Jhalawar City
| Jhalawar with its water-abundant lush surroundings is a striking contrast from the rest of the state. Zalim Singh I, a Rajput king, fell in love with the verdant countryside and its exotic wildlife thus developing it into a major township in 1838. The clever King managed to influence the British to separate it from Kota. Thanks to his patronage it soon became a culturally rich state. Jhalawar is located in southeastern Rajasthan at the edge of the Malwa plateau. A drive down the countryside reveals red poppy fields and orange laden orchards and countless species of birds. Apart from the dense woodsy forest, the city is also famous for its exquisite pre-historic cave paintings and massive forts. It is also a breeding grounds of the saras crane while the area around Bhawani Mandi is a leading producer of citrus fruit in India. Attractions Buddhist Caves and Stupas: Jhalawar is the only place in Rajasthan where rock-cut caves exist. These caves are found in the nearby Kolvi village and its surroundings. These are evidences of a flourishing civilization several centuries ago and the Buddhist influence in the region. The highlight is a colossal figure of Buddha and few carved stupas. Kartik Chandrabhaga Fair: Like the rest of Rajasthan, Jhalawar is best visited during fairs and festivals particularly if one is interested in their culture. The Cattle Fair is the biggest held annually in the month of Kartik (Oct - Nov) at Chandrabhaga near Jhalarpatan. On a full moon night of Kartik Purnima, hordes of devotees take a holy dip in the river. Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace): This massive Fort is beautiful on the inside as it is huge. It lies sprawled right at the centre of the town. It was built by Maharajrana Madan Singh during 1840–1845. Among the many delights is the Zenana Khas splattered with frescoes on both walls and mirrors. There are also several paintings on display, which is a royal collection. Today the Fort largely serves as the office of the collectorate and other district-level government offices. Government Museum: Established in 1915, it is one of the oldest museums in the state. It has a fine collection of paintings, rare manuscripts, idols and beautiful statues of Lakshminarayan.Vishnu, Krishna, Ardhanarishvar, Natraj and Trimurti. Some inscriptions date back to 5th and 7th centuries. It is outside the Fort palace. Bhawani Natyashala: This theatre is both an architectural and engineering marvel. The deep set stage allows even horses and chariots to appear on stage. It was constructed in 1921 by Maharaja Bhawani Singh, near the Fort. It is reputed to be one of such eight kinds in the world. Other attractions are Rein Basera, Chandrabhaga temple, Gagron fort, Jhalarapatan, etc. |
