150km
from Jaipur and 170km from Delhi, Alwar is nestled between a cluster of small
hills of the Aravali range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills is
a massive ancient fort that whispers tales of the rich history of the city.
Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewar, Alwar was nearest to the Imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balban (1276-A.D.- 1287a.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under the a 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. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valley 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.
Places to See
An 18th century palaces harmoniously blending the Rajput and the Mughals styles of architecture while the ground floors have been converted into government offices and district courts the upper apartment is presently a museum.
The Fort:
This huge
fort
with its ramparts stretching 5 km from east to west, stands 304 meters above
the city and 595 meters 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 is called Salim Mahal. Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D finally annexed the fort. It is a forbidding structure with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it. The fort has several gates - Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol,Chand Pol, Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples.
Government Museums:
The museum has finest collection of Mughal and Rajput painting dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries and some rare ancient manuscripts in Persian., Arabic, urdu and Sanskrit gulistan (the garden of rose) Waqiat-I-Babri (autobiography of the Mughal emperor Babar) and Bostan the garden of spring) are some of the notable once amongst the collection.
It also has a copy of the great epic 'Mahabarat' painted by the artist of the Alwar school. A rich collection of the Indian armory is among other exhibits of the museum. Behind the city palace is an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D. by Maharaj Vinay Singh with few temples along its banks. A marvelous chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also known as the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is situated in this area.
Purjan Vihar (Compay 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 and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers .
