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{{About|the municipality in Rajasthan, India|its namesake district|Alwar district|the Hindu saints|Alwars|places in Iran|Alwar, Iran (disambiguation){{!}}Alwar, Iran}} | {{About|the municipality in Rajasthan, India|its namesake district|Alwar district|the Hindu saints|Alwars|places in Iran|Alwar, Iran (disambiguation){{!}}Alwar, Iran}} | ||
{{Use | {{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}} | ||
{{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| name = Alwar | | name = Alwar | ||
| native_name = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. --> | | native_name = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. --> | ||
| native_name_lang = {{lang|hi|अलवर}} | | native_name_lang = {{lang|hi|अलवर}} | ||
| settlement_type = City | | settlement_type = City | ||
| nickname = | | nickname = Scotland of Rajasthan | ||
| image_skyline = Skyline of Alwar City.jpg | | image_skyline = Skyline of Alwar City.jpg | ||
| image_alt = Skyline of Alwar city | | image_alt = Skyline of Alwar city | ||
| image_caption = Scenic view of Alwar city (RJ) from Bala Qila | | image_caption = Scenic view of Alwar city (RJ) from Bala Qila | ||
| map_alt = | | map_alt = | ||
| map_caption = | | map_caption = | ||
| pushpin_map = India Rajasthan#India | | pushpin_map = India Rajasthan#India | ||
| pushpin_relief = yes | | pushpin_relief = yes | ||
| pushpin_map_alt = | | pushpin_map_alt = | ||
| pushpin_map_caption = | | pushpin_map_caption = | ||
| coordinates = {{coord|27. | | coordinates = {{coord|27.550|N|76.636|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
| subdivision_type = [[Country]] | | subdivision_type = [[Country]] | ||
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} | | subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} | ||
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] | | subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] | ||
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]] | | subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]] | ||
| subdivision_name1 = [[Rajasthan]] | | subdivision_name1 = [[Rajasthan]] | ||
| subdivision_name2 = [[Alwar District|Alwar]] | | subdivision_name2 = [[Alwar District|Alwar]] | ||
| established_title = <!-- Established --> | | established_title = <!-- Established --> | ||
| established_date = 1106 | | established_date = 1106 | ||
| founder = | | founder = | ||
| named_for = | | named_for = | ||
| government_type = Municipal | | government_type = [[Municipal corporation (India)|Municipal Corporation]] | ||
| governing_body = Alwar Municipal | | governing_body = Alwar Municipal Corporation | ||
| unit_pref = Metric | | unit_pref = Metric | ||
| area_footnotes = | | area_footnotes = | ||
| area_total_km2 = | | area_total_km2 = 202 | ||
| area_rank = | | area_rank = | ||
| elevation_footnotes = | | elevation_footnotes = | ||
| elevation_m = 268 | | elevation_m = 268 | ||
| population_total = | | population_total = 5,05,000 | ||
| population_as_of = | | population_as_of = 2024 | ||
| population_footnotes = | | population_footnotes = | ||
| population_density_km2 = auto | | population_density_km2 = auto | ||
| population_metro = | | population_metro = 5,83,000 | ||
| population_rank = 8th in Rajasthan | | population_rank = 8th in Rajasthan | ||
| population_demonym = Alwariya | | population_demonym = Alwariya | ||
| demographics_type1 = Languages | | demographics_type1 = Languages | ||
| demographics1_title1 = Official | | demographics1_title1 = Official | ||
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | | timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | ||
| utc_offset1 = +5:30 | | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | ||
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] | | postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] | ||
| postal_code = 301001, 301002 | | postal_code = 301001, 301002 | ||
| area_code = | | area_code = | ||
| area_code_type = | | area_code_type = | ||
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|RJ-IN]] | | iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|RJ-IN]] | ||
| registration_plate = RJ-02 | | registration_plate = RJ-02 | ||
| website = {{URL|http://alwar.rajasthan.gov.in/}} | | website = {{URL|https://lsg.rajasthan.gov.in/ulbalwar/#/home/dptHome|Alwar Municipal Corporation}}<br>{{URL|http://alwar.rajasthan.gov.in/|Alwar District}} | ||
| footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]] | | demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]] | ||
| demographics1_title2 = Regional | | demographics1_title2 = Regional | ||
| demographics1_info2 = | | demographics1_info2 = | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Alwar''' ([[Rajasthani languages|Rajasthani]] Pronunciation: [[Help:IPA/Hindi and Urdu|[əlʋəɾ]]]) is a city | '''Alwar''' ([[Rajasthani languages|Rajasthani]] Pronunciation: [[Help:IPA/Hindi and Urdu|[əlʋəɾ]]]) is a city in Rajasthan and the administrative headquarters of [[Alwar district|Alwar District]] in the state of [[Rajasthan]]. It is located 150 km south of [[Delhi]] and 150 km north of [[Jaipur]]. | ||
== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
There are | There are several theories about the derivation of the name Alwar. [[Alexander Cunningham]], the British Indian archeologist, believed that the city derived its name from the Salva tribe and was originally Salwapur, then Salwar, Halawar and eventually Alwar, According to another school it was known as Aravalpur or the city of [[Aravalli Range|Aravali]]. | ||
Some others opine that the city is named after [[Khanzada Alawal Khan|Khanzada Alawal Khan Mewati]] (the [[Khanzadas of Mewat|Muslim Khanzada]] prince who wrested Alwar from Nikumbh Rajputs){{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}. A research conducted during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar revealed that Maharaja Alaghraj, second son of Maharaja Kakil of [[Jaipur State|Amber]]. ruled the area in the eleventh century and his territory extended up to the present city of Alwar. He founded the city of Alpur in 1106 Vikrami Samvat (1049 A.D.) after his own name which eventually became Alwar{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}. It was formerly spelt as Ulwar but in the reign of Jai Singh the spelling was changed to Alwar{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}. Some sources say that the name Alwar comes from the Persian word timber.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ram|first=Maya|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.146820/page/n17/mode/2up|title=Rajasthan District Gazetteer Alwar|year=1964|location=Jaipur|pages=1}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=August 2021}} | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Ancient history=== | ===Ancient history=== | ||
The ancient name of Alwar is [[Salva (India)|Salva]] or Salwa | The ancient name of Alwar is [[Salva (India)|Salva]] or Salwa.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mallik|first=Swetabja|title=History and Heritage: Examining Their Interplay in India|series=International Conference on Archaeology, History and Heritage|date=2019-07-15|pages=01–11|publisher=The International Institute of Knowledge Management - TIIKM|doi=10.17501/26510243.2019.1101|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Rajasthan (India). Chief Town Planner & Architectural Adviser.|title=Draft master plan for Alwar, 1981-2001|date=1982|publisher=The Chief Town Planner & Architectural Adviser|pages=8|oclc=1000383312}}</ref> [[Alwar district|Alwar]] was a part of the [[Matsya (tribe)|Matsya Kingdom]], one of the 16 ancient [[Mahājanapada]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiasite.com/rajasthan/alwar/history.html |title=History of Alwar, Origin of Alwar, Alwar History In Rajasthan India |publisher=Indiasite.com |access-date=2013-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627031344/http://www.indiasite.com/rajasthan/alwar/history.html |archive-date=27 June 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In late [[Vedic texts]] (such as the [[Jaiminiya Brahmana]]), the [[Salva (India)|Salva]] or [[Salva (India)|Salvi tribe]] is described as a non-Vedic tribe that occupied [[Kurukshetra]] and conquered the [[Kuru kingdom]].<ref>{{Citation|last=Witzel|first=Michael|title=Recht, Staat und Verwaltung im klassischen Indien|chapter=Early Sanskritization Origins and Development of the Kuru State|date=1997|chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1524/9783486594355.27|series=Schriften des Historischen Kollegs|pages=27–52|place=München|publisher=Oldenbourg|doi=10.1524/9783486594355.27|isbn=978-3-486-56193-7|access-date=2020-09-26}}</ref> | ||
==== The Salvas ==== | ==== The Salvas ==== | ||
| Line 74: | Line 75: | ||
=== Medieval history === | === Medieval history === | ||
[[File:2 The Darbar of Raja Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar. alwar, 1810, San Diego.jpg|thumb|left|The Darbar of Raja Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar in 1810]] | [[File:2 The Darbar of Raja Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar. alwar, 1810, San Diego.jpg|thumb|left|The Darbar of Raja Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar in 1810]] | ||
Alwar was ruled by multiple dynasties. Notable dynasties included the [[Jadaun Rajputs|Jadauns of Karauli]], [[Nikumbha|Nikumbh Rajputs]], the [[Khanzadas of Mewat|Khanzada Rajputs]], the [[Bargujar|Badgujar Rajputs]], [[Gaur (clan)|Gaur rajputs]] and the [[Rai Sahib|Rao Sahab]] of Rewari who took the control over this area. The [[Maratha Empire]] also ruled this region for a short period. Rao Raja of Rewari, captured the Alwar Fort from the Rajput Naruka and laid down the foundation for modern day Alwar. | |||
Wali-e-Mewat Raja Khanzada Alawal Khan, Bahadur, son of Khanzada Zakaria Khan Mewati, was the Khanzada Rajput ruler of Mewat from 1485 till 1504.[1] He was succeeded by his son Hasan Khan Mewati as Wali-e-Mewat in 1504. In 1492 he won Bala Quila from Nikumbh Rajputs to stop the practice of human sacrifice.[2] It is also believed that the city of Alwar is named after him. | |||
[[Hemu|Hemchandra Vikramaditya]] (Hemu), born in Machari, Rajgarh, a village in Alwar, was a Hindu emperor of North India during the 16th century. This was a period when the Mughals and Afghans were vying for power in the region. Hemu captured Delhi on 7 October 1556 after defeating the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] forces in the Battle of Delhi in the Tughlaqabad area in Delhi, and became the ''de facto'' emperor. He won twenty-two battles in succession and became the last Hindu emperor of Delhi. In 1556, after his defeat in the [[Second Battle of Panipat]], he was executed and Mughal regime was restored in North India. | [[Hemu|Hemchandra Vikramaditya]] (Hemu), born in Machari, Rajgarh, a village in Alwar, was a Hindu emperor of North India during the 16th century. This was a period when the Mughals and Afghans were vying for power in the region. Hemu captured Delhi on 7 October 1556 after defeating the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] forces in the Battle of Delhi in the Tughlaqabad area in Delhi, and became the ''de facto'' emperor. He won twenty-two battles in succession and became the last Hindu emperor of Delhi. In 1556, after his defeat in the [[Second Battle of Panipat]], he was executed and Mughal regime was restored in North India. In 1781, the Battle of Mandan fought between Raos of Rewari under leadership of Mitrasen and Rajput Sardar Shardul helped by Mughals. Both side seen heavy casualties with only 6000 Ahirs defeated 25000 rajput forces. The whole area annexed by Raos of Rewari.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ltd |first=Nasadiya Tech Pvt |title=Read Hindi article {{!}} राव मित्रसेन अहीर « Sachin Yadav "A_J" {{!}} प्रतिलिपि |url=https://hindi.pratilipi.com/read/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B0-zfqbrefio01k-217k532569u1mh1 |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=hindi.pratilipi.com |language=hi}}</ref> | ||
==={{anchor | Rath region | Wai region | Narukhand region}} Colonial era=== | ==={{anchor | Rath region | Wai region | Narukhand region}} Colonial era=== | ||
{{main|Alwar | {{main|State of Alwar}} | ||
[[File:Neemrana Fortress, Alwar district.jpg|thumb|[[Neemrana]]]] | [[File:Neemrana Fortress, Alwar district.jpg|thumb|[[Neemrana|Neemrana Fort]]]] | ||
[[Alwar | The princely state of [[State of Alwar|Alwar]] was established in 1770 by a [[Kachwaha|Kachwaha Rajput]] named [[Pratap Singh Prabhakar|Pratap Singh Naruka]] who was earlier a [[jagirdar]] of "Dhai Gaon" (two-and-a-half villages) near Machari. His successor, Bakhtawar Singh Naruka, was defeated after launching an armed incursion into neighbouring [[Jaipur State]] (ruled by their Kachwaha seniors, erstwhile overlords of his predecessor) and being forced to accept the consequent treaty mediated by [[East India Company]] prohibiting him from political relations with other states without the consent of the colonial British.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Alwar|volume=1|page=755}}</ref> According to the "Gazetteer of Ulwar" published by the [[British Raj]], Alwar State was subdivided into four regions: | ||
* '''Rath region:''' current [[Behror]] and [[Neemrana]], was ruled by Lah Chauhan Rajput [[zamindar]] who had descended from [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref name=dhund1/> Sahesh Mal was a son of Raja Sangat Singh Chauhan. Sangat was the great-grandson of Chahir Deo Chauhan, brother of famous king [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref name=dhund5>[[Henry Miers Elliot]] and [[John Beames]], 1869, Memoirs on the history, folk-lore, and distribution of the races of the North Western Provinces of India: being an amplified edition of the original supplemental glossary of Indian terms. Trübner & co. p.64 and 82.</ref> In accordance with the pledge by the Raja Sangat Singh Chauhan to his younger queen for marrying her in his old age, her two sons from him were bestowed the Rath area and its headquarter of | * '''Rath region:''' current [[Behror]] and [[Neemrana]], was ruled by Lah Chauhan Rajput [[zamindar]] who had descended from [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref name=dhund1/> Sahesh Mal was a son of Raja Sangat Singh Chauhan. Sangat was the great-grandson of Chahir Deo Chauhan, brother of famous king [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref name=dhund5>[[Henry Miers Elliot]] and [[John Beames]], 1869, Memoirs on the history, folk-lore, and distribution of the races of the North Western Provinces of India: being an amplified edition of the original supplemental glossary of Indian terms. Trübner & co. p.64 and 82.</ref> In accordance with the pledge by the Raja Sangat Singh Chauhan to his younger queen for marrying her in his old age, her two sons from him were bestowed the Rath area and its headquarter of Mandhan near Neemrana.<ref name=dhund1/> King Sangat Singh Chauhan's 19 sons from the older queen set out to seek their fortunes.<ref name=dhund1/> Of the 19 brothers, Harsh Dev Chauhan and Sahesh Mal Chauhan arrived in the [[Gurgaon district]].<ref name=dhund1/> Lah Chauhan, the ruler of Rath, was a son of raja Sangat Singh Chauhan by the younger [[Rani]] whose two sons became inheritors of Raja Sangat Singh's territory of Rath with its headquarter at Mandhan when other 19 sons from the other wives were required to quit the kingdom as per the promise of Raja Sangat. Rao NandRam Ahir rule rath and Tijara during Aurangzeb rule. Later Rao Mitrasen Ahir defeated combined forces of Sekhawat and kachwa Rajput at Mandhan. After decline of Mughal Empire, Rao Tez Singh (1766-1823) was ruler of Rath and Tijara (Ahirwal). He was grandfather of freedom fighter Rao Tula Ram.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p69GMA226bgC&dq=Rao+Tej+singh&pg=PA75 | title=Followers of Krishna: Yadavas of India | isbn=978-81-7062-216-1 | last1=Yadava | first1=S. D. S. | date=2006 | publisher=Lancer Publishers }}</ref><ref name=dhund1>Henry Miers Elliot and [[John Beames]], [https://books.google.com/books?id=uKZJAAAAMAAJ&dq=dhundhoti&pg=PA82 Memoirs on the History, Folk-lore, and Distribution of the Races], Volume 1.</ref><ref name=dhund2>[[Henry Miers Elliot]], [https://archive.org/details/supplementtoglo00elligoog/page/n249 <!-- pg=231 quote=dhundhoti. --> Supplemental Glossary of Terms Used in the North Western Provinces]</ref><ref name=dhund3>[[Henry Miers Elliot]], [https://books.google.com/books?id=hb5ptYOdkOkC&dq=beeg+hoto&pg=PA48 Supplement to the Glossary of Indian Terms, A.-J]</ref><ref name=dhund4>[https://books.google.com/books?id=TI9EAQAAMAAJ&dq=dhundhoti&pg=PA43 Panjab Notes and Queries], Volume 1</ref> | ||
[[File:Under construction residential Buildings.jpg|thumb|New residential Buildings in [[Neemrana]] Alwar]] | [[File:Under construction residential Buildings.jpg|thumb|New residential Buildings in [[Neemrana]] Alwar]] | ||
* '''Wai region:''' current [[Bansur]] and Thana Ghazi, was ruled by [[Shekhawat]] rajput zamindars. | * '''Wai region:''' current [[Bansur]] and Thana Ghazi, was ruled by [[Shekhawat]] rajput zamindars. | ||
| Line 91: | Line 94: | ||
===Post-independence=== | ===Post-independence=== | ||
Alwar acceded to the [[dominion of India]] following the [[independence of India]] in 1947. On 18 March 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states ([[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], [[Dholpur]] and [[Karauli]]) to form the [[Matsya Union]]. On 15 May 1949, it was united with neighbouring [[princely state]]s{{which|date=January 2013}} and the territory of [[Ajmer]] to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan. Alwar was designated as part of the [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]], resulting in additional development projects including rapid-rail to Delhi and drinking water improvements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-bharatpur-becomes-ncr-delhi-metro-to-chug-into-alwar-soon-4308530-NOR.html|title=Bharatpur becomes NCR; Delhi Metro to chug into Alwar soon|work=daily.bhaskar.com|access-date=19 November 2014|url-status= | Alwar acceded to the [[dominion of India]] following the [[independence of India]] in 1947. On 18 March 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states ([[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], [[Dholpur]] and [[Karauli]]) to form the [[Matsya Union]]. On 15 May 1949, it was united with neighbouring [[princely state]]s{{which|date=January 2013}} and the territory of [[Ajmer]] to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan. Alwar was designated as part of the [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]], resulting in additional development projects including rapid-rail to Delhi and drinking water improvements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-bharatpur-becomes-ncr-delhi-metro-to-chug-into-alwar-soon-4308530-NOR.html|title=Bharatpur becomes NCR; Delhi Metro to chug into Alwar soon|work=daily.bhaskar.com|access-date=19 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032141/http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-bharatpur-becomes-ncr-delhi-metro-to-chug-into-alwar-soon-4308530-NOR.html|archive-date=29 November 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar. | ||
==Tourist attractions== | ==Tourist attractions== | ||
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=== Fairy Queen === | === Fairy Queen === | ||
{{main|Fairy Queen (locomotive)}} | {{main|Fairy Queen (locomotive)}} | ||
The Fairy Queen, a national treasure (cultural artifact) of India and the world's oldest working locomotive engine (c. 1855 CE),<ref>{{citation|title=World's oldest engine gathers fresh steam|date=12 February 2017|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/worlds-oldest-engine-gathers-fresh-steam/articleshow/57102920.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605072221/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/worlds-oldest-engine-gathers-fresh-steam/articleshow/57102920.cms|archive-date=5 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> operates as a tourist [[luxury train]] between Delhi and Alwar. | The Fairy Queen, a national treasure (cultural artifact) of India and the world's oldest working locomotive engine (c. 1855 CE),<ref>{{citation|title=World's oldest engine gathers fresh steam|date=12 February 2017|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/worlds-oldest-engine-gathers-fresh-steam/articleshow/57102920.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605072221/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/worlds-oldest-engine-gathers-fresh-steam/articleshow/57102920.cms|archive-date=5 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> operates as a tourist [[luxury train]] between Delhi and Alwar. In 1998 it was listed in the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of Records]]'' as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular service. The ''Fairy Queen'' runs on the same route as the ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'', the [[tourist train]] launched in 1982, and was awarded the National Tourism Award in 1999. | ||
=== Bala Qila === | === Bala Qila === | ||
Bala Qila (lit | Bala Qila ({{lit|High Fort}}), also known as Alwar Fort, is a fort approximately 300 meters above the city, Situated on the [[Aravalli Range]], the fort is 5 kilometres long and about 1.5 kilometres wide with turrets, a large gate, a temple, and a residential area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/W8CL4LIxkoWuRbWH7e8lnO/Delhi-to-Alwar-Among-the-ruins.html|title=Delhi to Alwar: Among the ruins|last=Iyengar|first=Abha|date=2017-05-04|work=livemint.com/|access-date=2017-12-10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210180022/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/W8CL4LIxkoWuRbWH7e8lnO/Delhi-to-Alwar-Among-the-ruins.html|archive-date=10 December 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} | ||
[[File:Vinay Vilas Mahal (City Palace) Alwar-001.jpg|thumb|alt=Vinay Vilas Mahal (City Palace) Alwar]] | [[File:Vinay Vilas Mahal (City Palace) Alwar-001.jpg|thumb|alt=Vinay Vilas Mahal (City Palace) Alwar]] | ||
=== City Palace === | === City Palace === | ||
The City Palace, also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal, built in 1793 CE by Raja Bakhtawar Singh, blends the Rajputana and Islamic architectural styles and has marble pavilions on lotus-shaped bases in its courtyard. The palace houses | The City Palace, also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal, built in 1793 CE by Raja Bakhtawar Singh, blends the Rajputana and Islamic architectural styles and has marble pavilions on lotus-shaped bases in its courtyard. The foundations of the City Palace, was constructed by Maharaja of [[Parmar (Rajput clan)|Parmar]] [[Rajput]]s in 928 CE. The palace houses [[Government Museum, Alwar]] with a collection of manuscripts, including one depicting Emperor [[Babur]]’s life, Ragamala paintings and miniatures, and historic swords that once belonged to [[Muhammad Ghori]], Emperor [[Akbar]] and [[Aurangzeb]]; and a golden Durbar hall. This palace that once belonged to the Maharaja (lit. Great Ruler) has now been converted into a District Administrative office also housing the District Court.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/in-a-state-of-neglect/article18591365.ece|title=In a state of neglect|last=Safvi|first=Rana|date=2017-05-28|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-12-10|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430223306/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/in-a-state-of-neglect/article18591365.ece|archive-date=30 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | ||
===Sariska Tiger Reserve=== | ===Sariska Tiger Reserve=== | ||
{{main|Sariska Tiger Reserve}} | {{main|Sariska Tiger Reserve}} | ||
The Sariska Tiger Reserve, a [[National park|National Park]] and [[Project Tiger|Tiger Reserve]], is located in the [[Aravali hills]] only a few kilometres away from Alwar. Declared a Wildlife reserve in 1955 and a National Park in 1982, it is the first reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers. The sanctuary, which became a part of India's [[Project Tiger]] in 1978, also preserves other species including rare birds and plants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://natureconservation.in/sariska-national-park-complete-detail-updated/|title=Sariska National Park - complete detail - updated|website=natureconservation.in|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123828/http://natureconservation.in/sariska-national-park-complete-detail-updated/|archive-date=10 December 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | The Sariska Tiger Reserve, a [[National park|National Park]] and [[Project Tiger|Tiger Reserve]], is located in the [[Aravali hills]] only a few kilometres away from Alwar. Declared a Wildlife reserve in 1955 and a National Park in 1982, it is the first reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers. The sanctuary, which became a part of India's [[Project Tiger]] in 1978, also preserves other species including rare birds and plants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://natureconservation.in/sariska-national-park-complete-detail-updated/|title=Sariska National Park - complete detail - updated|website=natureconservation.in|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123828/http://natureconservation.in/sariska-national-park-complete-detail-updated/|archive-date=10 December 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In addition to its biodiversity, Sariska is also home to ancient temples and historical ruins, adding cultural significance to its natural beauty. | ||
===Bhangarh Fort=== | ===Bhangarh Fort=== | ||
{{main|Bhangarh Fort}} | {{main|Bhangarh Fort}} | ||
Bhangarh Fort | Bhangarh Fort, is a 17th-century fort built by [[Bhagwant das|Bhagwant Das]] for his younger son [[Madho Singh I]].{{Disputed inline|for=Identity of father/son are being discussed elsewhere|date=April 2019}} The fort, a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is known for its association to legends and paranormal activities,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-most-haunted-fort-in-india/article20231373.ece|title=Bhangarh: the most haunted fort in India|last=Safvi|first=Rana|date=2017-11-12|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-12-10|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430223306/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-most-haunted-fort-in-india/article20231373.ece|archive-date=30 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is a tourist attraction for visitors across the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-15/travel/40589314_1_ghosts-fort-area-alwar|title=The Times of India: Latest News India, World & Business News, Cricket & Sports, Bollywood|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 November 2014|archive-date=18 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718161406/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-15/travel/40589314_1_ghosts-fort-area-alwar|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
=== Siliserh Lake === | === Siliserh Lake === | ||
| Line 126: | Line 129: | ||
== Transport == | == Transport == | ||
[[File:Alwar railway station 04.jpg|thumb|[[Alwar Junction railway station]]]] | [[File:Alwar railway station 04.jpg|thumb|[[Alwar Junction railway station]]]] | ||
As of 2019, the most common modes of medium-distance transport in Alwar are government-owned services such as | As of 2019, the most common modes of medium-distance transport in Alwar are government-owned services such as flights, as well as privately operated lok pariwahan buses, taxis and auto rickshaws. Bus services operate from the Alwar old Bus Station which is 5 km away from the Alwar railway junction. In addition to this it is also planned that a metro rail system from Delhi to Alwar via Behror route will be started. The nearest airports to Alwar are [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] in Delhi (143 km away), [[Jaipur International Airport]] (150 km away), and an airport currently under development in Bhiwadi airport (90 km away). [[Alwar Junction railway station]], on the [[Delhi–Jaipur line]], is connected with [[Delhi]], [[Jaipur]], and [[Mumbai]]. Alwar is connected by roads from major cities of [[Rajasthan]] and nearby states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/delhi-alwar-rapid-rail-phase-1-corridor-to-be-connected-with-delhi-metro-bus-stand-railway-station/1548297/|title=Delhi-Alwar rapid rail: Phase 1 corridor to be connected with Delhi Metro, bus stand, railway station!|date=2019-04-15|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/all-rrts-stations-to-have-platform-screen-doors-4322971.html|title=All RRTS stations to have platform screen doors|website=Moneycontrol|date=11 August 2019 |access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metrorailnews.in/regional-rail-stations-to-have-platform-screen-doors/|title=Regional Rail stations to have platform screen doors|last=Shah|first=Narendra|date=2019-08-13|website=Metro Rail News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> | ||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
| Line 132: | Line 135: | ||
=== Climate === | === Climate === | ||
Alwar has a | Alwar has a [[hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh'') with long, sweltering summers and short, warm to very warm winters. The average maximum temperature in the summers is {{Cvt|41|C|F}} with an average minimum of {{Cvt|28|C|F}}. The winter temperature falls in the range of {{Cvt|21|C|F}} to {{Cvt|8|C|F}}. Alwar experiences a short monsoon. The average annual rainfall is about {{convert|67|cm|in|0|disp=or}}, which mostly falls in July and August when the monsoon is most active.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alwar Weather & Climate {{!}} Temperature & Weather By Month |url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/rajasthan/alwar-57401/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=en.climate-data.org}}</ref> The highest temperature ever recorded in Alwar is {{Cvt|50.6|C|F}} on 10 May 1956 and the lowest {{Cvt|-0.8|C|F}} recorded on 12 January 1967. Alwar held the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in India until 2016, when [[Phalodi]] in [[Jodhpur district]] recorded {{Cvt|51.0|C|F}} on 19 May 2016. | ||
<div class="center">{{Weather box | <div class="center">{{Weather box | ||
| location = Alwar | | location = Alwar (1991-2020, extremes 1956–present) | ||
| metric first = yes | | metric first = yes | ||
| single line = yes | | single line = yes | ||
| Line 150: | Line 153: | ||
| Dec record high C = 29.7 | | Dec record high C = 29.7 | ||
| year record high C = 50.6 | | year record high C = 50.6 | ||
| Jan high C = 20.5 | |||
| Feb high C = 24.5 | |||
| Mar high C = 30.8 | |||
| Apr high C = 37.2 | |||
| May high C = 40.1 | |||
| Jun high C = 38.4 | |||
| Jul high C = 33.4 | |||
| Aug high C = 31.7 | |||
| Sep high C = 32.6 | |||
| Oct high C = 32.6 | |||
| Nov high C = 27.7 | |||
| Dec high C = 22.5 | |||
| Jan mean C = 13.9 | |||
| Feb mean C = 17.5 | |||
| Mar mean C = 23.4 | |||
| Apr mean C = 29.7 | |||
| May mean C = 33.3 | |||
| Jun mean C = 33.1 | |||
| Jul mean C = 29.6 | |||
| Aug mean C = 28.1 | |||
| Sep mean C = 28.0 | |||
| Oct mean C = 26.0 | |||
| Nov mean C = 20.9 | |||
| Dec mean C = 15.7 | |||
| Jan low C = 7.6 | |||
| Feb low C = 10.7 | |||
| Mar low C = 15.7 | |||
| Apr low C = 21.5 | |||
| May low C = 25.9 | |||
| Jun low C = 27.9 | |||
| Jul low C = 26.4 | |||
| Aug low C = 25.2 | |||
| Sep low C = 23.8 | |||
| Oct low C = 19.5 | |||
| Nov low C = 14.5 | |||
| Dec low C = 9.5 | |||
| Jan record low C = -0.8 | | Jan record low C = -0.8 | ||
| Feb record low C = 2.4 | | Feb record low C = 2.4 | ||
| Line 163: | Line 202: | ||
| Dec record low C = 1.4 | | Dec record low C = 1.4 | ||
| year record low C = -0.8 | | year record low C = -0.8 | ||
| | | rain colour = green | ||
| Jan rain mm = 14 | | Jan rain mm = 14 | ||
| Feb rain mm = 17 | | Feb rain mm = 17 | ||
| Line 176: | Line 215: | ||
| Nov rain mm = 7 | | Nov rain mm = 7 | ||
| Dec rain mm = 5 | | Dec rain mm = 5 | ||
| | | Jan rain days = 2 | ||
| Feb rain days = 2 | |||
| Mar rain days = 2 | |||
| Apr rain days = 2 | |||
| May rain days = 4 | |||
| Jun rain days = 8 | |||
| Jul rain days = 14 | |||
| Aug rain days = 15 | |||
| Sep rain days = 8 | |||
| Oct rain days = 2 | |||
| Nov rain days = 1 | |||
| Dec rain days = 1 | |||
| Jan humidity = 61 | |||
| Feb humidity = 52 | |||
| Mar humidity = 38 | |||
| Apr humidity = 24 | |||
| May humidity = 27 | |||
| Jun humidity = 43 | |||
| Jul humidity = 69 | |||
| Aug humidity = 76 | |||
| Sep humidity = 64 | |||
| Oct humidity = 46 | |||
| Nov humidity = 48 | |||
| Dec humidity = 56 | |||
| Jand sun = 8.8 | |||
| Febd sun = 9.7 | |||
| Mard sun = 10.6 | |||
| Aprd sun = 11.5 | |||
| Mayd sun = 12.1 | |||
| Jund sun = 11.8 | |||
| Juld sun = 9.4 | |||
| Augd sun = 8.4 | |||
| Sepd sun = 9.3 | |||
| Octd sun = 10.1 | |||
| Novd sun = 9.5 | |||
| Decd sun = 9.1 | |||
| source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDcityextremes> | | source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDcityextremes> | ||
{{cite web | {{cite web | ||
| Line 189: | Line 263: | ||
| access-date = 23 January 2023}}</ref> | | access-date = 23 January 2023}}</ref> | ||
}}</div> | }}</div> | ||
Alwar has been ranked 40th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref> | |||
==Demographics== | ==Demographics== | ||
| Line 205: | Line 281: | ||
| 2001 | 266203 | | 2001 | 266203 | ||
| 2011 | 341422 | | 2011 | 341422 | ||
|align = center | |||
}} | |||
{{bar box | |||
|title=Religion in Alwar City (2011)<ref name="religion2011">{{cite web |title=Table C-01 Population By Religion - Rajasthan|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11390/download/14503/DDW08C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=census.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> | |||
|titlebar=#Fcd116 | |||
|left1=Religion | |||
|right1=Percent | |||
|float=right | |||
|bars= | |||
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|90.71}} | |||
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|4.26}} | |||
{{bar percent|[[Sikhism]]|darkkhaki|2.61}} | |||
{{bar percent|[[Jainism in Rajasthan|Jainism]]|pink|2.13}} | |||
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.29}} | |||
|caption=Distribution of religions | |||
}} | |||
At the time of the 2011 census, the population of Alwar city and Alwar district were 341,422 and 3,674,179 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/429-alwar.html |title=Alwar District Population Census 2011, Rajasthan literacy sex ratio and density |work=census2011.co.in |access-date=6 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216091928/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/429-alwar.html |archive-date=16 February 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/70-alwar.html |title=Alwar City Population Census 2011-2021 | Rajasthan |access-date=2016-07-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104130354/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/70-alwar.html |archive-date=4 November 2016 |df=dmy-all}} Alwar City Population Census 2011</ref> | |||
{{Pie chart | |||
|caption = Languages of Alwar (2011)<ref name="language"/> | |||
|label1 = [[Hindi]] |value1 = 93.47 |color1 = orange | |||
|label2 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] |value2 = 3.43 |color2 = pink | |||
|label3 = [[Mewati language|Mewati]] |value3 = 1.60 |color3 = indianred | |||
|label4 = Others |value4 = 1.50 |color4 = grey | |||
|thumb=left | |||
}} | }} | ||
At the time of the 2011 census, | |||
At the time of the 2011 census, 63.61% of the population recorded their language as [[Hindi]], 3.43% [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and 1.60% [[Mewati language|Mewati]] as their first language.<ref name="language">{{Cite web |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10234/download/13346/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-0800.XLSX |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue (Urban): Rajasthan |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> | |||
==Education== | ==Education== | ||
<!-- WARNING: This is NOT a list of all schools and colleges. Include only top 4 to 5 schools and colleges. Do not add the rest here. Instead create a separate wikipedia article on the college and school if it is noteworthy and use wiki categories (Category: Schools in Alwar and Category: Colleges in Alwar). This is an article for Alwar city and not for Alwar district, remove anything that is not in the city proper. ---> | <!-- WARNING: This is NOT a list of all schools and colleges. Include only top 4 to 5 schools and colleges. Do not add the rest here. Instead create a separate wikipedia article on the college and school if it is noteworthy and use wiki categories (Category: Schools in Alwar and Category: Colleges in Alwar). This is an article for Alwar city and not for Alwar district, remove anything that is not in the city proper. ---> | ||
[[Raj Rishi Bhartrihari Matsya University]] was established in 2012–13 . Alwar has several schools such as Alwar Public School, Shri Oswal Jain Senior Secondary School, St. Anselm's Senior Secondary School, [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]], Adinath Public School, Knowledge City School, Chinar Public School, Lords International School, Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Step By Step Senior Secondary School, Raath International School, National Academy and Silver Oak, and colleges (Raj Rishi college, Siddhi Vinayak College, Presidency College, Government Law College, KCRI College, IET College). The [[ESIC Medical College, Alwar|Employee's State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College]] | [[Raj Rishi Bhartrihari Matsya University]] was established in 2012–13. Alwar has several schools such as Alwar Public School, Shri Oswal Jain Senior Secondary School, St. Anselm's Senior Secondary School, [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]], Adinath Public School, Knowledge City School, Chinar Public School, Lords International School, Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Step By Step Senior Secondary School, Raath International School, National Academy and Silver Oak, and colleges (Raj Rishi college, Siddhi Vinayak College, Presidency College, Government Law College, KCRI College, IET College). The [[ESIC Medical College, Alwar|Employee's State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College]] started operating from 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.patrika.com/jaipur-news/alwar-medical-college-will-this-year-will-enter-in-2017-1561218/|title=अलवर को इसी वर्ष मिलेगा मेडिकल कॉलेज, 2017 में होंगे प्रवेश|publisher=Patrika}}</ref> | ||
==Notable people== | ==Notable people== | ||
| Line 218: | Line 322: | ||
*[[Sakshi Tanwar]] | *[[Sakshi Tanwar]] | ||
*[[Jitendra Kumar]] | *[[Jitendra Kumar]] | ||
*[[Imran Khan (web developer)|Imran Khan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/imran-khan-alwar-338410-2016-09-05|title=Meet PM Modi's 'Imran Khan', a teacher who donated 52 educational apps to MHRD}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mr. Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati : Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2019 for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development |url=http://www.jamnalalbajajawards.org/awards/archives/2019/science-and-technology/mohammad-imran-khan-mewati}}</ref> | *[[Imran Khan (web developer)|Imran Khan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/imran-khan-alwar-338410-2016-09-05|title=Meet PM Modi's 'Imran Khan', a teacher who donated 52 educational apps to MHRD|date=5 September 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mr. Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati : Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2019 for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development |url=http://www.jamnalalbajajawards.org/awards/archives/2019/science-and-technology/mohammad-imran-khan-mewati}}</ref> | ||
*[[Aastha Chaudhary]] | *[[Aastha Chaudhary]] | ||
*[[Bhuvneshwari Kumari]] | *[[Bhuvneshwari Kumari]] | ||
*[[Mahesh Sharma]] | *[[Mahesh Sharma]] | ||
*[[Jitendra Singh (politician, born 1971)|Jitendra Singh]] | *[[Jitendra Singh (politician, born 1971)|Jitendra Singh]] | ||
*[[Alok Bhargava]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 231: | Line 336: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category}} | |||
{{wikivoyage|Alwar}} | |||
* {{Official website|http://www.alwar.rajasthan.gov.in}} | * {{Official website|http://www.alwar.rajasthan.gov.in}} | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160106223135/http://alwar.rajasthan.gov.in/hist.htm History of District Alwar] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160106223135/http://alwar.rajasthan.gov.in/hist.htm History of District Alwar] | ||
Latest revision as of 09:28, 22 February 2026
Alwar | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Scenic view of Alwar city (RJ) from Bala Qila | |
| Nickname: Scotland of Rajasthan | |
  Alwar  Alwar | |
| Coordinates: 27°33′00″N 76°38′10″E / 27.550°N 76.636°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Rajasthan |
| District | Alwar |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal Corporation |
| • Body | Alwar Municipal Corporation |
| Area | |
| • City | 202 km2 (78 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 268 m (879 ft) |
| Population (2024) | |
| • City | 505,000 |
| • Rank | 8th in Rajasthan |
| • Density | 2,500/km2 (6,500/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 583,000 |
| Demonym | Alwariya |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 301001, 301002 |
| ISO 3166 code | RJ-IN |
| Vehicle registration | RJ-02 |
| Website | Alwar Municipal Corporation Alwar District |
Alwar (Rajasthani Pronunciation: [əlʋəɾ]) is a city in Rajasthan and the administrative headquarters of Alwar District in the state of Rajasthan. It is located 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
There are several theories about the derivation of the name Alwar. Alexander Cunningham, the British Indian archeologist, believed that the city derived its name from the Salva tribe and was originally Salwapur, then Salwar, Halawar and eventually Alwar, According to another school it was known as Aravalpur or the city of Aravali.
Some others opine that the city is named after Khanzada Alawal Khan Mewati (the Muslim Khanzada prince who wrested Alwar from Nikumbh Rajputs)[citation needed]. A research conducted during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar revealed that Maharaja Alaghraj, second son of Maharaja Kakil of Amber. ruled the area in the eleventh century and his territory extended up to the present city of Alwar. He founded the city of Alpur in 1106 Vikrami Samvat (1049 A.D.) after his own name which eventually became Alwar[citation needed]. It was formerly spelt as Ulwar but in the reign of Jai Singh the spelling was changed to Alwar[citation needed]. Some sources say that the name Alwar comes from the Persian word timber.[1][better source needed]
History[edit | edit source]
Ancient history[edit | edit source]
The ancient name of Alwar is Salva or Salwa.[2][3] Alwar was a part of the Matsya Kingdom, one of the 16 ancient Mahājanapadas.[4] In late Vedic texts (such as the Jaiminiya Brahmana), the Salva or Salvi tribe is described as a non-Vedic tribe that occupied Kurukshetra and conquered the Kuru kingdom.[5]
The Salvas[edit | edit source]
The Salvas settled along the Yamuna river and the Alwar province of Rajasthan after attacking the Kuru kingdom, and they later accepted Vedic culture by the end of the Vedic era as they converged with the remaining Kurus and the Surasena mahajanapada, near Matsya kingdom.[6]
Medieval history[edit | edit source]
Alwar was ruled by multiple dynasties. Notable dynasties included the Jadauns of Karauli, Nikumbh Rajputs, the Khanzada Rajputs, the Badgujar Rajputs, Gaur rajputs and the Rao Sahab of Rewari who took the control over this area. The Maratha Empire also ruled this region for a short period. Rao Raja of Rewari, captured the Alwar Fort from the Rajput Naruka and laid down the foundation for modern day Alwar. Wali-e-Mewat Raja Khanzada Alawal Khan, Bahadur, son of Khanzada Zakaria Khan Mewati, was the Khanzada Rajput ruler of Mewat from 1485 till 1504.[1] He was succeeded by his son Hasan Khan Mewati as Wali-e-Mewat in 1504. In 1492 he won Bala Quila from Nikumbh Rajputs to stop the practice of human sacrifice.[2] It is also believed that the city of Alwar is named after him.
Hemchandra Vikramaditya (Hemu), born in Machari, Rajgarh, a village in Alwar, was a Hindu emperor of North India during the 16th century. This was a period when the Mughals and Afghans were vying for power in the region. Hemu captured Delhi on 7 October 1556 after defeating the Mughal forces in the Battle of Delhi in the Tughlaqabad area in Delhi, and became the de facto emperor. He won twenty-two battles in succession and became the last Hindu emperor of Delhi. In 1556, after his defeat in the Second Battle of Panipat, he was executed and Mughal regime was restored in North India. In 1781, the Battle of Mandan fought between Raos of Rewari under leadership of Mitrasen and Rajput Sardar Shardul helped by Mughals. Both side seen heavy casualties with only 6000 Ahirs defeated 25000 rajput forces. The whole area annexed by Raos of Rewari.[7]
Colonial era[edit | edit source]
The princely state of Alwar was established in 1770 by a Kachwaha Rajput named Pratap Singh Naruka who was earlier a jagirdar of "Dhai Gaon" (two-and-a-half villages) near Machari. His successor, Bakhtawar Singh Naruka, was defeated after launching an armed incursion into neighbouring Jaipur State (ruled by their Kachwaha seniors, erstwhile overlords of his predecessor) and being forced to accept the consequent treaty mediated by East India Company prohibiting him from political relations with other states without the consent of the colonial British.[8] According to the "Gazetteer of Ulwar" published by the British Raj, Alwar State was subdivided into four regions:
- Rath region: current Behror and Neemrana, was ruled by Lah Chauhan Rajput zamindar who had descended from Prithviraj Chauhan.[9] Sahesh Mal was a son of Raja Sangat Singh Chauhan. Sangat was the great-grandson of Chahir Deo Chauhan, brother of famous king Prithviraj Chauhan.[10] In accordance with the pledge by the Raja Sangat Singh Chauhan to his younger queen for marrying her in his old age, her two sons from him were bestowed the Rath area and its headquarter of Mandhan near Neemrana.[9] King Sangat Singh Chauhan's 19 sons from the older queen set out to seek their fortunes.[9] Of the 19 brothers, Harsh Dev Chauhan and Sahesh Mal Chauhan arrived in the Gurgaon district.[9] Lah Chauhan, the ruler of Rath, was a son of raja Sangat Singh Chauhan by the younger Rani whose two sons became inheritors of Raja Sangat Singh's territory of Rath with its headquarter at Mandhan when other 19 sons from the other wives were required to quit the kingdom as per the promise of Raja Sangat. Rao NandRam Ahir rule rath and Tijara during Aurangzeb rule. Later Rao Mitrasen Ahir defeated combined forces of Sekhawat and kachwa Rajput at Mandhan. After decline of Mughal Empire, Rao Tez Singh (1766-1823) was ruler of Rath and Tijara (Ahirwal). He was grandfather of freedom fighter Rao Tula Ram.[11][9][12][13][14]
- Wai region: current Bansur and Thana Ghazi, was ruled by Shekhawat rajput zamindars.
- Narukhand region: current Rajgarh and Laxmangarh, was ruled by Naruka clan of Rajputs same as that of the ruling kings of the Alwar State
- Mewat region: current Palwal and Nuh districts, had the highest population of the Meo Muslims.
Post-independence[edit | edit source]
Alwar acceded to the dominion of India following the independence of India in 1947. On 18 March 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states (Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli) to form the Matsya Union. On 15 May 1949, it was united with neighbouring princely states[which?] and the territory of Ajmer to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan. Alwar was designated as part of the National Capital Region, resulting in additional development projects including rapid-rail to Delhi and drinking water improvements.[15] The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar.
Tourist attractions[edit | edit source]
Fairy Queen[edit | edit source]
The Fairy Queen, a national treasure (cultural artifact) of India and the world's oldest working locomotive engine (c. 1855 CE),[16] operates as a tourist luxury train between Delhi and Alwar. In 1998 it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular service. The Fairy Queen runs on the same route as the Palace on Wheels, the tourist train launched in 1982, and was awarded the National Tourism Award in 1999.
Bala Qila[edit | edit source]
Bala Qila (lit. 'High Fort'), also known as Alwar Fort, is a fort approximately 300 meters above the city, Situated on the Aravalli Range, the fort is 5 kilometres long and about 1.5 kilometres wide with turrets, a large gate, a temple, and a residential area.[17][citation needed]
_Alwar-001.jpg)
City Palace[edit | edit source]
The City Palace, also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal, built in 1793 CE by Raja Bakhtawar Singh, blends the Rajputana and Islamic architectural styles and has marble pavilions on lotus-shaped bases in its courtyard. The foundations of the City Palace, was constructed by Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs in 928 CE. The palace houses Government Museum, Alwar with a collection of manuscripts, including one depicting Emperor Babur’s life, Ragamala paintings and miniatures, and historic swords that once belonged to Muhammad Ghori, Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb; and a golden Durbar hall. This palace that once belonged to the Maharaja (lit. Great Ruler) has now been converted into a District Administrative office also housing the District Court.[18]
Sariska Tiger Reserve[edit | edit source]
The Sariska Tiger Reserve, a National Park and Tiger Reserve, is located in the Aravali hills only a few kilometres away from Alwar. Declared a Wildlife reserve in 1955 and a National Park in 1982, it is the first reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers. The sanctuary, which became a part of India's Project Tiger in 1978, also preserves other species including rare birds and plants.[19] In addition to its biodiversity, Sariska is also home to ancient temples and historical ruins, adding cultural significance to its natural beauty.
Bhangarh Fort[edit | edit source]
Bhangarh Fort, is a 17th-century fort built by Bhagwant Das for his younger son Madho Singh I.[disputed (for: Identity of father/son are being discussed elsewhere) ] The fort, a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is known for its association to legends and paranormal activities,[20] is a tourist attraction for visitors across the world.[21]
Siliserh Lake[edit | edit source]
Siliserh Lake is 19th century lake created by Maharaja Vijay Singh of Alwar, situated 8 miles southwest of Alwar.
Hill Fort Kesroli[edit | edit source]
Hill Fort Kesroli, a 14th-century fort, has now been converted into and is conserved as a heritage hotel.[22]
Transport[edit | edit source]
As of 2019, the most common modes of medium-distance transport in Alwar are government-owned services such as flights, as well as privately operated lok pariwahan buses, taxis and auto rickshaws. Bus services operate from the Alwar old Bus Station which is 5 km away from the Alwar railway junction. In addition to this it is also planned that a metro rail system from Delhi to Alwar via Behror route will be started. The nearest airports to Alwar are Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (143 km away), Jaipur International Airport (150 km away), and an airport currently under development in Bhiwadi airport (90 km away). Alwar Junction railway station, on the Delhi–Jaipur line, is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Alwar is connected by roads from major cities of Rajasthan and nearby states.[23][24][25]
Geography[edit | edit source]
Alwar is located at 27°34′N 76°36′E / 27.57°N 76.6°E. It has an average elevation of 271 m (889 ft). The Ruparail River is a major river near the city. Alwar is fairly rich in mineral wealth; it produces marble, granite, feldspar, dolomite, quartz, limestone, soap stone, barites, copper clay, copper ore and pyrophylite.[26]
Climate[edit | edit source]
Alwar has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) with long, sweltering summers and short, warm to very warm winters. The average maximum temperature in the summers is 41 °C (106 °F) with an average minimum of 28 °C (82 °F). The winter temperature falls in the range of 21 °C (70 °F) to 8 °C (46 °F). Alwar experiences a short monsoon. The average annual rainfall is about 67 centimetres or 26 inches, which mostly falls in July and August when the monsoon is most active.[27] The highest temperature ever recorded in Alwar is 50.6 °C (123.1 °F) on 10 May 1956 and the lowest −0.8 °C (30.6 °F) recorded on 12 January 1967. Alwar held the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in India until 2016, when Phalodi in Jodhpur district recorded 51.0 °C (123.8 °F) on 19 May 2016.
| Climate data for Alwar (1991-2020, extremes 1956–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 29.0 (84.2) |
35.0 (95.0) |
39.9 (103.8) |
46.4 (115.5) |
50.6 (123.1) |
47.3 (117.1) |
43.8 (110.8) |
41.2 (106.2) |
40.1 (104.2) |
40.6 (105.1) |
35.6 (96.1) |
29.7 (85.5) |
50.6 (123.1) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 20.5 (68.9) |
24.5 (76.1) |
30.8 (87.4) |
37.2 (99.0) |
40.1 (104.2) |
38.4 (101.1) |
33.4 (92.1) |
31.7 (89.1) |
32.6 (90.7) |
32.6 (90.7) |
27.7 (81.9) |
22.5 (72.5) |
31.0 (87.8) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 13.9 (57.0) |
17.5 (63.5) |
23.4 (74.1) |
29.7 (85.5) |
33.3 (91.9) |
33.1 (91.6) |
29.6 (85.3) |
28.1 (82.6) |
28.0 (82.4) |
26.0 (78.8) |
20.9 (69.6) |
15.7 (60.3) |
24.9 (76.9) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 7.6 (45.7) |
10.7 (51.3) |
15.7 (60.3) |
21.5 (70.7) |
25.9 (78.6) |
27.9 (82.2) |
26.4 (79.5) |
25.2 (77.4) |
23.8 (74.8) |
19.5 (67.1) |
14.5 (58.1) |
9.5 (49.1) |
19.0 (66.2) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −0.8 (30.6) |
2.4 (36.3) |
7.3 (45.1) |
11.2 (52.2) |
15.7 (60.3) |
20.7 (69.3) |
20.6 (69.1) |
20.1 (68.2) |
16.8 (62.2) |
12.0 (53.6) |
6.1 (43.0) |
1.4 (34.5) |
−0.8 (30.6) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 14 (0.6) |
17 (0.7) |
12 (0.5) |
12 (0.5) |
19 (0.7) |
72 (2.8) |
190 (7.5) |
223 (8.8) |
86 (3.4) |
15 (0.6) |
7 (0.3) |
5 (0.2) |
672 (26.6) |
| Average rainy days | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 15 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 61 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 61 | 52 | 38 | 24 | 27 | 43 | 69 | 76 | 64 | 46 | 48 | 56 | 50 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 8.8 | 9.7 | 10.6 | 11.5 | 12.1 | 11.8 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 9.3 | 10.1 | 9.5 | 9.1 | 10.0 |
| Source 1: India Meteorological Department[28] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Climate Data[29] | |||||||||||||
Alwar has been ranked 40th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.[30]
Demographics[edit | edit source]
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1891 | 52,400 | — |
| 1901 | 56,700 | +8.2% |
| 1911 | 41,300 | −27.2% |
| 1921 | 44,800 | +8.5% |
| 1941 | 54,100 | +20.8% |
| 1951 | 57,900 | +7.0% |
| 1961 | 72,700 | +25.6% |
| 1971 | 100,800 | +38.7% |
| 1981 | 140,000 | +38.9% |
| 1991 | 210,100 | +50.1% |
| 2001 | 266,203 | +26.7% |
| 2011 | 341,422 | +28.3% |
| Source: [31] | ||
At the time of the 2011 census, the population of Alwar city and Alwar district were 341,422 and 3,674,179 respectively.[33][34]
At the time of the 2011 census, 63.61% of the population recorded their language as Hindi, 3.43% Punjabi and 1.60% Mewati as their first language.[35]
Education[edit | edit source]
Raj Rishi Bhartrihari Matsya University was established in 2012–13. Alwar has several schools such as Alwar Public School, Shri Oswal Jain Senior Secondary School, St. Anselm's Senior Secondary School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Adinath Public School, Knowledge City School, Chinar Public School, Lords International School, Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Step By Step Senior Secondary School, Raath International School, National Academy and Silver Oak, and colleges (Raj Rishi college, Siddhi Vinayak College, Presidency College, Government Law College, KCRI College, IET College). The Employee's State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College started operating from 2017.[36]
Notable people[edit | edit source]
- Saurabh Singh Shekhawat
- Sakshi Tanwar
- Jitendra Kumar
- Imran Khan[37][38]
- Aastha Chaudhary
- Bhuvneshwari Kumari
- Mahesh Sharma
- Jitendra Singh
- Alok Bhargava
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Ram, Maya (1964). Rajasthan District Gazetteer Alwar. Jaipur. p. 1.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ↑ Mallik, Swetabja (15 July 2019). "History and Heritage: Examining Their Interplay in India". International Conference on Archaeology, History and Heritage. The International Institute of Knowledge Management - TIIKM: 01–11. doi:10.17501/26510243.2019.1101.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ Rajasthan (India). Chief Town Planner & Architectural Adviser. (1982). Draft master plan for Alwar, 1981-2001. The Chief Town Planner & Architectural Adviser. p. 8. OCLC 1000383312.
- ↑ "History of Alwar, Origin of Alwar, Alwar History In Rajasthan India". Indiasite.com. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ↑ Witzel, Michael (1997), "Early Sanskritization Origins and Development of the Kuru State", Recht, Staat und Verwaltung im klassischen Indien, Schriften des Historischen Kollegs, München: Oldenbourg, pp. 27–52, doi:10.1524/9783486594355.27, ISBN 978-3-486-56193-7, retrieved 26 September 2020
- ↑ Raychaudhuri, Hemchandra, 1892-1957. (1997). Political history of ancient India : from the accession of Parikshit to the extinction of the Gupta dynasty. Oxford University Press. pp. 61, 736. ISBN 0-19-564376-3. OCLC 38008217.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Ltd, Nasadiya Tech Pvt. "Read Hindi article | राव मित्रसेन अहीर « Sachin Yadav "A_J" | प्रतिलिपि". hindi.pratilipi.com (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ↑
One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Alwar". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 755.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Henry Miers Elliot and John Beames, Memoirs on the History, Folk-lore, and Distribution of the Races, Volume 1.
- ↑ Henry Miers Elliot and John Beames, 1869, Memoirs on the history, folk-lore, and distribution of the races of the North Western Provinces of India: being an amplified edition of the original supplemental glossary of Indian terms. Trübner & co. p.64 and 82.
- ↑ Yadava, S. D. S. (2006). Followers of Krishna: Yadavas of India. Lancer Publishers. ISBN 978-81-7062-216-1.
- ↑ Henry Miers Elliot, Supplemental Glossary of Terms Used in the North Western Provinces
- ↑ Henry Miers Elliot, Supplement to the Glossary of Indian Terms, A.-J
- ↑ Panjab Notes and Queries, Volume 1
- ↑ "Bharatpur becomes NCR; Delhi Metro to chug into Alwar soon". daily.bhaskar.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ↑ "World's oldest engine gathers fresh steam", The Times of India, 12 February 2017, archived from the original on 5 June 2017
- ↑ Iyengar, Abha (4 May 2017). "Delhi to Alwar: Among the ruins". livemint.com/. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Safvi, Rana (28 May 2017). "In a state of neglect". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ "Sariska National Park - complete detail - updated". natureconservation.in. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Safvi, Rana (12 November 2017). "Bhangarh: the most haunted fort in India". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ "The Times of India: Latest News India, World & Business News, Cricket & Sports, Bollywood". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 July 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ↑ "Ruins revisited". The Hindu. 29 July 2004.
- ↑ "Delhi-Alwar rapid rail: Phase 1 corridor to be connected with Delhi Metro, bus stand, railway station!". The Financial Express. 15 April 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
- ↑ "All RRTS stations to have platform screen doors". Moneycontrol. 11 August 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
- ↑ Shah, Narendra (13 August 2019). "Regional Rail stations to have platform screen doors". Metro Rail News. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
- ↑ "Welcome to Alwar, The Gateway of Rajastan > Mineral Resources". Alwar.nic.in. Archived from the original on 19 June 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ↑ "Alwar Weather & Climate | Temperature & Weather By Month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
- ↑ "Climatological Tables 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ↑ "Alwar Weather & Climate | Temperature & Weather By Month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
- ↑ "Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024" (PDF). Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024. 7 September 2024.
- ↑ "Historical Census of India". Populstat.info. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ↑ "Table C-01 Population By Religion - Rajasthan". census.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ↑ "Alwar District Population Census 2011, Rajasthan literacy sex ratio and density". census2011.co.in. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ↑ "Alwar City Population Census 2011-2021 | Rajasthan". Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016. Alwar City Population Census 2011
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue (Urban): Rajasthan". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ↑ "अलवर को इसी वर्ष मिलेगा मेडिकल कॉलेज, 2017 में होंगे प्रवेश". Patrika.
- ↑ "Meet PM Modi's 'Imran Khan', a teacher who donated 52 educational apps to MHRD". 5 September 2016.
- ↑ "Mr. Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati : Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2019 for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development".
Bibliography[edit | edit source]
- Powlett, P. W. (1838). Gazetteer of Ulwur (Alwar). Retrieved 19 November 2014.
