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Dausa
Situated on National Highway No. 11, 54-km east
of Jaipur, Dausa is an ancient town of archaeological importance.
It had the privilege of being one of the erstwhile kingdoms of Kachhawah
rulers of Dhundhar. An old fort and many havelis are located in
and around Dausa. Dausa is a very ancient place.
Carlyle in the year 1871-72 AD found a number of
stone circles on the sloping ground to the north of the foot of
the hill. One or two of them contained cromlechs, a few cairns and
sepulchral mound of prehistoric date. Daya Ram Sahni, an archaeologist,
also visited Dausa and discovered other interesting antiquities,
which are believed to belong to the late medieval period. The excavations
include a collection of some 40 or 50 fragments of stone images
of some of the principal Hindu gods and goddesses.
Dulha Rai: The Valorous King
Dulha Rai, the real conqueror of Dhundhar, was a youth of remarkable
beauty and valour and hence got his name “Dulha Rai” or the “bridegroom
prince”. His fame attracted to his banners, the voluntary support
of all the spirited chiefs in the neighborhood . Dulha married the
daughter of Ralhansi, the Chauhan Raja of Lalsot, and received as
his wife's dowry, half the share of the fort of Dausa (and its adjacent
area), which his father-in-law owned. The other half belonged to
a Bargujar family. After securing half of Dausa Fort by marriage,
Dulha Rai, with the armed help of his wife's kinsmen and no small
amount of chicanery, expelled the Bargujars from their portion of
Dausa, and that city became the first capital of the Kachhawahs
in Dhundhar land.
Excursion
Temples
Nilkanth Mahadev Temple
A large stone Linga, was also found whose top only is visible above
the ground. It originally belonged to a Shiv Temple on the summit
of the hill and a temple of Nilkanth Mahadev now occupies the site.
Mataji Ka Mandir
Another group of finely carved sculptures dating back to12th century
AD that are worshipped are built in the front wall of a modern temple
(built in 1965) known as Mataji ka Mandir etc.
Other Shiv Temples
At present there are five Shiva temples in Dausa. All the five Shiva
lingas belong to late medieval period, including the one on the
top of the hill described by Daya Ram Sahni The top of the hill
is occupied by an irregularly shaped fort, which is believed to
have been constructed by a tribe of Bargujars. It is said that it
was extorted by the Kachhawah Prince, Dulha Rai, when he migrated
from Narwar in Gwalior around 967 AD.
Getting There
By Road
Dausa is situated on National Highway 11 and is 54-km away from
Jaipur.
Nearby cities
Jaipur: 54-km
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General Information & Accomdation info
on Dausa city of Rajasthan - India
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