SAWAI MADHOPUR

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GATEWAY TO RANTHAMBORE

Cuddled up in the eastern zone of Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur is one of the prominent conurbations of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the ‘Gateway to Ranthambore’, the town has seen many historic episodes and reigns. Sawai Madhopur has partly plain and partly undulating hilly terrain. The South and south east part of the district has hills and broken ground which form a part of a vast track of rugged region enclosing the narrow valley of the Chambal river. Surrounded by Vindhyas & Aravalis, this place is a treat for adventure enthusiasts as well as the ones with a fascination for history, with the Ranthambore National park- the most renowned national park in northern India and the Ranthambore Fort which was recently included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, being the main attractions.

Passed on from the Chauhan Rajput king, Govinda to Vagabhatta, from RanaKumbha to Akbar and Aurangzeb, the city has been patronized by almost all the rulers. Beautification and renovation of the city has been regularly undertaken in almost all the regimes. Under the rule of Rao Hammir, the last Chauhan ruler the Ranthambore region prospered magnificently. In ancient India the region was more popularly known as Ranthambore. It was much later that it received the name, Sawai Madhopurfrom Maharaja SawaiMadhoSinghji I who is believed to have given the city its current plan in 1765 AD. During the British Rule Sawai Man Singh built a railway line between Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur. As a result it became accessible from a central spot in the state of Rajasthan. Today it has grown as one of the popular tourist destination in India.
Former state of Karauli, Ranthambore was amongst the strongest forts of medieval India and is linked to Prithviraj, the ruler of Shakambhari who has golden cupolas put on the Jain temple of Ranthambore. To check the increasing incurious of the Marathas, Madho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur State requested for the grant of the fort of Ranthambore but did not succeed.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLO

RANTHAMBORE FORT

The noteworthy Ranthambore Fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. Due to its strategic location, it was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing ‘jauhar’ (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls.

GHUSHMESHWAR TEMPLE

Enshrined in the Puranas, the Ghushmeshwar Temple is believed to be 12th or the last of the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Situated at the Siwar village in Sawai Madhopur, this temple has many mythological stories weaved around it. The most prominent, and popular story tells of the greatness of Lord Shiva, who resurrected his devotee Ghusma’s son, and even promised to abide in Devagiri hills as Ghushmeshwar after her name, Ghushma.

SUNHERI KOTHI

Constructed in 1824 by Nawab Ameer Khan, the Sunheri Kothiwas later renovated by Nawaab Ibrahim Ali Khan. The exterior of the Mansion of Gold completely belies the grandeur within. In-lay work with mirrors, gilded stucco, coloured glass, mosaic and lapez lazuli, painted and polished floors reflecting in the stained glass window leaves visitors completely impressed. This is a beautiful specimen of Hindu Muslim cohesion of architecture.

JAMA MASJID

Located in the heart of the bustling city is the JamaMasjid, Rajasthan’s finest mosque. Delicately frescoed inside and out with intricate patterns, mosque still contains some of the ancient lamps. This fine piece of architecture began construction under the first Nawab of Tonk, Nawab Ameer Khan and completely by his son in 1298.