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills
is a massive ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewat, Alwar
was nearest to the imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not
accept any external interferences and daringly resisted against
foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a
group and raided Delhi. But finally sultan Bulban (1267 A.D. -
1287 A.D.) Suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslim
Rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput
belonging to the clan of Jaipur's rulers, won back Alwar and
founded a principality of his own. A part from its long history,
the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and
picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts. Some of the finest
variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of
the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sariska, which is an
excellent tiger country.
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PLACES OF INTEREST ARE:
The Fort: This huge fort with its ramparts stretching 5 km from
north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, stands 304 metres
above the city and 595 metres above the sea level, constructed
before the rise of the Mughal empire. Babar had spent a night at
this fort and took away the hidden treasures to gift to his son,
Humayun. Akbar's son, Jahangir had also stayed here for some time
during his exile. The place where he stayed as called Salim Mahal.
The fort was finally annexed by maharaja Pratap singh in 1775 A.D.
It is a forbidding structure with 15 large and 51 small towers and
446 opening for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing
it. The fort has several gates, Jai Pole, Suraj Pole, Laxman Pole.
Chand Pole. Kishan Pole and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains
of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many
temples.
City Palace: Built by Maharaja Vinay singh in the 18th Century, it
is one of the most attractive palaces of Rajasthan. Its
architecture is a blend of the Rajput and the Mughal styled. The
lower floors of the palace are now occupied by government offices
whereas the upper floors are used as museum. This Museum has one
of the finest collections of books (Sanskrit & Persian),
archaeological finds, paintings (Mughal and Rajput school), and
armory (swords, shields, daggers, rifles, pistols and other arms.)
Maharaja Vinay Singh Was a great patrons of the arts. He has a
great taste for books and has an excellent collection in his
library. It is said that he once paid a large amount of rupees
fifty thousand to acquire a single manuscript of sheikh Sadi.
Behind the Alwar Palace is a mammoth
tank (sagar) which nestles in the lap of the surrounding
Aravallies. The Kund is just outside the Palace, but a part of the
complex, has a number of chhatries & small temples with steps on
all three sides. In the backdrop is the Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri. It
was built in the memory of Moosi Bai, queen of Maharaja Bakhtawar
Singh. This cenotaph was erected by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1816
A.D. the entire complex with the backdrop of the Aravallies
envelopes you in its grandeur.
Hope Circus: This is another monument that attracts the attention
of the visitors to Alwar. Located almost midway between the
railway station and the city palace, this is a circular figure
having flight of steps leading to the top from all four sides. It
was named after Miss Hope, daughter of Lord Linlithgow, the then
Viceroy of India, on the occasion of his visit to Alwar in 1939-40
A.D.
Purjan Vihar (Company Garden): A Picturesque garden, laid out
during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh In 1868 A.D. the
Garden has an enchanting setting called 'Shimla' which was built
by Maharaja Mangal Singh in 1885 A.D. The lush surroundings and
the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers.
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MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES:
Government Museum: Housed in the old City Palace, it has a unique
collection of arms, bidri work, lacquered and ivory work, musical
instruments, stuffed animals, beautiful brass and pottery works
from Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Ceylon, miniature paintings and
Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts. The museum is divided into three
major sections, each housed in big hall. The first section
contains various archaeological finds chiefly sculptures and
inscriptions from the region. Items presented by the ruler of the
former Alwar state include mounted skins of wild animals like
tiger, leopard and lion shot by them during their local and
foreign excursions. The second section is the most important one
as it contains various manuscripts in Persian including Gulistan
of S'adi as well marvelous paintings of Mughal and Rajput Schools.
The paintings have been further divided into various sub-styles.
The third section of the museum contains the armory of State
rulers. Various kind of shields, swords, pistols, rifles, daggers
and other items are on display.
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EXCURSIONS
Vijay Mandir Palace: Situated at a distance of about 10 kms. from
Alwar, this grand architectural wonder is a reminder of the regal
opulence and glory of yesteryears. It was built by Maharaja Jai
Singh in the year 1918. The beautiful stately palace stands atop a
hilly platform on the northern embankment of the lake created by
the Vijay Sagar Bundh Dam. The Bundh is supported by two hills on
the tributary of the Chuhar Siddh and was constructed in 1903. The
Palace houses a Sita-Ram Mandir, which attracts thousands of
devotees during the Ramnavami celebrations.
Siliserh Lake: Siliserh Lake is only about 13 kms. from the city
of Alwar. The Lake was built in 1845 A.D. by constructing an
earthern dam between two hills to store the water of a small
tributary of river Ruparel. When full, the total water spread
covers an area of about 10 sq kms. Adorned with domed cenotaphs,
Siliserh Lake is picturesquely set amidst the forested slopes of
Aravalli hills. The Open Terraces of the Siliserh Palaces Provide
a breathtaking view of the water spread of the lake and its
surrounding environment. This tastefully built old palace is now
converted into a
tourist hotel and is managed by the Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation. The basement of this four storied
palace leads to the water level of the lake. A boat trip in the
lake, particularly during winter season, is a rewarding
experience.
Tijara: Tijara is a historic town situated 48 kms North East of
Alwar. Its old name was Trigartur. Tijara Fort situated on the
crest of a hill has been famous for excavation of hidden treasure
recently. It was the capital of Mewat and has a long and glorious
history of bravery and sacrifice. There is a popular Jain Temple,
visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year.
Neemrana Ki Baori: Besides the old Fort, which is today a
Heritage
Hotel, Neemrana, located on the Jaipur-Delhi Highway & about 2.5
hours drive from Jaipur, also boasts of and old and very
magnificent nine storied baori (step well). This stepwell was
constructed around 1700 A.D. by Thakur Janak Singh and the local
population informs the visitors that there are nine storey above
and tow below the water lever. It has 170 steps and as you
descent, the entire construction becomes telescopic and the
felling of entering the grotto overwhelms. From the water source,
you can see the rising tiered structure and the open key. The
atmosphere is moist and cool. Both sides of this flight of steps
are storey of verandahs which allowed the people to rest and
relax. The pillars have a strong similarity to the architectural
design of the pillars of the old temple at Qutub Minar complex
outside Delhi which was constructed by Prithviraj Chauhan. Legend
has it that Neemrana, at one time, was the home of Chauhan Rajputs
and one descendant of Prithviraj converted to Islam and settled in
Neemrana. This Baori is still in use, both for consumption of
water by humans and for irrigation. The backdrop of the Neemrana
Fort adds to the scenic environment.
Sariska: It is located on
the Delhi - Alwar - Jaipur road (37 Km), nestled in the quaint
surroundings of Aravalli this thickly wooded part throbs with
life. It is a marvel of ecological adaptation and endurance. It is
not only a delight for wildlife lovers but also for the followers
of art and archaeology. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, has a rich and
varied animal population, the key fauna is the tiger. The
sanctuary houses ruined temples, a fort, pavilions and palace.
The Sariska Palace,
built as a royal hunting lodge is a magnificent piece of architecture.
Jai Samand Lake: To harved the flood
waters of river Ruparel, Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar started
construction of a dam across the river. This picturesque lake was
completed in 1920 A.D. and was name Jai Samand Lake. The 1.5 km.
long embankment of the lake also serves as a drive way. Around a
dozen beautiful chhatris dome shaped Minar etc were built on the
embankment of the Jai Samand Lake. Each Chhatri was built on a
seven feet high raised lotus shaped platform carved out of red
sandstone. A man-made island in the lake has a beautifully laid
out garden and spacious, lush green lawns. These lawns and the
garden were used by the Maharaja for organizing special parties.
The Jai Samand Lake is now controlled by the irrigation department
of the state and has a good rest house.
Kesroli (12 km): The Hill
Fort, Kesroli, sited atop the rare, dark Hornstone Breccia
rocks, commands splendid agrarian views from its ramparts which
rise to 50-65 meters/ 150-200 feet. Kesroli Fort makes an ideal base to
visit the neighbouring palaces, museums and sanctuaries of Alwar &
Sariska. The origins of the seven-turreted Hill Fort Kesroli are
traced back to over six centuries. It is reputed to have been
built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, descendants of Lord Krishna, who
converted to Islam in the mid-14th century to be called Khanzadas.
It subsequently changed hands, being conquered by the Mughals and
the Jats before reverting to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely
state of Alwar was founded. It saw its golden period under the
Ranawat Thakur Bhawani Singh (1882-1934), renowned for his
equestrian skills. Now it has been converted into a
heritage hotel. |
