| Kota:
Kota
and Bundi were the two great Princely States of the Rajput Chauhan
clan - their region is known as Haraoti. The former states are both
noted for brave warrior maharajas and outstanding miniature paintings,
often featuring rampaging elephants. Parts of this area haven't changed
much since medieaval times, but Kota itself has become the industrial
center of the region. The Museum here holds wonderful things!
Menal:
9-11th century temples around a dramatic gorge, the major one to
Shiva Maha Naleshvara. There was a Hindu Math [monastery]
here. The oldest stuctures belong to the Pratihara dynasty, the later
ones, to the Chauhan Rajputs. Visiting this site has been highly
recommended.
Mandalgarh:
One of the great forts of Rajasthan. Held by the rulers of Mewar,
the Sisodia clan, they of the rarest Rajput pedigree - descended from
the sun. This was one of the high citadels in Rana Kumbha's line of
defense. Temple and ruins are to be seen.
Nagari:
Farthest point into India reached by Alexander the Great¹s
troops. He'd headed back to Babylon, but his followers got lost wandering
in the hills East of the Indus River, 4th century BC. Also there is
said to have been a battle here between the Greek Menander and the
native Shunga king. Nagari was once the capital of the region, now
in ruins. There are traces of a Vedic Vataka, a stone shrine,
the oldest one found so far.
|