The Undiscovered Splendour
Area : 5628 Sq.kms.
Altitude : 515 metres
Best Season : August-February
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.
Bundi was the capital of a major princely state during the heyday of
the Rajputs. Although its importance dwindled with the rise of Kota
during Mughal times, it kept its independence until its
incorporation into the state of Rajasthan in 1947 . It is Rudyard
Kipling land and the first destination, in Hadoti, that is reached
from Jaipur by road. Bundi is in a beautiful narrow valley above
which towers the Taragarh Fort.
Set in a narrow encircling gorge, the palaces and fortress of Bundi
have a fairly tale like quality about them. This is a picturesque
and captivating little town that has more or less retained a
medieval atmosphere. Isolated and independent, the entire township
appears like a miniature painting, frozen in time for the traveller.
Sometimes the only
Movement seems to be provided by the traveller himself.
Places of Attraction
The Bundi Palace: The town’s Rajput legacy is well preserved
in the massive fort, which broods over the town in the narrow valley
below, and the imposing valley palace which stands beneath it. In
this palace are the famous Bundi murals. The Bundi Palace is reached
from the northwestern end of the bazaar, through a huge wooden
gateway and up a steep cobbled ramp. It is built of locally quarried
stone, presents one of the finest examples of Rajpur architecture.
Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted
elephants are used liberally. Of special interest here are the
Diwan-i-Am, Hathi Pol and the Naubat Khana.
The famous Chitra Shala is located only one portion of the outer
perimeter of the palace which provides a colourful glimpse of
history-the walls, and ceilings of this palace are completely
covered with paintings of the Bundi School. Hunting and court
scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life and scenes from
Lord Krishna’s life are still in very good condition. This is
officially open to the public.
Chattar Mahal: The Chattar Mahal (1660) is the newer palace
of green serpentine rock is pure Rajput in style.A Steep ramp leads
up through the Hazari Darwaza (Gate of the Thousand) where the
Garrison lived. The palace entrance is through the Hathi Pol(Elephant
Gate), which have two carved elephant with a water clock.
Raniji-Ki-Baodi: Bundi is also known for its baodis or
step-wells. Unique to Rajasthan and Gujarat, the step-wells. Unique
to Rajasthan and Gujarat, the step-wells served as water reservoirs
for the months of summer when there was a scarcity of drinking
water. At one time, there were over fifty such wells in Bundi but
most of them have suffered the ravages of time.One very good example
still to be found in the heart of the town is called
Raniji-ki-Baodi.It is 46 mts deep and has some fine carvings.Built
in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, it is one of the largest of its kind.
This baodi has exquisitely carved pillars and ornate archways-even
the simple function of drawing water from the well became a special
occasion for the womenfolk. They dressed up in their finery to visit
these elaborate structures. On the road to Kota is a 64-pillared
chhatri still in extremely good condition and worth a visit.
Nagar Sagar Kund is a pair of matching step-walls, just outside the
Chogan Gate to the old city, right in the centre of the town.
Vissible from the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar.
In the centre is a temple to varuna, the Aryan god of water. Also
worth a look are the Bhora-ji-ka-Kund and Dabhai Kund.
Taragarh Fort: The Taragarh or Star Fort was built in 1354
and is a great place to ramble around at leisure. A steep road
leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway, topped by rampant
elephants, reaches it. The square fort has large corner bastions;
the east wall is crenellated with high ramparts while octagonal
towers flank the main gate to the west. The Bhim Burj tower
dominates the fort and provided the platform for the Garbh Ganjam,
huge cannon. |
