The monuments of Alwar are an impressive display of the architectural splendour of the Rajput rulers. The greatest draws of Alwar are its forts and palaces, apart from other places of religious worship constructed centuries back. The monuments of Alwar are a top draw for tourists visiting any part of Rajasthan.
Also known as the tiger gate of Rajasthan, it is protected on all sides by a rampart and moat, except where the hills crowned by the fort secure it from attack. There are five gates to the city, within which lie the chief buildings. It is perched amidst a cluster of hills on the Aravalli mountain range.
The town of Alwar is the former capital of the state of Alwar. For a long time the people of the state valiantly defied foreign resistance, and fought against all outside influence. They even formed a group and raided Delhi in the 12th and 13th centuries. However, they were all brought under Muslim rule when they were defeated by Sultan Balban. It was in 1771 that Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput of Macheri won back Alwar from Muslim rule. He went on to found the independent principality of Alwar.
A number of monuments are found in Alwar, all of them a glowing tribute to the architectural heights achieved by the Rajasthani sculptors.
A number of religious monuments are also to be found at Alwar. Most of these are dedicated to Hindu gods since the Rajput rulers of the region were Hindu by faith.
An ancient Jain temple is also to be found at Alwar. It is dedicated to the eighth Trithankar Shri Chandra Prabhu Bhagwan. It is adorned with elaborate carvings, paintings, exquisite pillars, and arches. It is an important site of Jain pilgrimage.
Another pilgrimage site found here is that of Bharathari. It revolves around the legend of King Bharathari who is said to have wandered about in this region in exile. He did this as penance for harboring suspicions against his younger brother Vikramaditya, the renowned king of Malwa.
Also when taking off from Tehla village, along the way, is seen a remarkable sight of ruins which are several centuries old and marvelously carved temples which are studded on a small hillock. There is a highly venerated temple of Lord Shiva here which is worshipped even today. Equally remarkable is a giant statue of the 23rd Jain Trithankar, locally known as the Nogaza. It has been carved out of a single block of stone.
Some Muslim tombs are also to be found here. The Tomb of Fatehjang built in 1647, is a local landmark, with a huge dome and internal plasterwork ornament in low relief. The Tomb of Tarang the brother of Emperor Firuz Shah Tughlaq is also found here. It was built in the mid seventeenth century and is called the Tripolia. Besides these religious monuments a number of historical monuments are also to be found in Alwar.
The monuments of Alwar bear ample testimony to the heights reached by the Rajasthani craftsmen in the field of art and architecture. They evidence the might and majesty of the fearless Rajput warriors and excellent artistry and engineering skills of the sculptors of the age.
Rajasthan is a popular state worldwide and receives travelers from both international and domestic. Royal land of Rajasthan is famous for its majestic forts, princely palaces, beautiful Havelis with many more attractions which bind visitors to Rajasthan. Explore Rajasthan heritage by its architectural monuments. Some of the most well-known monuments of the state are quiet obviously located in the big cities. However, even the smaller and remote destinations preserve enough of monumental heritage of Rajasthan for tourists. Its world’s famous palaces and Havelis are now converted to top notch hotels. Following are some of the world famous monuments in Rajasthan which attracts travelers in large numbers.
The Pink City of India, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and have some of the historical forts of Rajasthan. Some major historical places in Jaipur include Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, etc.
Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City of India, is the second-largest city of Rajasthan. It has Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada Memorial, and Balsamand Lake & Palace.
The City of Lakes of Rajasthan is Udaipur is a beautiful city and the land of splendid palaces. Major palaces in this city include Lake Palace, Jagmandir Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Shiv Prakash Palace, Monsoon Palace, etc.
There is a massive fort complex called Kumbhalgarh Fort which is located nearby. Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace are also situated in Bikaner which are also very beautiful palaces.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari is also worthy of praise for their beautiful architecture and definitive designs. Laxmi Niwas Palace is also evidence of the beautiful architecture of the Royals.
The Golden City of India, Jaisalmer is a major tourist destination of Rajasthan. It has a Golden Fort which is indeed a beautiful palace in Rajasthan and is the only living forts of India.
More to mention are the Neemrana Fort & Palace, Bharatpur, Lohagarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Kota City Palace, Alwar City Palace, etc are other popular monuments in Rajasthan known for their stunning architectural beauty.