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Nagaur Fort, Nagaur |
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Paintings in Nagaur Fort |
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Amar Singh Rathore Ki Chhatri. |
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Cattle Fair, Nagaur |
Nagaur is a
desert town of historical significance. It is the chief town of
the district of the same name in Jodhpur Division. It was known as
Ahichhatrapur. It was the capital of Jangaldesh. Nagas originally
ruled over this place and about 7th century onwards the Chauhans
became the overlords of Nagaur and it was included in Sapadalaksha.
Later on Nagaur remained under the control of the Muslim Sultans
and Rathore rulers of Jodhpur. Nagaur was granted to the famous
warrior Amar Singh Rathore by emperor Shahjahan.
Nagaur fort was considered to be the best example of Bhumi Durg
(land fort) in Rajputana. It is defended by strong gates and
massive ramparts. The fort contains many royal apartments such as
Moti Mahal, Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. The Baradari is painted
with beautiful paintings depicting various episodes from the
Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The town possesses some monuments of historical importance,
namely, the Dargah of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri known as Sultan-ul-Tarkeen,
who was one of the chief disciples of the Khwaja of Ajmer; and
Amar Singh Rathore Ki Chhatri. The paintings in the Jain temple
depict motifs related to the life of Lord Mahavira and Parsvnath.
Amar Singh Rathore was the heir apparent to the throne of Marwar,
who not only was deprived of his right to succession, but was also
exiled from the State, whereafter he retired to the Mughal court.
His exceptional gallantry on the battle fields impressed the
emperor who bestowed upon him the chiefship of Nagaur and elevated
him to a very high rank in the nobility.
However, he is remembered for upholding his dignity and
intrepidity exhibited in full view of the emperor in the Mughal
court at Agra, by murdering Salabat Khan, the Paymaster General
for the latter's insolent conduct towards Amar Singh. Amar Singh
was overpowered and killed, but the saga of his daunting spirit
and heroic action survived for long in the ballads of the
minstrels.
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PLACES OF INTEREST ARE:
Nagaur Fort: Centrally located; 2nd century old; witnessed
many battles; lofty walls & spacious campus; having many palaces &
temples inside.
Tarkeen Dargah:
Most renowned after the Ajmer Dargah; sacred place for Muslims &
Sufis.
Jain Temple in
Glass: Lofty structure of glass; sacred place for the Jain
community.
Saiji ka Tanka:
Samadhi of a renowned saint, inspires the liberation of the soul
with simplicity & truthfulness; a symbol of communal harmony.
Other Places:
Cenotaph of Amar Singh Rathore, Bansiwala Temple, Nath Ji ki
Chhatri, Barli.
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EXCURSIONS:
Khimsar Fort: Situated 42 km away from Nagaur on the
National Highway No. 65 towards Jodhpur; 500 years old fort in the
middle of the Thar Desert; turned into a hotel furnished with
modern facilities. Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb used to stay here;
Khimsar town has 25 small temples; black deer roaming in herds are
a very popular tourist attraction.
Kuchaman Fort:
One of the oldest & most inaccessible forts of Rajasthan; situated
on top of a straight hill; unique water harvesting system; Jodhpur
rulers used to mint their gold & silver currency here; affords a
beautiful view of the city; fort converted into a hotel has a
strong attraction for tourists.
Makarana:
A treasure trove of marble; exemplifies how stones can be shaped &
made use of; marble mining is the main-stay of living for the
locals; worth seeing how stone brings quality in life; this marble
used in the construction of the Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial &
other buildings in white stone.
Ladnun:
Jain Vishva Bharti Institute (deemed University) - A famous centre
of Jainism; a school of thought; a centre of spirituality &
purification; a society of Ahinsa; a treasure of tranquility; an
abode of humanity on earth.
Kurki:
Kurki is a small village in the Nagaur District. It is the birth
place of the famous princess and poetess, Meera Bai.
Merta: Earlier known as Medantakpur, this town was also
known as Medanipur in ancient times. It flourished during the
Pratihara period and was in possession of Rao Duda in the 15th
century. Later, Rao Maldeo built a fortress "Malkot" which is in
ruins now. This small town is also associated with the
poetess-princess Meera Bai.
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS:
Nagaur Cattle Fair: The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the
most picturesque of Rajput townships, stirs to life during the
Nagaur Fair. The cattle fair here is the second largest in
Rajasthan and is held every year during the month of Magh (Jan.
Feb.)
The fair is
renowned for the trading in cows, bullocks, camels and horses.
Their owners are seen wearing colourful turbans and flaunting long
moustaches. The bullocks of Nagaur are renowned for their
fleetness and attract a large number of buyers. Both the owners
and buyers bargain to their heart's content until they decide upon
a price.
Mirchi Bazaar
(Red Chilly Market) is the main attraction and wooden items, iron
crafts and leather accessories are available in abundance during
the fair. Various games are organized during this four day
festival.
Tug-of-war, camel
races, cock fights etc. provide entertainment to the tourists and
visitors. As the sun goes down, a joyous atmosphere is created by
the folk musicians, whose voices echo far and wide across the
tranquil desert sand. |
