Jhalawar, once called Brijnagar is known for its
rich natural wealth of vibrant flora and fauna. However, unlike other cities of
Rajasthan, Jhalawar has a rocky but water-laden verdant landscape. Red poppy
fields and orange laden orchards are strewn across Jhalawar, lending it a
colourful look. They also contribute a major share to the production of citrus
in the country. This place has a varied cultural heritage that includes many
forts and palaces from the Rajput and Mughal periods. It is solely famous for
the large numbers of temples and religious sites. Jhalawar was named after its
founder, Jhala Zalim Singh in 1838. He was the Dewan of Kota State and
established the town as a cantonment, then known as Chaoni Umedpura near the
existing Jhalrapatan Fort. At that time, the township was surrounded by dense
forests which were home to many exotic species. The Dewan often came here to
hunt and grew so fond of the place that he decided to turn it into a township.
It was later turned into a military cantonment when the Maratha invaders passed
through the city to capture Hadoti states.
Top Tourist attractions in Jhalawar
Jhalawar Fort :- Situated in the centre of the town, the Jhalawar fort or Garh Palace is a
beautiful monument. It was built by Maharaj Rana Madan Singh and his successors
added beautiful paintings inside the rooms. These can be seen with the
permission of appropriate authorities. The Zenana Khas or the ‘Women’s Palace’
has some excellent frescoes on both, walls and mirrors and they are prime
examples of the Hadoti school of art.
Jhalawar Government Museum : - The Jhalawar
Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in Rajasthan established in 1915
A.D and has a fine collection of rare paintings, manuscripts and idols. The
museum is situated bang in the middle of the city and is also a part of the
Fort Palace. This ancient structure is a great tourist attraction.
Bhawani Natyashala : - The Bhawani
Natyashala is one of the most unusual theatres in India, constructed in 1921
A.D where Parsi plays and cultural events would take place. This architectural
wonder gives one an excellent insight into the world of theatre and art and is
known to have an underground passage which allowed horses and chariots to
appear on stage.
Gagron Fort : - Gagron Fort is a fine example of a
hill and water fort. It is one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan to be a part
of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of
the Ahu, Kali and Sindh rivers on three sides, the fort is indeed a sight to
behold. A beautiful mausoleum of Sufi saint Mitheshah just outside the fort is
the venue for an annual colourful fair held during the month of Moharram.
Chandrabhaga temples : -
On the banks
of the magnificent Chandrabhaga River stand some beautiful Chandrabhaga templeswith intricately carved pillars and arched gateways. This region is known for
the Shri Dwarkadheesh Temple that was built by Jhala Zalim Singh in the 11th
century and the Shantinath Jain Temple which has houses some beautiful murals
and sculptures.
