Sawai Madhopur district General information
Sawai Madhopur District is a district of Rajasthan state in western India. Sawai Madhopur is the chief town and district headquarters. The district has an area of 4500 km², and a population of 6676, with a population density of 248 persons per km². It is bounded by Dausa District on the north, Karauli District on the northwest and west, the Chambal River, and across it Madhya Pradesh state and Kota District, on the southwest, Bundi District to the southeast, and Tonk District to the east. It contains khandar,bonli,bamanwas,gangapur city,sawaimadhopur(urban) as tahasil.
The wildlife sanctuary and historic fortress of Ranthambore, a Project Tiger reserve, lies in the district.
History
About 180 kms. to north-east of Jaipur, along the rolling hills of Vindhyas and Aravali ranges lies the town of Sawai Madhopur. The town founded in 1765 AD was named after its founder Sawai Madho Singh-I of Jaipur.Today Sawai Madhopur is known for Ranthambhor, a Wildlife reserve and a place of historical importance.
The Muslim conquest brought about major changes in the political map of northern India. In Rajasthan, the Chauhan kingdoms of sapadalaksa and Nodal dis-appeared, Govinda the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan established himself at Ranthambhore and ruled as feudatory of the Sultan of Delhi. Following disturbances after the death of Iltutmish, Vagbhatta besieged the fort of Ranthambhor. He then ruled from here for 12 Years waging continuous battles against the Sultanate. Rao Hamir was yet another figure who carved a niche for himself. In the annals, it is only now and then do we come across men of such heroism.
Rana Kumbha captured the Ranthambhor Fort the middle of the 15th century. After the death of Aurangzeb, the fort was taken over by the rulers of Jaipur.
Climate
The district has a dry climate except during the short rainy season.
The normal annual rainfall in the district is 70.92 cms.
The mean daily maximum temperature in May is 41 degree Celsius.
The mean daily minimum temperature is 8 degree Celsius. in January
Infrastructure
Electricity
The district is receiving the hydro-electric power from Chambal Hydel System sicne 1962. There are about 41 sub-stations of 33/11 K.V. line and three 132/33/11 K.V. grid sub-stations at Sawai Madhopur, Gangapur and Mandawar. As of March 2000, out of 714 vilalges in the districts 702 villages were electrified.
Water
The wells are the major source of irrigation by providing the irrigation facilities to about 59.22 per cent of net irrigated area which is followed by canals and diesel/electric pump sets and contributes 25.38 per cent and 12.02 per cent of net irrigated areas. The district has adequate water resources as the rivers like Chambal, Banas, Gambhir, Kali Sindhu, Jagar, etc., flow from the district.
Road Transport
The district is connected with jaipur, Gwalior (in Madhya Pradesh) & with neighbouring districts with metallic roads. The total rad length found in the district is 1,196 kms. as on 31 March 2000.
Rail Transport
The Delhi-Bombay broad-gauge railway lines pass through Sawai Madhopur, Gangapur and Hindaun towns of the district. A broad-gauge line connecting Jaipur with Sawai Madhopur passed through Isarda, Chauth-Ka-Barwara and Deopura stations
Fair and festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi Fair
Ganesh Chaturthi Fair is the largest fair of Sawai Madhopur. It is organised on Bhadav Shukla Chaturthi at Ganesh Temple , Ranthambhore Fort. This is very popular fair in Rajasthan. People of Rajasthan and outside Rajasthan visit for this fair. Every year 3-4 lacs devotees participates in this fair. This fair is organised for three days.
Chauth Mata Fair
Chauth Mata Temple is about 25 Km. from the Sawai Madhopur city in Chauth Ka Barawara town. This fair is organised on Magh Krishna Chaturthi . Lacs of People around Rajasthan and other states visit here for this Fair.
Shiv Ratri Fair
The Famous Dwadash (12th) Jotirling "Ghushmeshwar Mahadev" is 3 Km. from Iserda Railway Station on Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur Train Route in Shiwar Town. Thousands 0f people come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity in this fair.
Rameshwar Dham
The Rameshwaram Temple is 60 kms. from Sawai Madhopur on the onfluence of Banas and Chambal river . It has a beautiful Shiva temple where a fair is held annually on Shiv Ratri. Lacs of People Rajasthan and M.P. visit here for this Fair.
KalyanJi Fair
Every year besakh shukla puranmasi this fair is organised at Gangapur City. This fair is organised for Seven days. Thousands of people join this fair.
Places of interest
Ranthambor Fort :- The history of Sawai Madhopur revolves around the Ramthambhor fort. Surrounded by Vindhyas and Aravalis, amidst vast and arid denuded tracts of Rajasthan, lies the oasis of biomass in an ecological desert, the Great Ranthambhor . No one knows when this fort was built.
The strength and inaccessibility of the fort was a challenge to the ambitions of the rulers of the ancient and medieval India, particularly those of Delhi and Agra. The eminent ruler of the fort was Rao Hamir who ruled around 1296 AD.
History relates that none of the rulers had a peaceful spell in spite of its strong geographical strength. Remnants of marvelous architectural monuments, ponds and lakes enlighten avid lover of the subject. The soul of this great fort inspires patriotism, valour and love. Every part reflects the ancient character of Indian culture and philosophy.
There are various places of historical interest inside the fort namely Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton Ki Haveli, 32 pillared Chhatri, Mosque and the Ganesh Temple.
Ranthambhor Ganesh Temple :- Ganesha Temple is major attraction of the Sawai Madhopur, thousands of people come from every corner of the country come over here, and seek blessings from the Lord for happiness and prosperity. One interesting aspect is the mail that is sent to Lord Ganesha consisting mainly of wedding invitations. A fair is held on Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi over here.
Amareshwar Mahadeo Temple :- On the way to Ranthambhor National Park, nestled amidst the high hills is the sacred Amareshwar Mahadeo temple. This is a famous picnic spot in Sawai Madhopur
Rameshwaram Dham :- 60 kms. from Sawai Madhopur on the onfluence of Banas and Chambal river is Rameshwaram. It has a beautiful Shiva temple where a fair is held annually on Shiv Ratri.
Chamatkar Temple :- The ChamatkarJi Temple Situated on the main road railway station to Sawai Madhopur city . This temple is famous for many miracles. The name ChamatkarJi means the deity who performs miracles. A fair is held here on 'Sarad Poornima' every year.
Kala-Gaura Bhairwa Temple :- On the right side of the city gate touching the heights of mountains lies a 'Tantrik' of Bhairava. Big elephants with raised tusks on its gate. Main attractions are the Kala-Gaura Bhairvas dressedin 'Tamasi' and 'Rajsi' styles respectively.
Khandar Fort :- Khandar fort is the fort of Taragarh of nmedieval times, it lies 40 Km. of Sawai Madhopur. There are no evidences regarding the construction of the fort but one thing is certain that the fort was at its peak in the 12th century. It has been constructed on the basis of ancient Indian architectural standards. By virtue of its situation on the vertical high hill it was difficult for the enemy to attack the fort,so it has been termed as an invincible fort.
ChouthMata Temple :- 25 kms. from Sawai Madhopur and situated on a hill near Chauth Ka Barwara town is the famous temple of Mother Goddess. It is a very famous temple.
Shiwad Temple :- Shiwad Temple is known for the Ghushmeshwar Mahadeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thousands of people come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity. An imposing fort perched on a small hill is an added attraction of the place.