BUNDI
36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi. One of
the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once
a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans – an offshoot
of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1193 A. D. when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan
Mohammad Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar
and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved
towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil
tribals – thus establishing their own kingdom of Handoti.
Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separate states of
Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and
is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts,
palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris
with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the
heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous
for its intricate carvings and murals.
Places to see
The Taragarh fort built in 1354 is one of the
well preserved structures of Rajput legacy. The fort also
known as the Star Fort gives a spectacular view
over the town and surrounding countryside. The fort is led
by a steep road up the hill, to an enormous gateway, topped
by magnificent rampant elephants. You come across huge reservoirs
carved of solid rock inside. Even Bhim Burj the largest of
the battlements, on which is mounted a famous cannon is situated
inside.
One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture is the Palace.
It stands on a rocky hill, approachable of road of stone steps
and ramps which are meant for horsemen and chariots. The superb
murals done in Bundi style of miniature paintings in a gallery
built around an topless court open to the sky. The Chitra
Mahal is another attraction of this palace. The entry
to the palace is by a magnificent elephant gate. Above the
palace are the royal apartments, murals balconies, corbels,
pavilions, fretted windows, domes. The memorial pavilions
or Chhatris of the former rulers turns to gold by the
kiss of the setting sun. The high platform of the memorials
is a quiet place amidst of old trees, this place is extremely
delightful.
Right in the centre of the town are a couple of extremely
awe-inspiring baoris or step wells. The largest of its kind,
Rani ki Baori is 46 mts deep and endowed with intricate
carvings. Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, the steps leading
down to the water are framed with soaring pillars. Panels,
depicting images displaying animal-human evolution, have been
carved in the images of avatars.
Right in the centre f the town. Just outside the chogan gate,
is the Nagar Sagar Kund with a pair of matching step-wells.
Other attractions
The other attractions of Bundi, all lie out of the town. Built
in the 20th century is a modern palace called Phool Sagar
Palace. The palace exhibits beautiful contemporary style
of architecture and houses a fabulous artificial tank and
gardens. Situated in a lovely artificial garden, on Sukh Sagor
lake is a small palace called Sukh Mahal.
The panoramic beauty of Shikar Burj, a small hunting
lodge is fascinating. Many picnickers are drawn towards this
place. Set amidst the woods surrounded by lush greenery, south
of Phool Sagar.
A peaceful getaway from the bustling and fast moving cities,
this place draws a sense of place in our minds.
The best time to visit this place is the Kajli-Teej Festival
held in between July and August.
Chhattar Mahal or Palace of Towers
A steep, paved carraige-way is the only way to reach the monument.
Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari Pol or the
thousand gates gateway, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with
its old water clock and the Diwaan-e-Aam.
Rattan Daulta
Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh, it is a very interesting structure
forming a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol. (Prior permission
required for visit.)
Christashala
A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish
the palace. Elaborate colourful paintings on the walls depict
scenes fro the ‘Rangamala’ and ‘Raaslila’ – the Radha-Krishna
story.
Nawal Sagar
Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal
Sagar, broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna,
the Aryan god of water, stands half submerged in the center
of the lake. The reflection of the entire city and its palaces
can be seen in the lake – making it a unique attraction of
Bundi.
Kshar Bagh
An ancient garden near the Shikar Burj with beautiful chhatris
of the Bundi rulers and their queens – all examples of the
town's rich architectural legacy. (Prior permission required
for visit.)
Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph
An amazing magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single
cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao
Anirudh.
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