Dhaulpur

This old historic city of Dhaulpur was initially named "Dhawalpuri" after the ruler Dhawal Deo who built the city at a site, little south of the present city. Later people started calling it Dholpur. In 846 AD, it was ruled by a Chauhan family, apparently as a feudatory of Kannauj. Dhaulpur was a small state but it had a very turbulent history.

Its strategic location on the main route from Kabul and Delhi to Deccan and its proximity to cities like Gwalior, Agra and Bayana attracted attention of almost all powerful kings and rulers of Delhi and Agra. Though the rulers of Dhaulpur resisted the invasions with valour, it was, time and again, occupied by the invading forces and suffered plunder and devastation. Sikander Lodi attacked and occupied Dholpur in 1501 AD. His forces plundered the city and even uprooted all the gardens that shaded Dhaulpur. It was again invaded by Babar in 1526 AD. During Humayun’s regime, the site of Dhaulpur town was moved northwards to avoid erosion by the river Chambal.

It was near Dhaulpur that two important Mughul wars of succession were fought. When Shah Jahan fell ill, his eldest and most beloved son, Dara Shikoh, was defeated by his younger brother, Aurangzeb, in 1658 AD at Ran-ka-Chabutra, 5 kms (3 miles) east of Dhaulpur. Again, after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 AD, his sons, Azam and Muazzam, fought a war of succession at Baretha.

Excursion

Forts And Palaces
Shergarh Fort: It is an old fort of historic importance, located towards the south of Dholpur town. This monument at Dholpur was built by Sher Shah Suri on the site of an earlier Hindu fortress.

The Khanpur Mahal: It was constructed as a pleasure- palace for Shah Jahan.

Temples
The Shiva Temple: Another place of architectural beauty and importance is an ancient temple of lord Shiva. This temple is located near the Gwalior- Agra road and is worth a visit.

Machchhkund: About 8 kms from the town of Dholpur is an ancient sacred place called Machchh Kund. It commands a scenic view. The place is named after Raja Machchh Kund. Raja Machchh Kund, the twenty fourth king of the Suryavanshi Dynasty (the solar race) is said to have reigned nineteen generations before Lord Ram. According to legend, Raja Machchh Kund, was sleeping here when a demon Kaal Yaman while pursuing Lord Krishna, accidentally woke him up. The demon was burnt to ashes because of a divine blessing to Raja Machchh Kund. It is now a sacred place for pilgrims. It is said that the enclosures around it, were built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar.

Lakes
Talab-E-Shahi: About 40-km from Dholpur is a picturesque and historic lake called Talab-e-Shahi. The lake and the palace were built in 1617 AD as a shooting lodge for prince Shahjahan. A palace and the lake were later maintained by the rulers of Dholpur. The lake attracts a large number of winter migratory fowls like pintal, shoveller, red crested pochard, common pochard, tufted duck, common teal, garganey teal, wigeon and gadwall.

Wildlife
Van Vihar: This wildlife sanctuary is about 18-km from Dholpur. Located on Vindhyan plateau, it supports a rather open stunted growth of Dhok and Khair trees. It is inhabited by animals like Sambhar, Chital, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Hyena and Leopard. Tigers were present in the area till the end of the nineteen sixties. It is said that Maharaj Udaibhan Singh of Dholpur had a great liking for the wild animals of Van Vihar. There is an old forest rest house in Van Vihar. It was initially built by the rulers of Dholpur.

Ramsagar Sanctuary: Another 18-km from Van Vihar is the old wildlife reserve of the rulers of Dholpur .Ramsagar part of the sanctuary has Ramsagar Lake. The lake is very picturesque and supports rich acquatic life including fresh water crocodiles and a number of species of fishes and snakes. Water birds like Cormorants, Darter, Ibis, White-Breasted Water Hen, Moor Hen, Jacanas, Stilt, River Tern, Ringed Plover, Sand Piperand Herons (grey, and purple) are quite common. During winter months, migratory ducks and geese also visit the lake in good numbers.

Others
Laswari: It is here where Daulat Rao Scindia was defeated at the hands of Lord Lake. The oldest Mughal garden, built by Babur was dicovered at Jhor, the grandeur of which is still reflected in by its ruins. Damoh Waterfall and Kanpur Mahal are some of the places not to be missed.

Getting There
BY Rail
From Delhi, Dholpur is 230-km by rail.

By Road
Dholpur is 113-km from Bharatpur , by road.

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