Until the mid 17th century, Bundi was the great father of southeastern Rajasthan, grab the piece of its history, its stories of courage and chivalry, diplomacy and all that goes into the making of history. Kota All this lasted until he was removed as an independent state and Bundi became a little smaller.
Then, as additional blow, it was decided that another state, Jhalawar, Bundi also be carved. This time also Zalim Singh, who shrewdly ruler visible in the 19 th century, who wanted a new state by his descendants to rule because he was not satisfied with just having Kota.
Here we must remember that Zalim Singh stressed on diplomacy, and get what they required was not much of a hassle for him. The region east of Kota and Bundi was given an official name, and so it happened that Jhalawar jumped into existence in 1838, a rugged country interspersed with ponds.
Originally called Jhalrapatan, the city took its name from the hundreds of temples with bells (jhalarapatan: city of bells) around it. Another legend places the appointment of Jhalawar to Jhala-ra-patun, or the city of Jhala Rajputs.
Jhalawar History
Jhalawar has a bit of their own history, but what happened in the mid 19, when the ruler of Bundi Umed Singh died. Zalim hurried back to Bundi Gagron upon learning of the death of the Maharao. and then began the fight for the seat of power among the sons of Zalim and Umed Singh. Kishore Singh, the son of Maharao, was made the ruler, much to the chagrin of the other contenders. However, he was soon ousted and Prithvi Singh sat on the throne.
Last of all, Zalim Singh in 1838 carved the new kingdom of Jhalawar their descendants in this city as the capital. Zalim statesman here came into play, this feat would not have been possible without the assist of a higher power, ie the British. Jhalawar was to Zalim Singh and his sons, who served with loyalty to the British, even during the uprising of 1857 when the whole country revolted against British rule.
Zalim Singh-The Great Administrative
Zalim Singh was known for his administrative acts and to convert arid land fertile, and adopted the similar rule to Jhalawar. But this time it was perfumed flowers and trees planted, but the opium, which resulted in strong taxation through local sales and export to remote China. Even today Jhalawar is one of the major centers of opium production in India, and during the opium crop large fields with miles of yellow poppies are a common sight.
Jhalawar- Turned As A Commercial Mart
With the creation of a well-planned city, Zalim Singh said that the wealthiest of the merchants settled in Jhalawar. With his knowledge of the administrative system, which introduced the system in Jhalawar town and had a stone pillar inscribed with the laws and statutes of the city.
These laws were wealthy merchants to ensure the safety of their homes and wealth. Anyone disobeying these judiciaries are treated harshly, and quickly became prosperous Jhalawar. Consequently, the city became "the great commercial shopping center in southeast Rajasthan and trade center for the region and neighboring areas.
A Great Cultural & Musical Center
Gradually, as the town prospered Jhalawar began to entertain the arts, also becoming a major cultural center of music and theater in the Kings of the cosmopolitan. Jhalawar today boasts one of the best opera houses in India for full time with an incredible sound system built.
Bhawani Natya Shala:
Constructed by Maharaja Bhawani Singh in 1921, was built on the model of European opera houses. For a time was a well-liked stage plays and music Parsi. The 3-story building is of white stone and red and, like most structures Rajput, is crowned by chhatris (flags) on your roof. Outside, a narrow balcony through each floor of the Natya Shala closed by an iron gate.
Raen Basera- A Magnificent Cottages
Basera Raen the shores of Lake Kishan is a small cottage unique. Made entirely of wood by the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, in 1936, his reputation went to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. The whole house was dismantled and set up in Lucknow for an exhibition, where it caught the attention of the Maharaja Rajendra Singh.
We proceeded to buy the house, had dismantled again, and moved to Jhalawar. The Raen Basera is now owned by the Irrigation Department of Rajasthan, but was originally a retreat for Rajendra Singh.
Home of Great Celebrity-- Ravi Shankar
The famous sitar master Ravi Shankar Jhalawar grew after his family moved here from Bengal. His father was the Prime Minister of Jhalwar then, and the brother of Ravi Shankar, the celebrated dancer Uday Shankaralso lived here for long. Uday Shankar was previously used to dance at the Natyashala in Jhalawar before the ballerina Anna Pavlova was discovered by European and put it on the international stage.
The City is A Devotee of God Hanuman
Jhalawar coat of arms revolving around an image of the monkey god Hanuman, known for his legendary feats of strength. Hanuman is portrayed here more as a caricature of a real monkey, and is part of a shield. A horse and a lion flanking each side of the shield which bears an inscription. The whole image was crowned by a trident, which represents the goddess Durga. Today the descendants of Zalim Singh is the official "leaders", despite their titles and holdings to both were taken by the government of India in 1970.
Festivites in Jhalawar
The fair Chandrabhaga in Jhalrapatan is an interesting place. Essentially an cattle fair, Chandrabhaga becomes a hub of activity with cows, horses, buffaloes and oxen are bought and sold by people who come from as far away as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
