Kota

Earlier known as Kotah, Kota is a beautiful town situated on the banks of Chambal River. It is a modern and industrialized town which serves as a trade center dealing in cotton, millets, wheat, coriander and oilseeds. During the rein of the Chauhans, Kota was a part of a princely state Bundi. Under the rule of the Emperor Jahangir Kota became an independent state in the 17^th century.

Kota is famous for its fabulous miniature paintings, colorful saris that are light as the breeze and stone carvings. It also houses many coaching centers which prepare aspiring students for engineering and medical entrance exams held at national level. Thus, it is playing an important role in education sector. Several chemical and engineering companies are also based in Kota.

There are many attractions in Kota. Some of them are:

Kota Fort is a huge structure housing the Durbar Hall which is famous for the finest quality of paintings, mirror work and doors of ebony and ivory.

Chambal Garden is a beautiful garden where people flock to relax and enjoy boat rides. It is at Amar Niwas.

Maharao Madho Singh Museum is in the premises of the old palace displaying a great collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, fabulous sculptures and frescoes (the art or technique of painting on a moist, plaster surface with colors ground up in water or a limewater mixture).

The Government Museum is located in the Brijvilas Palace. Rare collection of coins, manuscripts and beautiful sculptures can be seen here.

Haveli of Devtaji is a magnificent structure located in the market area. The walls of the haveli are adorned with arresting paintings.

Jag Mandir is a beguiling palace located in the middle of an artificial lake called Kishore Sagar. It was built in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi. Jag Mandir is built in red sandstone.

Dussehra Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in Kota. This festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. During the festival the bazaars are full of different colored masks and wooden toys like sword, bow and arrow.