Kota,Rajasthan, India
Kota (Hindi:कोटा koṭa) formerly known as Kotah, is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Situated on the banks of Chambal River, the city is the trade centre for an area in which cotton, millet, wheat, coriander and oilseeds are grown; industries include cotton and oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, and the manufacture of metal handcrafts. Kota is one of the major industrial hubs in northern India, with many prominent chemical and engineering companies based here. The rail junction, a road hub, lies 4.8 km (3 mi) to the north. Kota is famous for its distinctive style of painting. Kota is well known for its saris, stone products and a vibrant education sector. In fact, the numerous coaching centres which prepare aspirants for India's elite engineering and medical colleges have given a totally new character and identity to the city. The Crosthwaite Institute is located in Kota, as are old and new palaces of the Maharao (the maharajahs). Geography
Kota is located along the eastern bank of the Chambal River in the southern part of Rajasthan. The exact cartographic coordinates are 25°11′N 75°50′E / 25.18°N 75.83°E / 25.18; 75.83.[1] It covers an area of approximately 12,436 km² (3.63 per cent of the Rajasthan State).[2] It has an average elevation of 271 metres (889 ft). The district is bound on the north and north west by Sawai Madhopur, Tonk and Bundi districts. The Chambal River separates these districts from Kota district, forming the natural boundary. Distance from Major Cities
Delhi - 454 km
Jaipur - 256 km
Climate
The climate of the city is of the tropical type due to the proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and is subject to extremes of heat during summer, and has mildly cold winters. The summer season in Kota lasts from April to late October. The average temperature in the daytime hovers around 42.6°C. The average temperature falls in the range of 29.7°C (max) to 9°C (min) during wintertime. The average annual rainfall in the Kota district is 885.6 mm.[2] Most of the rainfall can be attributed to the southwest monsoon which has its beginning around the last week of June and may last till mid-September. Pre-monsoon showers begin towards the middle of June and post-monsoon rains occasionally occur in October. In the winter season also, there is sometimes a little rainfall associated with the passing western distribution over the region. History of Kota
The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. The Independent state of Kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful. Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of Chambal river and is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories. Kota is Rajasthan's Fifth Largest City. This bustling,sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state
Princely City of Kota
Princely City: Kota (कोटा) Region Hadoti Flag of 19th c. Independence from: Bundi State State Existed: 1579-1949 Dynasties Rajput Chauhan Hada Capital Kota
See also: Hadoti
The Kota city became independent in 1579, after Bundi state in Hadoti region become weak. Then, Kotah ruled the territory which now is Kota district and Baran district.
[edit] Places of interest
Chambal Garden
A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides. Presence of the River Chambal at one end of the garden makes it a very scenic place. Maharao Madho Singh Museum
Situated in the old palace, the museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers. Godavari dham temple, Kota
Garh Palace, Kota
Kota Barrage
A part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening strolls. The Government Museum
Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli. Jag Mandir
Amidst the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs, lies in the vicinity. Godavari Dham Temple
This Hanuman Temple is located beside the swiftly flowing Chambal River. It has two high marble towers and huge marble swan built at the top of the entrance gate. It is visited by a large number of devotees especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays when a midnight Aarti of Lord Hanuman is organised. Other places worth visiting
Adhar Shila
Darrah National Park
Chambal River Ghariyal {Aligator} Reservoir
Sawan phuhar Water Park,the first and only amusement water park in the Hadoti region. Haryali Resort cm restaurant,a resort with a traditional look famous for its Indian,Chinese,Continental cuisines and sizzlers. Godavari Dham Mandir, a temple
Garh Palace
Umed Bhavan Palace
Brijraj Bhavan Palace
Bheetariya Kund
Pahadajhar Mahadev Water Fall
Gapernath
Badoli Temples
Jawahar Sagar Dam
Chowpaty Bazaar
Hadoti Traffic Garden
Chambal Garden
Tirupati Balaji Temple
Khare Ganesha Temple
The oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century A.D. lies on the way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. The intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraj (Shiva)-the cosmic dancer on the door of the mandap,offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.
•Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh (50-55 km)
Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings. An ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.
•Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110 km)
Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh hill, is the 11th-12th century temple now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep and car.
•The Remains of Garhgachh (110 km)
The 9th and 13th century AD temples in red stone, situated in the Baran district near Atru (30 km).
•Nahargarh Fort (145 km)
An impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of the Mughal architecture.
•Sitabari (120 km)
An ideal picnic spot,situated near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district on the way to Kota-Shiv Puri. The old temples of Sita,Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in May/June every year.
•Shergarh (125 km)
A historic fort near Barora 10 km in Atru Tehsil in the Baran district.
•Fort of Shahbad and Mosque (160 km)
The fort was constructed in 1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest in Rajasthan and was built during the reign of Aurangazeb.
•Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km.) An erstwhile royal hunting preserve,it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The wildlife variety includes panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear.
•Rock Paintings of Alaniya (25 km)
Beautiful rock paintings adorn the bank of the River Alaniya. Economy
The city is the trade centre for an area in which cotton, millet, wheat, coriander and oilseeds are grown; industries include cotton and oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, and the manufacture of metal handcrafts. Kota also has an extensive industry of stone-polishing of a particular kind of stone called Kota Stone. Kota stone is blue in colour and is used for the floor and walls of both residential and business buildings. It is a cheap alternative to marble. Kota's economy today is driven by the all-India fame of its coaching classes. Kota doria
Kota in Rajasthan is famous for the fine translucent muslins called Masuria Malmal. Originally, such saris were called Masuria because they were woven in Mysore. The weavers were subsequently brought to Kota by Rao Kishore Singh who was a general in the Mughal army. The weavers were brought to Kota in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and the saris came to be known as 'Kota-Masuria'. Kota saris are popularly known as 'Masuria' in Kota and Kotadoria outside the state. 'Doria' means thread. Kota stone
Main article: Kota Stone
The fine-grained variety of limestone is known as Kota stone. The rich greenish-blue and brown colours of this stone are most popular. Kota stone is preferred for flooring and wall cladding, paving and facades of buildings. This is because they have the unique properties of limestones. They are very tough, non water-absorbent, non-slip, non-porous and have excellent stain removability. Moreover, their resistance to wear and delamination is higher than other stones. They are available in different sizes and thicknesses. The varieties include Kota Blue Natural, Kota Blue Honed, Kota Blue Polished, Kota Blue Cobbles, Kota Brown Natural and Kota Brown Polished. Major companies
Kota is major industrial hub in Rajasthan with many prominent chemical and engineering companies based in the city.
