Dausa district General information
Dausa District is a district of Rajasthan state in western India. The city of Dausa is the district headquarters. Dausa District has a population of 1,316,790 (2001 census), an area of 3429 km², and a population density of 384 persons per km² with 62.75 % literacy rate. It is bounded on the north by Alwar District, on the northeast by Bharatpur District, on the southeast by Karauli District, on the south by Sawai Madhopur District, and on the west by Jaipur District. The district is divided into five tehsils, Baswa, Dausa, Lalsot, Mahwa and Sikrai. The Sawa and Ban Ganga rivers run through the district. It is situated on National Highway no.11 From Jaipur to Agra. It is 100 km to the east of Jaipur.
Dausa is named after a nearby hill called Devgiri. On the top of hill is situated a fort, built by Badgujar Kings, who were the orininal rulers of this place. Later, Dausa was given by Chauhans to Kachwahas, but the centre of their power shifted to Amber.
When Akbar went to do Jiyarat to Khwaja Muinudin Chistti in 1562, he stayed in Dausa and met with Rupsi Baragi, Hakim of Dausa at the time and brother of Bharmal.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Dausa. The main crops of the district are wheat, bajra, rapeseed, mustard and groundnuts.
History
Dausa District was constituted on 10th April 1991 by separating 4 Tehsils namely Dausa, Baswa, Sikrai & Lalsot of Jaipur district. Mahwa Tehsil of Sawai Madhopur was included in this district on 15th August 1992.
The city of Dausa is situated in the north-eastern region of Rajasthan, a region widely known as Dundhar. The Chouhans & Badgurjars ruled this land in 10th Century A.D. Dausa has priviledged to become First capital of the then Dundhar Region.
Dausa was an important political place for Dundhar region. The Chauhan ruler Raja Soodh Dev ruled this region during 996 to 1006 AD . Later, from 1006 AD to 1036 AD, Raja Dule Rai ruled this region for 30 years.
Dausa has given prominent freedom fighters to the nation. Late Shri Tikaram Paliwal & Late Shri Ram Karan Joshi were amongst the freedom fighters who gave their valuable contribution for fight for independence and for amalgamation of the Princely States to form Rajasthan State.Late Shri Tikaram Paliwal was the First elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1952 after independence. Also, Late Shri Ram Karan Joshi was the First Panchayati Raj Minister of the Rajasthan state who submitted the First Panchayati Raj Bill in the Vidhansabha in 1952.
The famous poet of the traditional worship by poetry, Sant Sunderdas was born on Chaitra Shukla Navami in Vikram Samvat 1653 in Dausa. He was renouned NIRGUN PANTHI Sant and wrote 42 famous Grantha, out of which Gyan Sundaram & Sunder Vilas are famous Grantha.
Geography
It is one of the district of Jaipur Division and surrounded with 6 districts, namely, Jaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Karouli, Bharatpur & Alwar. It has totoal area of 3404.78 sq. kms. in roughly semicircular or 'C' shape with tempering towards east and west at corners.
Soil
The soil of the district is yellowish to dark brown dominantly fine taxtured, generally suitable for all type of crops. Further, watershed scheme has been implemented in the district to avoid erosion.
Mountain Ranges
Hills of the district are parts of the North Aravali ranges. The Lalsot-Bayana Hill range, runs from Lalsot to Bayana, demarcates the boundary between Dausa and Sawai Madhopur districts. The Aravali exposures have a perfect concordant sequence of beds from Lalsot to Bayana ridge. A belt of crystalline quartzite is found in hills from Dausa to Bhankari, schistose quartzite is also predominately exposed.
Places of interest
ABHANERI
Abhaneri is famous for its Post-gupta or early medieval monuments. Itis situated at about 33 Kms from the district headquarter towards Bandikui. The Chand Baori(Step Well) and Harshat Mata Temple are the important places to visit. The temple is an execellent example of intricate carving on stone whereas the Baori has stairs with unparallel artistic and architectural beauty.
BHANDAREJ
Bhandarej is famous for walls, sculptures, decorative lattice work, terracotta utensils etc found in excavation. It is situated at about 10 Kms from the district headquarter towards Sikandra on NH-11. The Bhandarej Baori (Step Well) and Hotel Bhadravati Palace are important places to visit. The Baori is a magnificent architectural creation and has 150 wide steps going towards the main well, approximately 70 feet in width. The Palace is an interesting blend of both Mughal and Rajput architecture having courtyards, arched windows and traditionally painted verandahs.
KHAWARAOJI
Khawaraoji is famous for residence of the then rular Raoji and natural beauty. It is situated at about 25 Kms from the district headquarter towards Sikrai. Though, it has typical way to reach this place, the fort like residence is converted into the Khawaraoji Heritage Hotel. Surrounded by hills at the three sides, and having Amol Ghati nearby with natural beauty, this place has worth to visit by tourists.
JHAJHIRAMPURA
Jhajhirampura is famous for the natural water tank and temples of Rudra (Shiv), Balaji(Hanuman) and other religious god and godess. It is situated at around 45 Kms from district headquarter towards Baswa (Bandikui). Surrounded by hills and with natural water resource, this place has natural and spiritual glory.
Temples and Religious Spots
MEHNDIPUR BALAJI
Temple of Bajrang Bali (Hanuman) god is famous for treatment of mentally disturbed people by the PRETRAJ.With the tremendous growth in medical sciences in the world, still people from all over India come to this place to overcome such diseases. The number of visitors turn-up, number of residential accommodations and volume of donations receivedby the temple show the importance of this place. It is situated about 40 Kms from district headquarter on NH11 towards Mahwa/Agra.
NEELKANTH & PANCH MAHADEV
Dausa is also known as DEVNAGRI. In fact, Sahajnath, Somnath, Gupteshwar & Neelkanth, the five images of God Shive (Mahadev) are situated in the temples at Dausa. The temple of Neelkanth, situated on the plateau of the nearby hill, shows its ancient glory and spiritual presence. The roap-way also attracts the tourists to enjoy the faith of this religious place.
GATOLAV
Gatolav, at the district headquarter, is famous for the birth of Sant Sunderdas who had been preached by his master, Sant Dadudayal, the founder of Dadupanthi religion. This place has been improved for tourist purpose, particularly for swimming and boating.
CHURCH AT BANDIKUI
A Roman style of Chruch for Protestant Christians at Bandikui, about 35 Kms from Dausa, was built up during British empire in India. This small chruch is beautiful and attractive for tourists.
TOURIST CIRCUIT
Bhandarej-Abhaneri-Bhangarh Circuit
Dausa ( An Archeological City ) ( Land of Gods )
Situated on National Highway No. 11, 55 km east of Jaipur, Dausa is an ancient town of archeological importance. It had the privilege of being the first headquarter of erstwhile Kachhawaha rulers of Dhundar. Carlyle in the year 1871-72 AD found a number of stone circles on the sloping grounds to the north of the foot of the hill. One or two of them contained cromlechs, a few cairns and sepulchral mound of prehistoric date. Daya Ram Sahni, an archaeologist, also visited Dausa and discovered other interesting antiquities which are believed to belong to the late medieval period.
BHANDAREJ - During Mahabharata times, this place was known as Bhadrawati. Walls, sculptures, decorative lattice work jails, terracotta utensils etc. found in excavations speak volumes about the ancient splendour of this place. Its history can be traced back to the 11th century when the Kachhawaha chieftan Dulha Rai defeated the Badgujars and conquered Bhandarej. At present Bhandarej Baodi (stepwell) and Hotel Bhadrawati Palace is the sole centre of attractions. About 1500 tourists visited Bhandarej during last year out of which 900 stayed overnight.
Bhandarej Baodi - This vast stepwell (Baodi) is a fine example of the splendour and grand history of the region. There is no water in this well at present but it seems that in earlier times it was used as a bathing “Ghat” with separate enclosures for ladies and gents. There are almost 50 steps and 3 floors in this stepwell. It has domes on both sides which have carvings of peacocks, birds, animals, etc. Similarly, there are number of small windows on corridors on both the sides for ventilation purposes as well as for imparting privacy to the womenfolk while watching processions on the outside. There were facilities of separate changing rooms for ladies and gents. More recently, it is used for picnics and get-togethers during rainy season by the locals. Every Friday, people belonging to various religions gather to pay homage to Saiyad Baba. Constructed in 1787, this stepwell requires lots of restoration work to bring it back to its past glory. Right now, the roads leading to this step well are in a poor state. Also, there is a lack of signage and it is not easy for the tourists to reach this place on their own.
HOTEL BHADRAWATI PALACE - This well maintained palace is an interesting blend of both Mughal and Rajput architecture having courtyards, arched windows and traditionally painted verandahs. The Palace also has a camping site with orchards and lush green fields. Located on the Jaipur-Agra highway, 62 kms from Jaipur, this heritage property is splendidly restored and refurbished to the former glory. It has accommodation facilities of 35 double rooms, 10 deluxe rooms and 25 standard rooms each with a unique Rajasthani style. Other facilities available on request include jeep, horse safaris and camel trips that offer ample scope for bird watching and give an insight into the village life.
Cottage Industries - There is an iron colony nearby where various things made up of iron are made. Also Bhandarej is famous for carpet making.
ABHANERI - (Village of stepwell), (An Archeological Beauty)
At a distance of 25 Kms from Dausa on route to Abhaneri, we come across Sikandara chauraha. This place has made its mark in the domestic as well as international market for its aesthetic intricate carvings on sand stone from districts adjoining Dausa. This small place exports lattice work jalis, pots, idols of god and goddesses, animal shapes, furniture, lamps, temples, fountains, etc. worth crores of rupees. Artisans generally source stones from three places - Bansi Paharpur, Dhaulpur and Karauli. Major work is done on stones from Bansi Paharpur which is the a beautiful pink coloured sand stone. Generations after generation of Mali community are carrying on this work. The stone sculptures of Swaminarayan temples (trust) are being made in Sikandara. It seems as if the ancient rich sculpture art of Abhaneri has got revived and got settled here for the benefit of present generation.
Harshat Mata Temple- According to the locals, the village is so called because, the local Goddess Harshat Mata is shown portrayed in a joyous mood and spreads “abha” or brightness all around. This temple was built by King Chand or Chandra of Nikumb Rajputs of Chauhan dynasty who was ruling at Abhanagri during 8th and 9th century AD.
This temple is raised over double terraced platform, originally the superstructure of Mahameru style. The sanctum is panchratha on plan and consists of Sandhara garbhagriha, pillared mandapa, crowned by a domical ceiling. Each niche of the buttress of garbhagriha has beautiful brahmanical deities and sculptures carved in deep relief. Fixed in the niches around the plinth of the upper terrace are the main attractions of this temple. The temple is placed under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. Daily worship is offered to the deity in the temple. The temple at present is in ruins and pieces of sculptures showing a fine degree of craftsmanship lie strewn around. An annual fair held in honour of Harshat Mata lasts three days and numerous devotees and merchants gather from neighbouring villages. Recently, villagers have also installed an idol of their local deity.
CHAND BAODI - One of the best example of architecture in the country, this magnificent step well was built by Raja Chand or Chandra, A Nikumbh Rajput of Chauhan dynasty who was ruling Abhanagri during 8th-9th century AD. This is one of the earliest baodi in Rajasthan. It is about 100 ft deep and is square in plan and closed by pillared verandahs with entrance on the north. It has double flight of steps of its 13 landing from south, east and west while a multi-storeyed pillared pavilions approached by flight of steps from rear side. Two projected niches on the lower storey enshrine the image of Mahishasura Mardini and Lord Ganesha. Separate changing rooms for ladies and gents are also provided. The steps of this mystical place are still not counted. It is said that on a full moon day, this place has a mesmerizing effect. Ancient idols and sculptures which were recovered from the precincts of Harshat Mata temple have now been placed inside the verandahs of Chand Baodi and are being developed into a museum by Archaeological Survey of India. Various sculptures of Harihara, Ardhanarishwara, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, Bhairava, etc are found here. These sculptures are full of beauty, shine and liveliness and display the high level of talent and finesse achieved by the sculptures of that period. At the outer periphery of Chand Baodi, a beautiful garden has been developed and also district administration is in the process of acquiring nearby land for constructing way-side facilities for the tourists.
BHANGARH - About 34 kms from Dausa via Sainthal Mod, and 47 kms from Sariska, this place was once a flourishing town of 10,000 homes. According to legend, it was built in the 17th century by Raja Madho Singh, the younger brother of illustrious Man Singh (one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court). But it was in the past; now only splendid ruins remain. According to prevalent tales, the town was cursed by an evil magician and had to be abandoned. According to this curse, it was also said that if the town was ever rediscovered, the township would not be found, but only temples would show up. True to the story, only temples dot the landscape and even far up on mountains only shrines can be seen. People say that nobody who has stayed there after dark has ever returned to tell the story. The fear still looms large in the minds of the locals, for they tread the soil of Bhangarh cautiously.
Most of Bhangarh is in ruins. Crumbling temples, walls and pavilions standing against the silent wilderness of forested hills scream out about the town’s ancient prosperity. An ancient site has been preserved by ASI in the rugged hills of Bhangarh. The ruins of the arches and colonnades, built on various levels, suggest that it was once quite an elaborate complex.
The recently restored evocative medieval bazaar is a truly fascinating experience. Nearby is the finely carved Someshwar Temple. The temple tank is still used by villagers to bathe and wash. There’s also the temple of Gopinath which has carved pillars and a corbelled cupola. Another fascinating monument in Bhangarh is Randiyon ka Mahal (Palace of Prostitutes). Its unusual name comes from female courtesans for whom the palace was built.This site seems to be a perfect place to pack a picnic lunch and retire to.
Apart from the above excursion sites, this circuit also boasts of the great religious sites of Mehndipur Balaji, etc. and divine architectural styles. This place provides an ensemble of religious, historical, architectural and mysterious places making this circuit an exciting tourist destination.