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CITY PALACE -
BUNDI PLACE -
GAGRON FORT -
ASHERGARH FORT -
SHAHABAD FORT
Forts and Palaces
The early medieval and medieval fortifications of Gagron, Taragarh Bundi, Navlakha Jhalawar and Shergarh are reminiscent of the valiant past of Hadoti. Their mighty bastions must have looked insurmountable to the enemies who might be interested in a misadventure of self destructive king.
The magnificent palaces of Bundi and Kota with their intricate sculpturing, frescoed walls and comfortable living quarters provide enough proof of glory and opulence of their occupants.
Taragarh Fort, Bundi
This is the first fort commissioned by Hada ruler Ber Singh in 14th century at Bundi. the fort stands on a 430 M high hill from where a panoramic view of the surrounding area is available.
Its mighty bastion called Bheem Burj, rain water harvesting and distribution system are worth seeing. The fort of Taragarh is marvel of Rajput architecture and the available technology of those times.
Garh Palace, Bundi
Col. Todd considered it as one of the most magnificent palaces of Rajputana. Built in the early half of 17th century and added on by many rulers from time to time, it is a complex of living quarters, meeting halls named Ratan Daulat, Ratan Mahal, Chhatra Mahal, Badal Mahal, Phool Mahal and Moti Mahal.
The entrance to the palace is through a massive gate called Hathi Pol. The weall paintings of the palace have acquired global fame due to their aesthetic nature, subject matter and subtlety of strokes. The female figures have a certain impact of Mogul school.
Garh Palace, Kota
The palace complex of Kota holds the place of pride for the Hada rulers, who had put the foundation of their expanding empire at the same place where the chief of Bhil tribals was slain. The Chambal river provided natural protection to the palace from three sides.
The Gulab Mahal, Which faces the river was built by Maha Rao Ummed Singh II and adjoining Purana Mahal belongs to the time of Jet Singh. the Arjun Mahal, Hava Mahal, Divan-E-Aam, Akhada Mahal, Kanvarpadi Mahal are worth a visit for their wall paintings depicting floral and faunal diversity, hunting scenes, processions and scenes from the legend of Lord Krishna, who is the ruling deity of Kota.
The government museums of Kota and Jhalawar have a good collection of antiquities. The visit to these museums will surely be an enriching experience. The Rao Madho Singh museum is a private collection of items belonging to the erstwhile rulers of Kota. The collection is kept at Garh Palace, Kota and the miniature paintings and the wall paintings are a must-see for the tourists therefore a visit to this museum is recommended.
Gagron fort, Jhalawar
Made of the principles of an Aqua-fort or Jal Durg, sitting atop a hillock, on the confuence of Kali sindh and Ahu rivers, it is a formidable fort. The Khinchi and Hada Rajputs ruled over their land from this fort. In the passage of its history, it has seen many rulers, who vied with each other to hold this strategically important fort. The Dargah of mitthe Mahabali and saint Pipaji attract a large number of devotees each year.
Shergarh Fort, Baran
Sitting atop a hillock on the bank of Parban river the fort of Shergarh looks impregnable. The fort stands a little detached from the walled township, which boasts of its ancient Brahmanical and Jain temples. A stone edict of 790 AD proves the antiquity of the place, Which was once known as Koshvardhan and many Buddhist monasteries were set up with support.
Shahabad Fort
Shahabad fort is the one of the largest fort amongst the forts in Hadoti. It is situated about 80 km. from Baran on NH-76. It is a good photo opp for those interested, from the highway. The fort was constructed by the Chauhan Rulers in century 1521 (Samvat 1577).
Palaitha Fort
The Jagir of Palaitha was granted to Maharaj Mohan Singh, second and favourite son of Rao Madho Singh. The Palaitha Apji occupies the first seat on the right of the Maharao of Kotah in Durbar. Apji Mohan Singh was the Second son of Rao Madho Singh, Maharaja of Kota. He established the Principality of Palaitha (1762 AD) with an area covering 84 villages, within the State of Kota.
Khatoli Fort
This village was ruled by Rathre's (karamsot)of Jodha clan and it is a historical battle field between Rajkumar Raj Singh of Mewar and Aurangzeb's army. The "Rao Chunda ", the famous warrior of medieval history of Rajasthan died at this battle field. Still we can see the monuments of the warrior's at this village. The holy temple of Rada Mataji is also a beautiful place on hills of Khatoli. This historical and patriotic place of Kishangarh state is a must visit.