Brief History of Karauli State --

Brief History of the Karauli State---

The princely state ofKarauli with its golden past is entering into the 650th year, was founded by Yaduvanshi King Arjundeo a descent of Lord Krishna in 1348 AD. During this period, 27 kings sat on its throne. Its ancient name was Karkralagiri being surounded by circular mountain ranges. The temple ofKalyanrai (Shri Krishna) is synonim to foundation of Karauli. Karauli is an aberration of its original name "Kalyanpuri". The name of Karauli appears to be justified on the basis of registration of205 temples with Devsthan department, Karauli came under the subjucation of British rule by the treaty of King Harbakshpal on 9th November 1817 AD with them. Ganeshpal was the last ruler of Karauli. On 171h March 1948 Karauli State was merged with Matsya State. Karauli alongwith Matsya union merged in Rajasthan Province on 151h May 1949. 

Metallic Discovery of eight copper silts, microliths in Kota-Maholi near Karauli in 1977 AD has proved geo-historical importance of this area. The specimen of scrupltural and architerctural art of initial medieaval and medieavel period found in Karauli and Hindaun prove the existence of beautiful temples. The Ayat's of Koran have been written in Arabic script on the rock inscription of mosque in Kerdgaon. Timangarh had been the centre of activities of heirs of earstwhile  king Vijaypal from Timanpal to Kunwarpal. Here the Pashupati sect of Jain and Shaiva religion had monopoly in 121h century. Many ancient idols have been found from the excavations 

carried out in Aagri village near Karauli and 

Timangarh. Hindaun was also under the control of Afghan Sardars and Tughlags during Siultant period. 

The ancient peace of Prahlad Komd also testifies Hindaun as town of Hirankashyap. Some elderly persons tell it as residential place of Hidimba of Mahabharat period. 

According to Historians the fort of Mandrail is even older than the establishment ofKarauli. Sikander Lodi in 1504 AD attacked the Madrail fort and destroyed the temple and built a mosque. During 

Mahabharat period Karauli was included in Matsya Pradesh, later on it was under the control of Maurya, Malwa, Yodheyaya and Guptas. After disintegration from Mathma, Yaduvanshis recaptured their last

territories. The viyajmandir fort of Bayana has been named after the Yaduvanshi ruler Vijaypal. Timanpal an heir of Vijaypal continously fought with muslim traitors for his control over Timangarh, but Kunwarpal 

was compelled to quit the fort. In 1234 AD Iltutm

ish captured this entire area. Yaduvanshi rulers remained fighting for 114 year to regain their lost territory.

During the Timanpal's period Arjundeo defeated representative of Mohmmod Tugluq and by taking Meenas and Pan war Rajputs in his confidence captured Mandrail fort and established Karauli State. 

Maharaja Gopaldas Subedar of Ajmer who was contemporary to Akbar received Kirti Chinha and Magara Mishan by giving victory to Akbar over Daultabad. Foundation stone of Agra Fort was laid 

by this Yaduvanshi ruler by Akbar. Gopal Singh (second) ruler of Karauli earned even more reputation in 1724 AD. During his reign the boundaries of Karauli State extended upto Sikarwar across Chambal river near Gwalior. He constructed a beautiful temple of Madanmohanji, expanded palaces, for beautification 

& security of town built roads and fortifications. He was decorated with title of '

Mahi Marativ" by the Emperor of Delhi.

Timangarh Fort ---

It is situated at a distance of 12 km from Karauli Town. This is built by Yadu Banshi ruler Timanpal in 1058A.D

Name of some important historical and archaeological. Forts are as given below: 

1. Fort of Mandrayal. 

2. Palace of King Mordhavaj in the village 

Garmora.

Rest house garden (Hersukh Vilas)situated in Karauli. Karauli Rajmahal forts enteriar temple Madan Mohanji in Karauli, temple Mahburji etc. 

Worship Virasin Mata. 

Kaila Devi ---

A big fair is held during the month of Chaitra (March-April) and lasts for fortnight in which a large number of devotees of Kaila Devi come from all parts of the country. The congregation during the fair is more than a Lac persons. Puja is offered with coconuts sweetmeats and clothes for the daily. 

 

Karauli  city--

It is a religious and district head quarter town. The town is surrounded by a wall of sand stone. The palace of the Maharaja is a building of architectural beauty. There are temples of Shri Madan Mohan Ji and Gopalji built in the 16th Century A.D. The idol of Shri Madan Mohanji was brought by Maharaja Gopal Singh from Jaipur and that of Shri Gopalji from the fort of Daultabad by Raja Gopaldas .

Kaila Devi temple 

This temple is situated in the vicinity of the 

Kalisil river at Lauhra village. The village is known after Devi Kaila, the tutelary deity of the exulers of the erstwhile Karauli State.

References---

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Author-Dr Dhirendra Singh Jadaun

Village-Larhota near Sasni

District-Hatharas ,U.P.

Associate Prof in Agric.

 Sahid Captain Ripudaman Singh Govt.College , Sawaimadhopur ,Raj.

322001.