Dausa

Dausa District is a district of Rajasthan state in western India. Dausa is a city and administrative headquarters of Dausa district in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is 55 km from Jaipur, 240 km from Delhi and located on Jaipur-Agra National Highway (NH-11). It is also known as "Dev Nagari." and now Getolav is main attraction of Dausa as Getolav Bird Habitat. The city of Dausa is the district headquarters. It is bounded on the north by Alwar District, on the northeast by Bharatpur District, on the southeast by Karauli District, on the south by Sawai Madhopur District, and on the west by Jaipur District. The district is divided into eight tehsils, Baswa, Dausa, Lalsot, Mahwa, Sikrai, Lawan, Nangal Rajawatan and Ramgarh Panchwara. The Sawa and Ban Ganga rivers run through the district. In Tehsil Mahwa there is a Gram Panchayat, Kherla Bujurg, it is famous for a record which was made during an election of member for legislative assembly Mahwa seat for Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha. All three candidates from National parties were resident this village, all of these three were from same cast (Badgujar), all were advocates by their profession. Eventually Hari Singh Gurjar was elected.

History:  Dausa is named after a hill near the city that was called Devgiri. On the top of hill is situated a fort, built by Badgujar kings, who were the original rulers of this area. Later, Dausa was given by Chauhans to Kachwahas, but the center of their power shifted to Amber. When Akbar went to Ajmer as a pilgrim to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in 1562, he stayed in Dausa and met with Rupsi Baragi, Hakim of Dausa at the time and brother of Bharmal. The city of Dausa is situated in the north-eastern region of Rajasthan, a region widely known as “Dhundhar”. Dausa has given prominent freedom fighters to the nation. Late Shri Tikaram Paliwal and Late Shri Ram Karan Joshi were amongst the freedom fighters. Late Shri Tikaram Paliwal was the First elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1952 after independence. The famous poet Sant Sunderdas was born in Dausa. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Dausa. The main crops of the district are Wheat, Bajra, Rapeseed, Mustard and Groundnuts. Dausa District was constituted on 10 April 1991 by separating four tehsils, namely Dausa, Baswa, Sikrai, & Lalsot from Jaipur district. Mahwa Tehsil of Sawai Madhopur was included in this district on 15 August 1992.

Tourist Attractions: Dausa was carved out from Jaipur district. The famous poet Sant Sunderdas was born in Dausa. Some places to visit in the city are Madhogarh Fort, Gatolav,Chand Baori-A Stepwell,Hazrat Khwaja Jamaluddin Shah Baba Mosque, Haveli (Mansions) Attractions, Mehndipur Balaji Temple, Neelkanth and Panch Mahadev Temple.

Madhogarh Fort: Fort Madhogarh is situated in Madhogarh town, which is in proximity of Dausa District. Located on the hill in the shape of elephant back, the fort was constructed 400 years ago by a Rajput of Kachava Clan, Madho Singh. According to historians, this fort was used as the headquarters by the Swathi, during the fight between Marathas and Swathi Pratap Singh.
Nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards, the Madhogarh Fort lies about 42 km away from Jaipur off the Jaipur-Agra Highway No. NH11. Built by the Kachhawaha Rajputs of Amber-Jaipur, Madhogarh Fort gained historical importance when Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Ji chose this fort as is headquarters during his campaign against the Marathas. On 28th July1787, the historic battle between the Rajputs and the Marathas was fought in the plains of Tunga, at a mere distance of about 1 km from Madhogarh Fort in Rajasthan India.

Thakur Bhawani Singh - the present owner of Madhogarh Fort is the fourth generation direct descendant of Thakur Pratap Singhji. Bhawani Singh has restored the imposing Madhogarh Fort in Madhogarh Rajasthan into a family run charming heritage hotel. The fort has opened its doors to welcome discerning guests to relive the the glory and grandeur of the bygone era, to be savored amidst the legendary Rajput hospitality. The management authorities have ensured that the traditional work, carvings and decor at Madhogarh Fort Madhogarh remain as it were in the olden times.
The aesthetic Madhogarh Fort - One of the more visited tourist destinations of Rajasthan - still bears testimony to the undaunted spirit of medieval Rajput warriors. While at Madhogarh Fort Madhogarh, guests can stay at Pratap Mahal - the room occupied by Maharaja Sawai Singhji while on his campaigned against the Marathas. Moreover, the hotel is equipped with all modern day comforts to ensure that your stay in Madhogarh turns out to be an absolutely royal experience.

Pratap Vatika: A few kilometres away from Dausa lies Vair. This is where the historic Pratap Vatika spreads itself. The once-lively fort-palace complex is now in ruins, and this makes an ideal location for a quiet picnic. The Pratap Mahal with its rounded roofs and small pillared balconies is very much in keeping with Rajput architecture. Within the complex is a small temple "the Mohanji ka Mandir" made of red sandstone. Mohan is another name for Krishna, the dark and mischievous Hindu god with a flute.
The arches and pillars of the temple, badly damaged, add to the romantic ambience greatly. The Lal Mahal topped by chhatris (cenotaphs) has a beautiful kund (tank) adjoining it. There are people inhabiting a part of the mahal, so the entire complex is not desolate. If not anything else, you might bump into their cows and goats at least.

Abhaneri: Abhaneri located in Dausa District of Rajasthan is one of the famous destinations in Rajasthan. It is mainly known for Chand Baori step well and the famous Harsha Mata Temple. It is a small town about 45 km from Jaipur. There is not much tourism in Abhaneri but tourist comes here to explore the historical steep wells and the temple. Initially Abhaneri was known as “Abha Nagri” which means the ‘city of brightness'. Later on this village came to be known as Abhaneri. The Steep Wells are the major attractions of Abhaneri. These step wells were invented to preserve the rain water in historical times. Chand Baori is one of the most famous such step wells in India. It is one of the largest in Rajasthan. Chand Baori is an architectural wonder with 3,500 perfectly symmetrical, narrow steps. It is this exquisite geometry that draws local and international visitors to it every year. The step well is located near the famous Harsha Mata Temple. It was a ritual to wash your hands and feet in this well before entering the temple. Chand Baori consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 storeys. There are very limited attractions in Abhneri and most of the structures are in ruins. But still many tourists thrive here to take a glimpse of this historical landmark of Rajasthan.

Chand Baori:-A Stepwell: Chand Baori is a beautiful and a renowned step well in Rajasthan which is located in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. The step well is one of the most prominent and one of the oldest attractions of the city where most of the people come to the see the amazing yet impeccable architecture that is adopted by the kings of Rajasthan. The step well was built by King Chanda who belonged from the Nikumbha Dynasty and the step well was built in the 11th century. Chand Baori is stated as one of the largest step wells of the world and it works as one of the best and one of the significant water reservoirs of the village during the summers when the water scarcity reaches to its peak.
The desert kingdom of Rajasthan has many such tanks which served as community centers, and constructing them was considered an act of great generosity and benevolence. These baoris or step wells were no ordinary structures; they were marvels of architecture. The Chand Baori has beautifully carved panels inserted into the sides. The steps, in sets of 4 or 5, are in the shape of an inverted 'V'. The carved stone pillars, which are somewhat damaged now, were once strong enough for supporting pulleys to draw water. Several storied verandahs surround this beautiful step well.

Harshat Mata Temple: Harsha Mata temple is the famous temple in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is located opposite to the famous Chand Baori. Harshat Mata Temple belonging to the 9th century. Of course, only portions of this ancient shrine remain now, like the sanctuary walls, terrace and something of the columned mandapa (forechamber). The sanctum, shorn of its superstructure, is enclosed in an ambulatory and is pancharatha (with five offsets) in structure. The walls have carved niches in which are images of other deities. These worn out images indicate that the temple was originally dedicated to Vishnu, the Creator of the Hindu trinity of Creator Preserver-Destroyer.
The architectural details of the terrace basement is more or less complete, showing friezes of geometric ornament and miniature niches with sculptures of seated deities and amorous couples. The columns and walls are adorned with scenes of dance, music, sport and love, although majorly damaged now. Some of the better panels have been shifted to the Archaeological Museum, Amber and the Central Museum, Jaipur. The sanctum now enshrines an image of the four-armed deity Harasiddhi, locally called Harshat Mata. Many images of Hindu deities have been found around the place which is being preserved by the Archaelogical Survey of India. A mela (fair) is held near the temple in the month of Chaitra (March-April) every year.

Mehandipur Balaji Temple: Mehandipur Balaji Mandir is a noted Hindu temple, mandir in Dausa district of Rajasthan, dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The name Balaji is applied to Shri Hanuman in several parts of India because the childhood form of the Lord is especially celebrated there. The temple is dedicated to Balaji. Unlike similar religious sites it is located in a town rather than the countryside. Its reputation for ritualistic healing and exorcism of evil spirits attracts many pilgrims from Rajasthan and elsewhere. The old village Mehandipur is located nearby the small hill. Old village is not well developed. Temple of Bajrang Bali (Hanuman) god is famous for treatment of mentally disturbed people by the Pretraj. With the tremendous growth in medical sciences in the world, still people from all over India come to this place to overcome such diseases. The number of visitors turn-up, number of residential accommodations and volume of donations received by the temple show the importance of this place. It is situated about 40 Kms from district headquarter on NH11 towards Mahwa/Agra.


Mata Ka Mandir:  Another group of finely carved sculptures dating back to 12th century that are worshipped are built in the front wall of a modern temple (built in 1965) known as Mataji ka Mandir etc. On the way to the Bawdi is the Harshat Mata Temple. It is dedicated to a goddess. It was built by King Chand or Chandra of Nikumbha Rajputs of Chahamana Dynasty who was ruling at Abaneri or ancient Abha-Nagari (City) during 8th - 9th century A.D. Facing east, this temple is raised over double terraced platform. Originally hails the super structure of the Mahameru Style. The Sanctum is Pancharatha on plan and consists of Sandhara Garbhagriha, pillared Mandapa, crowned by a domical ceiling. Each niche of the buttress of Garbagriha has beautiful Brahmanical deities. Sculptures curved in deep relief fixed in the niches around the plinth of the upper terrace are the main attraction of this temple.

Neelkanth and Panch Mahadev Temple: Dausa is also known as Devnagri. In fact, Sahajnath, Somnath, Gupteshwar and Neelkanth, the five images of God Shive (Mahadev) are situated in the temples at Dausa. The temple of Neelkanth, situated on the plateau of the nearby hill, shows its ancient glory and spiritual presence. The roap-way also attracts the tourists to enjoy the faith of this religious place.

Hazrat Khwaja Jamaluddin Shah Baba Mosque: The Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Jamaluddin Shah Baba (a Dargah is the tomb of a Muslim saint) is a renowned one and is frequented by Hindus and Muslims alike, not just from within Dausa but from nearby stations as well. The Dargah itself is a modest building located in peaceful surroundings. It is generally believed that nobody ever returns from there without getting one's wishes fulfilled. The sleepy little town comes alive on Mondays when a special market springs up. Leather merchants from nearby places gather here to sell their camel leather goods and fine sheets of raw leather.

Bhandarej: Bhandarej is famous for walls, sculptures, decorative lattice work, terracotta utensils etc found in excavation. It is situated at about 10 Kms from the district headquarter towards Sikandra on NH-11. The Bhandarej Baori (Step Well) and Hotel Bhadravati Palace are important places to visit. The Baori is a magnificent architectural creation and has 150 wide steps going towards the main well, approximately 70 feet in width. The Palace is an interesting blend of both Mughal and Rajput architecture having courtyards, arched windows and traditionally painted verandahs.

Jhajhirampura: Jhajhirampura is famous for the natural water tank and temples of Rudra (Shiv), Balaji(Hanuman) and other religious god and goddess. It is situated at around 45 Kms from district headquarter towards Baswa (Bandikui). Surrounded by hills and with natural water resource, this place has natural and spiritual glory.



Khawaraoji: Khawaraoji is famous for residence of the then rular Raoji and natural beauty. It is situated at about 25 Kms from the district headquarter towards Sikrai. Though, it has typical way to reach this place, the fort like residence is converted into the Khawaraoji Heritage Hotel. Surrounded by hills at the three sides, and having Amol Ghati nearby with natural beauty, this place has worth to visit by tourists.

Geejgarh: Geejgarh is a Village in Sikrai Tehsil in Dausa District of Rajasthan State, India. It belongs to Jaipur Division. It is located 36 KM towards East from District headquarters Dausa. 2 KM from Sikrai. 96 KM from State capital Jaipur. Geejgarh is stablished by Thakur Shyamsingh who belongs to Mewar riyasat but due to some political reasons he had to come to Bharatpur riyasat and in reward he got this area which he made his Thikana. There is a Garh(fort) on its mountain. There is also a Bawari(small pool) on the mountain. It is said that there is a long tunnel also which is blocked now.

Lotwara: The village of Lotwara is located 110 Km from Jaipur. The biggest attraction of this village is the Lotwara Garh(Fort), which was built by Thakur Ganga Singh in the 17th century, as well as the large population of peacocks in the village.  Lotwara Located just 11 Km from Abhaneri, the best way to reach the village is by road.

Getolav Bird Habitat:- Gatolav, at the district headquarter, is famous for the birth of Sant Sunderdas who had been preached by his master, Sant Dadudayal, the founder of Dadupanthi religion. This place has been improved for tourist purpose, particularly for swimming and boating.  Getolav Bird Habitat Located at 200 meter from National Highway 11, migratory birds like Isabellin Shrike, Great white pelicans & Dalmatian pelican, River Tern, Northern Shoveler N Black-tailed Godwit, Greylag Goose, Ruff, Little Cormorant, Purple Heron, Indian spotbilled Duck Grey Heron, Little Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Northern Shoveler, Black headed Ibis, Eurasian Coot, Purple Swamphen, pied kingfisher and Sarus Crain are abundant here.

Fair & Festival:-
Abhaneri Festival: Dausa District Administration along with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan organizes a three day festival in Abhaneri village every year. The main objective of the festival is to promote the heritage of the area. With the myriad of colors and lively shades of its rich culture, Rajasthan once again is going to testify the beauty of music, dances and cultural events in the vibrant Abhaneri Festival scheduled to be held from 10th September to 13th September every year. The Abhaneri festival is a perfect blend of a live cultural evening, street plays (nukkad natak) and a tour of the village on camel carts. The Abhaneri step well is the main venue for the day-long cultural performances like Mayur Dance, Terahtali, Chakri Dance, Ghoomar, Pad Dangal, Kachhi Ghodi, Behrupia, Bhavai and many others. The visitors have the option available to visit the step-well or to go for a village safari. An Art and Craft exhibition too is organized at Abhaneri where craftsmen and artisans from all over the state come to participate.

Harshat Mata Fair: The village has also contributed numerous pieces of sculpture to various museums across the world. The main attraction are Abhaneri step-well and Harshat Mata Temple. The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan along with the Dausa District Adminstration every year organizes a three day festival (13-15 Oct.) in Abhaneri village. It is organized to promote the heritage of the area. The 3 day festival is a blend of cultural performances like terahtali, bhavai, chakri dance, village safari and a craft bazaar to attract and entertain the tourists.

How to Reach: Dausa is a great city to visit in the state of Rajasthan. There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Dausa. Nearest airport is Sanganer Airport Jaipur. Dausa is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. You can easily get regular buses to Dausa from other major cities of the country.

By Air: Dausa is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airport is in Jaipur International Airport distance of 57 kms.



By Train:  The district is well connected by Rail route. The important trains having stoppage at Dausa district is 2915-Asharm Express, 2414-Jammu Jaipur Express and 2461-Mandor Express. District has also one important railway station, namely, Bandikui Junction.



By Road: NH-11 passes through the district. It covers about 85 Kms in the district which includes district headquarter, Sikandra and Mahwa. Dausa is 55 Kms from Jaipur on NH-11 and well connected with Agra, Delhi and other surrounding districts viz. Karouli, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur by road. Further, NH-11A also passes through the district covering Dausa & Lalsot Tehsil regions.Two Mega Highways, to be constructed by RIDCOR, namely Alwar to Sikandra (81 Kms) and Lalsot to Kota (195 Kms) will pass through the district.

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