Alwar: A Tryst With History

[Shubhi Gupta]

Alwar, a city in the Alwar District in the Indian State of Rajasthan, is located around 160 km South of Delhi. Formerly the capital of the princely state of Alwar, was known as Ulwar in the British India.

The history of Alwar dates back to 1500 BC, when Alwar was a part of the Matsya territory of Viratnagar. The history of Alwar is an interesting blend of mythology. The land of Alwar had supposedly witnessed the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. The battle fought here in this land forms the basis of the epic, The Mahabharata.

According to the historical facts, Alwar was founded by the Kachh family of Amber. Since they could not retain their control over the city, it was taken by the Rajputs. After that, the Mughals took control of the city. After the Mughals took control, the city witnessed a number of reformations. During the medieval times, Alwar rose to prominence because of its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

After independence, the city was merged with the other princely states of Bharatpur, Karauli and Dholpur.

Alwar has a temperate climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this city is between the months of September and March. The winter season is the best time to visit the city as it remains quite pleasant.

Today, Alwar and its surroundings have some of the best forts and splendid palaces that attract a number of tourists. The city has some of the unexplored places that can be of tourist interest.

Below is a list of places to visit in Alwar.

Bala Quila

Constructed by Nikumbha Rajputs in 10th century, The Alwar fort has 15 large and 51 small towers which contain 446 holes for musketry and eight large towers. Suraj Pol, Kishan Pol, Chand Pol, Andheri Gate, Jaipol and Laxman Pol are the six entrances to the fort. Unfortunately the fort houses a radio transmitter station and inside can be visited with special permission of the superintendent of police.

Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri

Built in the memory of Moosi Rani, wife of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri, is a cenotaph (Chhatri) built in white marble and red stone having wonderful stone carving. It is a symbol of endless love and sacrifice.

Hope Circus

Hope Circus, located midway between railway station and the City Palace is yet another monument that attracts the attention of huge number of visitors. This is a circular figure having flight of steps leading to the top from all four sides. Named after Miss Hope, daughter of Lord Linlithglow, is a picturesque fortress overlooking a rain fed lake. The monument is surrounded by lake and forest on all sides. This architectural heritage provides a bird's eye view of the valley below.

Bhangarh

Bhangarh, popularly known as the Ghost City was the capital of Maharaja madho Singh. Now, the place is slowly becoming filmmaker's paradise. The Ghost City is not visited after Sun Set. It is an ideal weekend destination and a beautiful picnic spot. Motor boats and paddleboats are available here.

Sariska wild life sanctuary

The Sariska wild life sanctuary is 35 kms from Alwar. Once the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Alwar, the wild life sanctuary is now a home to numerous wild animals, including Wild Dog, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Hyena, and Tiger. Sariska is well known for its umpteen number of Rhesus monkeys and the Tiger. In view of diminishing numbers of tigers in the country, one needs to visit the wildlife sanctuary a number of times for some luck to witness a tiger in its natural habitat.

Having learnt about the famous tourist attractions in Alwar, when are you planning your trip?