The glorious history of Sawaimadhopur town and it's profile---

 The glorious history of famous Sawai Madhopur town and it's profile ---

Sawaimadhopur  town--

This is the principal town of the district. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur State(1) (1751 A.D. to 1768 A.D.).Being the headquarters of the district, it occupies a prominent position in the south-west corner of the district on the broad-gauge section of the Western Railway, running from Delhi to Bombay. On the metre gauge, Sawai Madhopur is also connected with Jaipur, the State capital. The town is situated(2) at north latitude 25° 59' and cast longitude 76° 23' . Sawai Madh pur town had an area(3) of 7.87 sq. km.in 1971.  In 1971, a considerable portion of the town was bifurcated and categorised as a separate notified The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur Junction which is about six km. away from the town. By road, Sawai Madhopur town is 136 km. from Jaipur(4) The town is partly surrounded by hills and partly by a wall that has crumbled down at many places. The town can b reached through a main gate named Bhairon Dara. Formerly, the town was confined within the old walls, but with the development of residen tial sites, the town has also extended. Presently, a few government offices and educational institutions are located within the old city, the rest having been shifted to Man town which was categorised as a Notified Area Committee in 1971.

Since the town was founded by a former ruler of the Jaipar state and named after him, the foundation and lay out of the town is based on the plan of Jaipur city with streets intersecting each other at right angles.

There are many temples in the city, but the temples of Hanuman
ji, Galtaji, Gopal temple, Kala Gora, Narsinghji, Shriji, Jagdishji, Govind devji, Buda Jain temple and Raghunathji are the best known and are visited most frequently. The notable Jain temple outside the town is known as Chamatkarji. It houses a small idol of lord Adinath, made of white stone. Legend has it that this was unearthed a few years back.The town has also a mosque and a Gurudwara. The more notable residential areas are known as Raigar Mohalla, Julaha Mohalla, Brahmapuri, Koli Mohalla, Patwa Mohalla, Mirza Mohalla, Ghousi Mohalla,Chhipa Mohalla, Harijan colony etc.

The city is fast developing into a big and prosperous commercial mart and an industrial area. The Sawai Madhopur Cement Factory situ ated in the municipal limits of the adjoining Man town provides employ ment to the local population. It has also increased business and trade in the area. Being the headquarters of the district administration, several offices, both of the State and the Central Government are located here.
The establishment of a degree college in the Man town and it's direct connection with the Chambal grid have contributed to its prosperity.

Ranthambhor--

The famous Ranthambhor fort is said to have derived its name from the two hills, Run and Thambor which are in close proximity of each other.The fort is built on the Thambhor hill surrounded by a massive wall strengthened by towers and bastions. The name of the builder of this fort is not known. It has also not yet been definitely ascertained when and in whose time it was constructed. Theories abound. It is said to have been built in 1110 A.D. by king Jayant who founded it at the instance
and blessings of Padma Rishi (5). Another version ascribes its construction to Rao Jat who built it in 1046 A.D: on a Saturday, the day of the Teej festival and offered prayers(6). Sidhasen Suri, a Jain author, included it in his list of holy places(7). The Hamir Mahakavya written in Sanskrit around the 15th century and the Hamirraso written in 1785 mention that before the coming of Jat Rao, Bhairu Sen Panwar (Parmar) was the ruler of this place (8) . It has also been suggested that the fort was probably constructed by the Parmars. However, it is probable that the fort was not built by just one king but several in succession over a span of years. The existence of Ranthambhor fort in the 12th century is supported by a few Jain - authors. According to the Updeshamrit of Vijai Singh Suri written in 1191 A.D. and Muni Surat Chariti of Chandra Sur , Prithviraj Chauhan of Sambhar offered a golden kalash to the Jain temple in Ranthambhor(9).

Ranthambhor, once also called as Ransthambhpura or the city of the pillars of wars, is situated to the north-east of Sawai Madhopur town at a distance(10) of nearly 13 km. (8 miles), approachable by a tarred road. The fort lies on an isolated hill, 481 metres (1578 feet) above sea level(11). The nearest railway station is Ranthambhor which itself is 10 km. from Sawai Madhopur. Journey to the fort by road is preferable. A visitor can go upto Misra darra by car and thereafter by a jeep upto the main gate of the fort. The fort is approached through a very narrow and steep mountain and is not visible to the visitor until the end of the valley is reached through a series of gateways. Towering high up in the sky, it inspires awe and terror. The grim fortifications, its gateways and the position of the fort are interesting examples of Indian military art.

The main gate of the fort called Bada Darwaja leads the visitor straight to a plain valley in which lies the famous well, Padmala F
Talao, surrounded on all four sides by mountains. There are a number of buildings, both ancient and modern, inside the fort. Notable among these are the Ganeshji's temple, Lakshmi Narayan temple, Brahmaji temple,
Raghunathji temple, Parmeshwarji temple and the Jain temple, of which Rajmandir and the Jain temple are claimed to be the oldest. There are also three very big cenotaphs, each of which is supported on thirty-two red sandstone pillars. There are two large sized rectangular rooms called Jora Bhoran, which were used for storage purposes and also for providing supplies to the army. There are five big tanks in the fort and water is always to be found in some of them. The mausoleum of Muslim Pir Sadruddin stands on the bank of Ranihar tank. In addition to these, the Hammir Mahal, Suppari Mahal, Badal Mahal, etc. built in the Hindu style of red sandstone and huge masonry work are there to this day. The temple of Shiva is famous on account of Hammir's visit on his return from the battle field after having encountered with Allauddin Khalji. The Ganesha temple contains a huge figure of god Ganesha. In the east of the fort is the Gupta Ganga, a perennial stream that flows nowhere. There is a house and a small temple above the stream. It is said that the Rishi Mudgal used to meditate here. Till a few years ago, an iron pillar called Hamir Ghota (a huge club) weighing four and a half maunds was an object of antiquarian interest. It is said that before shooting his arrows Hamir used to steady his hand with this Ghota. Unfortunately it now lies in a broken state..

The fort with its chequered history of sacrifice and stubborn residence for defence is considered one of the strongest forts of India. It remained a bone of contention between the Rajputs and the Muslim rulers for a considerable time during early mediaeval and mediaeval period. It remained at first in the hands of Jadon and Chauhan Rajputs and then was captured by the Khalji Sultans of Delhi for a short while. In the 16th century, the fort came under the control of Malwa kings. Rana Sanga, the famous warrior ruler of Mewar had also captured it. With the defeat of Rana Sanga, the fort came under the control of Mughals. For a short span of time, it remained with Hada Rajputs of Bundi. Finally the last Mughal Emperor Shah Alam entrusted it to the then Jaipur ruler for its protection and preservation against the Marathas. Since then, till the formation of the Rajasthan State, the fort remained under the control of the former Jaipur rulers. At present, Ranthambhor is a protected monument, looked after by the Department of Archaeology of the Government of India.

A beautiful view can be obtained from the ramparts of this. fort. A fair is held here on Bhadrapada Sudi 3 to 5 (August-September)
every year (10) .The congregation during the fair exceeds 50,000 people, including many tourists from far and wide. People congregate in order to pay homage to Ganeshji (11) .

According to the Census of 1971, the fort at Ranthambhor has been classified as a village named Qila Ranthambhor occupying an area of 26,063 acres with a population(12) of 43. The Jogi Mahal at the foot of the fort has four rooms used as a rest house with lodging facilities to the visitors. The famous game santuary of Sawai Madhopur is in the vicinity of this fort. Amreshwar, Shailadhar and Goreshwar are other places of tourist interest and famous for their scenic beauty and natural splendour. Amreshwar lies on a hill top amidst water springs from which a continuous stream of water flows on a Shivling there. It is said that Hammira's daughter used to come here every day to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The Goreshwar temple, Sita Devi temple and Kalegorji temples are also centres of attraction for devotees.

Ranthambhor (Sawai Madhopur) Wild Life Sanctuary --

In the neighbourhood of the Ranthambhor fort, lies the famous game sanctuary. Situated amidst hills and rivers, it is a natural abode of wild life and big game and attracts tourists seasonally. It is situated at a distance of about 10 km, north-east of Sawai Madhopur railway station. From Jaipur it is 170 km. via Dausa (Jaipur district) and 160 km. via Tonk(13). Sawai Madhopur is a railway junction on the broad gauge railway line from Delhi to Bombay and the terminus of the metre gauge railway line (Western Railway) from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur. It is 400 metres above the mean sea level( 14) . The State Government established this sanctuary in 1957 by declaring an area of 450 sq. km, as prohibited for hunting. The sanctuary extends over the valleys within the Aravalli and Vindhyan hills, and has lakes and several hilly foot paths. The scenic beauty of the sanctuary is enhanced by valleys, namely, Kachinda, Kamal Dhar, Sole shwar, Lahpur, Bhakola and lakes like Malik Talao, Padamla Talao, Raj Bagh, Gilai Sagar and Mansarovar. It has became the home of many
herbivorous animals. Carnivorous animals also exist in the dense shades of the forest. The sanctuary has no dearth of water because of its streams and springs for drinking purposes. No national or state highway passes through it. Wild animals found here include tigers, panthers, sloth bears , chinkaras, sambhar and deer. Besides, crocodilés, peacocks and neelgai are found in large numbers. Wild dogs and numerous species of birds can be spotted during morning and evening any day. The State Forest Department has constructed about 120 km. long roads for vehicles to ply and enable visitors, particularly foreign tourists to watch wild life from close quarters. Tigers and tigresses with their cubs can be seen in the evening and the early hours of the morning. Salt bricks are placed in different places to attract them. Jogi Mahal (Forest Inspection bungalow) situated next to the sanctuary and at the foot of the Ranthambhor fort has lodging facilities for visitors. It has three rooms . From the Jogi Mahal the view across the Talab especially when the lotus flowers are in full bloom, with the Aravalli hill ranges in the background is excec dingly picturesque and beautiful. Natural beauty coupled with a quiet atmosphere has made the Jogi Mahal a favourite picnic spot. There is also a rest house of the irrigation department at Khandar having three rooms for visitors. The State Forest Department has also a two-roomed rest house for visitors to the game sanctuary. It is located near the Sawai Madho pur railway station. The Forest Department can arrange the witnessing of the hunting of a bull by tiger on request by a visitor. Several spots have been earmarked for filming wild animals by tourists and watch towers constructed for spotting animals without danger. Recently, the Central Government has included this game sanctuary in the Tiger Project. This would mean further enlargement of the area of the sanctuary and increase in the number of wild animals preserved here. Ranthambhor sanctuary is considered the most suitable place for the preservation of wild life in general and of tiger in particular. Transport to the sanctuary has to be arranged locally, since no regular transport service is available. The main gate of the sanctuary called Misradarra, the watch tower, the Jogi Mahal rest house and the fort Ranthambhor are 10, 13, 15 and 16 km. away respectively from the railway station of Sawai Madhopur.

Khandar---

Situated to the east of Sawai Madhopur 40 km. away(15 ). Khandar is the headquarters of the Panchayat Samiti and tahsil of the same. It lies at 26°01' north latitude and 76°37' cast longitude. The village occupies an area of 4,233 acres. The village is said to have derived its name from the word Khandar (ruins). Formerly the village was called Taragarh and it was located within the fort. During the Muslim rule, the fort was devastated. The inhabitants, out of fear, came down and settled at the foot of the fort. Since then it (the village) is called
Khandar.
The village is known for crafts associated with a number of articles of use like hand fans and betel leaf cases, specially prepared from Khas (scented grass). A weekly market is held here every Thursday (16). Places worth visiting in the vicinity are the Khandar fort, the temple of Ramesh warji (14 km. away) and the fort of Ranthambhor (18 km. away). The Khandar fort is said to have been founded by Sisodia Rajputs. Later on it was captured by the Lodis and the Khiljis. It eventually came under the authority of Jaipur rulers. Though not perfectly preserved at present, it contains many line buildings, including palaces, assembly halls, male and female apartments, water tanks, temples and a mosque.

Chhan--

It is a small but important village in Khandar tahsil , on Khandar -Bahrawada Khurd -Sawaimadhopur bus route 18km Away from Sawai madhopur(17) .It's area is 4 ,905 acres.Chhan owes it's importance to an old ruined mosque said to have been constructed by Ala-u-din Khilji , who encamped here during his attack on Ranthambhor .

Man Town

Man Town, a recent urban growth is an extension outside the old town of Sawai Madhopur situated at 26° 49' north latitude and 77" 01 east longitude. Formerly, it formed part of Sawai Madhopur town. Now, the town is served by a Notified Area Committee, to which members are nominated by the State Government. Man Town was founded in 1944 by the former Chief Minister, Sir Mirza M. Ismail of the erstwhile Jaipur State. It was named after the then ruler Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. This new township had started developing near the railway station of Sawai Madhopur Junction. 

Alanpur--

About four kilometres from Man Town by road towards Sawai Madhopur town is a small village called Alanpur. There is an old and irequently visited Digamber Jain temple of Chamatkarji here. The temple is a beautiful one, with a yard surrounded by four walls on which there are fine paintings depicting religious scenes. The main idol is said to be of the first Jain Tirthankara Lord Rishabh Natha. It is reported to have been unearthed in the vicinity. The temple is reported to be about three hundred years old.
Sawai Madhopur Its area is 4,905 acres .

Gangapur City--

Gangapur is the headquarters of the sub-division, tahsil and panchayat samiti of the same name. It is situated north-east of Sawai Madhopur in 26 28 north latitude and 76° 44' cast longitude, and is linked with it both by rail (64 km.) and road (85 km.). It is an impor tant commercial mart on the Bombay-Delhi broad gauge line of the Western Railway. The place is well connected with Karauli, Bamanwas, Nadauti, Kailadevi and Jaipur (via Lalsot) by road.  It is a fast developing town and has outgrown its old frontiers. Its present area is 2.31 sq. km.

The town is said to have been named Gangapur after Gangaram, its founder; but people also believe that it was named after the famous deity Gangaji. It had been an important railway station in the British period. Currently, it is known for its Loco Workshop and Wagon Repair Factory.

There are many temples in the town, of which the more important ones are those of Kalyanji, Sitaramji, Balaji, Gangaji, Ramdevji and Badrinathji. Besides these, there are Jain temples, a Gurudwara, a church and some mosque.
Dhundheshwar, 6 km from here, is a fine picnic spot. On the ninth day of Rhedropod Krishna, a fair is held here annually. The Maha deo temple at Dhundheshwar has a beautiful lingam of Lord Ashutosh, where an unfailing stream of water flows round the year.

Bamanwas--

It is 24km by road from Gangapur city and 90km away from the Sawai madhopur (26km by road and 64km by rail).It occupies an area of 9213 acres.
The village has a temple dedicated to Narsinghji.The Mora Sagar bund can be approached 10km from here.

Chauth-Ka-Barwara--

A fair is held in honour of Mataji at village Chauth-Ka-Barwara in Sawai Madhopur tehsil from Magha Sudi 4 to Magha Sudi 6 (Jan.-Feb.)
every year. There is a temple of Chauth-Mata at the top of the hill. About 50,000 persons attend the fair to worship Mataji and offer sacrifices. Music and dance are the peculiarities of the fair. Chauth-Ka-Barware is a railway station on the Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur railway line.

Government College Sawai madhopur ---

This college was established in July, 1971. It has Arts and Commerce ,Science and Agriculture courses. It is housed in a temple building, formerly part of a Higher Secondary school. Recently, Jaipur Udyog Ltd. has undertaken the construction of the college building which will accommodate all the three faculties.
Students are given military training through the N.C.C.Duringh 1973-74 , one hundred students were enrolled as cadets under this programme.
An annual literary magazine called Parimal is published by the college.

Reference--

1-Imperial Gazetteer of India , Vol.XXII ,p.158.
2-Source:Office of the director , Survey of India , Western Circle , Jaipur.
3. Census of India 1971, Series 18, Rajasthan, Parts X-A & X-B, District Census Hand book, Sawai Madhopur District, p. 6.
4. ibid., p. 2

5. Chitra Kinra: Sawai Madhopur, Past and Present, an unpublished the Collectorate of Sawai Madhopur
6-ibid.
7.ibid.
8.ibid.
9.ibid.
10. Census of India 1961, Rajasthan, District Census Handbook, Sawai Madhopur District p. xi.
11. ibid.
12. Census of India 1971, Series 18, Rajasthan, parts X-A & X-B, District Census Hanad book, Sawai Madhopur District, p. 78.
13. Source: Office of the Field Director, Project Tiger, Ranthambhor, SawaiMadhopur,
14.ibid.

15. Census of India 1971, Series 18, Rajasthan, parts X-A & X-B, District Census Hanadbook, Sawai Madhopur District,Map.No.7.17.

16. Census of India 1971, Series 18, Rajasthan, parts X-A & X-B, District Census Hanadbook, Sawai Madhopur District, p. 78.

1 7. Census of India 1971, Series 18, Rajasthan, parts X-A & X-B, District Census Hanadbook, Sawai Madhopur District, p. 79.

Author-Dr Dhirendra Singh Jadaun
Associate Professor in Agric.Sci
Shahid Captain Ripudaman Singh Govt.College ,Sawai madhopur ,Rajasthan.322001.