Alwar district

Archaeological excavations at different places in the area have given inkling of the presence of hand-axe culture in the district.[4]

The close proximity of the district to Bairath, the old Virata, lends it an antiquity of epic age. Mention is found in the Mahabharata of the Pandavas who spent the thirteenth year of their exile incognito at Virata.

The region was historically known as Matsya. The Matsyas appear in connection with the Vasas (or Vatsas) in the Kaushitaki Upanishad and with the Salvas in the Gopatha Brahmana. Dhvasan Dvaitavana (mentioned in Shatapatha Brahmana) is said to have performed a horse sacrifice (Ashwamedh Yajna) and probably ruled in or about Jaipur or Alwar. According to the Manusmriti, the Matsyas were included in the Brahmarshidesha and ‘they appear as one of the select few of the Aryan races who were noted for their devotion to Brahmanical ideals’.[5]

The territory around Bairath was included in the Maurayan empire is evidenced by the discovery of the Minor Rock Edict I and Bhabra Edict of Ashoka at this place.[6] The disintegration of Mauryan empire was followed by the invasions of the foreigners and evolution of small principalities. The numismatic material excavated at Bairath is a clear indication that the Indo-Greek rule.[6]

The tribal republic that emerged around this area after the fall of Pushyamitra and end of Greek invasion about the closing years of the first century B. C., was that of Arjunayanas and Yaudheyas.[7] About the end of the first century B.C., the Arjunayanas were subdued by the Sakas.[8] After the decline of Kushanas, the Arjunayanas recovered their independence but had to submit to the suzerainty of the Guptas about the middle of the fourth century. They were one of the nine tribal states subjugated by Samudragupta “who paid taxes, obeyed orders and performed obeisance in person to the great power”.[9]

The Pratiharas who came into prominence about the second half of the sixth century A. D., took advantage of the tottering Gupta empire and established their hold in the heart of Rajputana. Throughout the later period of Pratihara rule, there was a triangular contest between the Pratiharas, the Palas and Rashtrakutas for supremacy in Northern India. Nagabhata I, the Pratihara king in the second quarter of eighth century A. D., successfully resisted the Arab invasions and augmented his territories. The Gwalior Inscription tells us that Matsya was seized by Nagabhata II.[10] Nagbhata II was succeeded by Ramabhadra and the later by Bhoja. Bhoja ruled for more than 46 years and consolidated a mighty empire in Northern India. An inscription dated 960 A. D. discovered at Rajorgarh (near modern Rajgarh, Alwar) records an order issued by the Maharajadhiraja, Parameshvara, the illustrious Mathanadeva of the Gurjara-Pratihara (Bargujar Rajputs)[11] lineage residing at Rajyapura (i.e. Rajor). Here he invoked the name of the Pratihara Emperor Vijayapaladeva as his suzerain, yet he ruled as a de-facto independent king.[10]

In 1009 A.D. Mahmud of Ghazni led an army against the king of Narayan, a place now identified by Cunningham as Narayanpur in the district. The king fought bravely in defence of his country but was defeated. The Sultan smashed the idols and returned to Ghazni with the booty. Meanwhile, Tomaras and Chauhans were the two rising powers to be reckoned with. The areas covered by Rewari and Bhiwani and parts of Alwar district, were then, included in the Bhadanaka kingdom. The Kharataragachchhapattavali of Jinapala (died V. 1295) mentions the defeat of the Bhadanakas as the chief achievement of Prithiviraj III up to the Vikram year 1239. The overthrow of the Bhadanakas by the Chauhans seems to have been decisive. However, the Chauhan authority was impaired considerably after the second battle of Tarain in 1192 A.D. Thereafter, the hold of the Chauhans over this area (Alwar) slackened and the territory was retained for quite some time by the Sultans of Delhi.[12]

According to the tradition, a Jadon dynasty throve in the area now comprising the Bharatpur and Mathura districts. The Tajul-Maasir records that in A. D. 1196 Muizuddin Muhammad Ghori defeated Kunwarpala, the Jadon rai of Tahangarh (a fort about 14 miles south of Bayana). After this debacle, the lords of the Yaduvanshi (Jadon-Bhatti) Rajputs left that area and got scattered in the Mewat region, also at Kaman, Tijara and Sarhatta of Alwar. The descendants of Prithviraj of Ajmer had already settled in (about 1070 A. D.) the area known as Rath (north-west region of the Alwar district) and the raja of Nimrana claims to represent the family of that great Hindu emperor.[13]

Shamsuddin Altamash, the Sultan of Delhi started his compaigns in Rajputana about 1226 and invaded Ranthambor and attained some success in Bayana, Thangir and Mewat. After his death in 1236 A. D., a concerted effort was made by the dispossessed Chauhans to regain the lost territories under the leadership of Bhagawata. Soon, Chauhan supremacy seems to have prevailed even on Mewat, thus ample opportunity to the turbulent Rajputs to regain their lost power and present a serious menace to the Delhi authority.[13]

Balban marched in 1248 A.D. to curb the growing power of the Chauhans but attained little success. Jadon Bhatti Rajputs of Bayana (progenitors of Khanzadas) who had settled in Mewat coalesced with the Chauhans and other Rajput dynasties and commenced offensive guerilla war, sometimes even into the Delhi territory itself. After his ascendancy to the throne and consolidating his conquests, Balban paid serious attention to the raids of the Mewatis. He therefore, cleared the forest in the vicinity of the capital and built a fortress. The capital was thereby cordoned off and freed from the Mewati robbers, and for the first time in several years, the citizens breathed freely. Throughout the 13th century, the whole of Mewat was held by Hindu Jadon Bhattis.[13]

For a hundred years, any significant trouble given by the Mewatis to the Sultans of Delhi is not heard.The relations between the Sultan and the Mewatis, by then were cordial. After the death of Sultan Firoz Shah Tughluq of Delhi, Bahadur Nahar, a Khanzada chief of Mewat is heard of gaining prestige, power and favour at the Delhi court. His stronghold was Kotila, in the Tijara hills.[3] He played important role in wars of succession between Abu Bakr and Muhammad Shah.

After his victory at Panipat, Babur had settled himself at Agra. Hasan Khan Mewati joined the powerful confederacy with 12,000 horses, which was organised by Rana Sanga against Babur, The forces marched to Khanwa and Hasan Khan was among those who were slain in the battle that ensued (1527). After his victory over Rana Sanga, Babar marched towards Mewat to reduce it and entered Alwar on April 7, 1527. Hasan Khan's son, Nahar Khan, arrived begging for pardon and was bestowed a ‘pargana’ by Babur for his support. He bestowed the city of Tijara on Chin Timur Sultan who had fought in the battle of Khanwa on the right flank of Babar's army. Fardi Khan, his another follower, was given the charge of the Alwar fort. Babur himself visited and examined the fort, where he spent a night.

After the death of Shershah, his son Jalal Khan was enthroned under the title of Islam Shah. Hemu who was responsible to enthrone Adil Shah at Delhi after the death of Islam Shah in 1552. Hemu was a native of Macheri in Alwar district and is said to be a hawker of salt petre in the streets of Rewari, but rose to the status of prime-minister of Muhammad Shah Adil Sur (1554-1557) by his intelligence, loyalty and great qualities of leadership. He fought and won twenty-two battles against his master's rivals.[14] Gradually he became the de facto ruler of Sur kingdom as his master sank into sloth and obscurity.[14] He fought successfully a battle against the Mughal governor of Delhi, and occupied the city, and proclaimed himself as an independent ruler. He distributed the spoil among the Afghans and thus won them over to his side. He assumed for himself the title of Vikramaditya, but an arrow accidentally struck his eye and pierced his brain in the battle of Panipat (1556).[15] He lay unconscious and was brought before the young emperor Akbar, who gave a blow of sword to Hemu, and Bairam Khan finished him off. Hemu's head was sent to Kabul and his trunk to Delhi to be placed on a gibbet.[14] Soon, forces were sent to strongly defended forts of Deoti and Macheri (now in Rajgarh, Alwar district) where Hemu's wife and his father had taken shelter with their precious goods and treasures. After some resistance, Hemu's father was captured and his conversion to Islam attempted. But he declined and said, “For eighty years I have worshipped my God according to this (Hindu) religion why should I change it at this time, and why should I, merely from fear of my life, and without understanding it, come into way of your worship".[14] At this, he was put to death. Hemu's widow, however, escaped with elephants and treasures to the jungles. She was pursued and a part of treasure was recovered from her.[14]

Khanzadas of Mewat reconciled with the Delhi rulers by matrimonial alliances. Humayun had married the elder daughter of Jamal Khan, nephew of Hasan Khan Mewati. The Khanzadas became distinguished soldiers in the Imperial army.

During the reign of Akbar, Mewat was divided into two Sarkars or districts-Tijara and Alwar, in subah of Agra.[16] Akbar while on his way to Fatehpur Sikri in 1579 visited Alwar and local traditions attribute to him the butchering of Malliks (probably Hindu converts) at Mungana (a few miles south of Alwar town on National Highway No. 8 towards Jaipur) and renaming this village as Akbarpur. Alwar formed a very important base for the launching of attacks by the Mughals on the fort of Ranthambor. It was also an important halting station between Agra and Ajmer. But the turbulent people of Mewat continued their plunderings of the imperial government and even a strong ruler like Akbar could not completely subdue them.[14]

Akbar bestowed the jagir of Mewat on his Khanzada brother-in-law Sharffuddin Hussain. Sensing his rebellious attitude, Jahangir appointed Nawab Mubarij Khan as governor of Mewat. In 1661 A.D. (1058 A.H.), Alwar was bestowed as a jagir on Khalilulla Khan and some time later, Aurangzeb gave this tract to Mirza Jai Singh of Amber. However, looking to the growing influence of Mirza and the strategic position of the fort, Aurangzeb took the fort back and bestowed it on Abdul Rahim in 1077 A.H.[3]

An inscription dating Samvat 1426 and 1439 found at Macheri attests that Rajgarh, Macheri and Devati (Deoti) villages were the possessions of the Badgujar Rajputs who were bound  by matrimonial alliances with the rulers of Amber. Ashokmal or Ishwarmal who was the son of Raja Kumbh, refused to send dola to Akbar and also had quarrels with Raja Man Singh of Amber. Thereupon, a combined force of Raja Man Singh and the Delhi emperor, was dispatched against him and he was dispossessed of Devati and Rajorgarh.[3]

Kyaranagari in Thanaghazi was the capital of Mewal Meenas whose ruler was Mokalsi at the time of Akbar's reign. The imperial forces plundered Kyara and in its place founded Mohamadabad.[3]

About the Samvat 1656 (1599 A. D.) Madho Singh, the second son of Maharaja Bhagwandas of Amber, established a chiefship at Bhangarh and made it his capital. In Samvat 1777 (1720 A.D.), Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur attacked Bhangarh, and incorporated the territory in his kingdom.[3]

Madan Singh, commonly known as Rao Made Chauhan, had founded the village Madanpur now known as Mandawar. In course of time, Barrod was also acquired by his descendents. Firoz Shah had forced Rao Jhama (son of Rao Hasa) to embrace Islam but the latter preferred death. However, Rao Chaand, son of Rao Jhama is said to have embraced Islam in Samvat 1499 (1442 A.D.). Thereupon, as a protest, Rajdeo who was the uncle of Chaand, abandoned Mandawar and chose Nimrana as the capital of his chiefship. The descendants of Rao Chaand extended their hold up to Bansur. But they were expelled in Samvat 1560 (1503 A.D.) from Bansur by the Shekhawats of whom Rao Shekhaji, Rao Sujaji and Rao Jagmal were most significant. Rao Sujaji made Basai as his capital whereas Jagmal established himself at Hazipur. After the death of Sujaji in Samvat 1594 (1537 A.D.) his sons Lunkaran, Raimal, Chaand and Bheruji extended their hold up to Khetri, Sikar, Khandela and Shahpura.[3]

After the death of Aurangzeb, internal dissensions encouraged the petty chieftains to acquire power. Maharaja Surajrmal of Bharatpur conquered the Alwar fort and some of the adjacent territory. But his son Jawahar Singh, after being defeated by the Jaipur ruler at the battle of Maonda-Mandoli and lost the territory gained by his father. Marathas occupied Tijara and Kishangarh. In 1775 A.D. Pratap Singh of Naruka family acquired Alwar fort and founded the State of Alwar.

Naruka is a subclan of Kachchhwaha Rajputs, who claim descent from Kusha, the eldest son of Rama. They are said to have migrated from Ayodhya to Amber, where Rao Udai Karan (1367 A.D.) had his son Nar Singh. Bar Singh who is said to be his eldest son, gave up his right of succession in favour of his brother Nar Singh. Bar Singh received the estates of Jhak and Mauzabad towns, a few miles south-west of Jaipur. His grandson was Naru who founded the Naru subclan. One of his descendants Rao Kalyan Singh lost his ancestral estate for his loyalty to his chief, Jai Singh and received in lieu of it, Macheri in 1639 A.D. which had been taken from Badgujars.

Later, Pratap Singh was the son of Muhabbat Singh of Macheri. He was born in 1740 A.D. Sensing a danger to his life in Jaipur, he left for Rajgarh. From there, he went to Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur who bestowed on him a jagir. In 1768, Jawahar Singh insulted the Jaipur Chief by marching without intimation of his motive, through his Stale, to visit the holy lake of Pushkar near Ajmer. On his return journey, he was attacked by the Rajputs and was defeated at Maonda-Mandholi in the Tanwarati hills, north of Jaipur. “The victory was, in a great measure, due to the transfer by Pratap Singh of his supporters to the side of his liegelord on the eve of the battle." As a result, Pratap was restored to his fief of Macheri and was also allowed to build a fort at Rajgarh.

Pratap Singh gained great influence at the Jaipur court. At this time Najaf Khan, the imperial commander aided by Marathas, proceeded to expel Jats from Agra and Bharatpur. Pratap Singh aligned himself with Najaf Khan and aided him in defeating the Jats, "This aid in defeating the Jats, obtained for him the title of Rao Raja and a Sanad for Macheri, to hold direct of the crown.” Pratap Singh found an opportunity of reducing the fortress of Alwar which then belonged to the Jat princes of Bharatpur and seized it. He entered the fort of Alwar in November 1775.

The followers of Pratap Singh began to own him as their feudal lord as soon as the Alwar fort was taken. He died on September 26, 1791 A.D.

Pratap Singh left no sons to succeed him. He had adopted Bakhtawar Singh of Thana (near Rajgarh, Alwar), younger son of Dhir Singh.

When Bakhtawar Singh occupied lands of other chiefs and strengthened his position by allying himself with the British Government. To checkmate the menacing power of the Marathas, he coalesced his troops with those of British Commander-in-Chief, Lord Lake in the battle of Laswari, a small village in the district.

Mahharaja Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar concluded a defensive and offensive treaty with the British on 14 November 1803. By this time, British supremacy was established in Northern India. The Alwar chief was rewarded with the grant of several Parganas. His vakeel, Ahmad Baksh Khan received as reward the districts of Ferozpur (from British Government) and Loharu (285 sq. miles) from the Alwar ruler under the title of Nawab.

He is said to have become deranged in the evening of his reign and showed his insanity principally by his cruelty to Muslims. The mosques were razed to the ground; the tombs of Muslim saints were dug out and the dwelling of Kamal Chisti (nephew of Salim Chisti) at Alwar, was destroyed. Observing of namaz and offering the sacrifices were forbidden.

The Rao died in 1815 A.D. One of his concubines, Musi by name, committed Sati. A magnificent chhatri or cenotaph was erected as a memorial at the side of the tank in the rear of the Alwar Palace.

Bakhtawar Singh adopted his nephew Viney Singh son of his brother Salah Singh of Thana, .

Great changes were made in the administrative system of the nascent State. He was a great patron of arts and letters, and attracted painters and skilled artisans from various parts of India to his service.He has left many splendid monuments to his name, such as a grand city palace, and a smaller one at Moti Dungri called Viney Vilas. But his greatest work was building of a large bandh at Siliserh, now a fine lake and tourist destination.

During the last five years of his life he suffered from paralysis. Bed ridden as he was during the Mutiny of 1857, he despatched a force consisting of about 800 infantry, 400 cavalry and four guns, to the assistance of the beleaguered British garrison at Agra. The cavalry, among whom were all Rajputs - the remainder principally Mahomedans. The Nimach and Nasirabad brigade of mutineers came upon them on the road to Agra. Deserted by their leader and the Mahomedan portion of the force, including the artillery the Rajputs suffered a severe defeat. Viney Singh died in August 1857, before the sorrowful news reached him.

Viney Singh was succeeded by his only surviving son, Sheodan Singh, who was twelve years of age at the time. The actual administration passed on to his Dewan, The Dewan had a domineering influence over the young ruler. On a night in 1858, the Rajputs, under the leadership of Lakhdhir Singh, the Thakur of Bijwar, raised the standard of revolt and raided the dwelling of the Dewan. The Dewan, sensing the danger fled away. British Political Agent got constituted a Council consisting of five Thakurs for salvaging the administration, ruined by Dewans. Another council was also constituted to carry on its duties in a most satisfactory manner until the Maharao Raja was invested with power in 1863.

As soon as the Maharao acquired the reins of his State, he renewed his contacts with the expelled Dewan. Several jagirs of Charans, Brahamans and Rajputs were escheated. This resulted in a general unrest. When the Maharao ignored their grievances,disgruntled Rajputs resolved to expel the Muslims from the State. However, Political Agent for East Rajputana took timely action. With permission of the British Government, he interfered in the administration of the State by dismissing the unscrupulous and inefficient officers.

The financial bankruptcy of the State was inevitable. A Council was composed of four Thakurs, and a Brahman. A fixed allowance and an establishment was granted to the Maharao. Reforms in the road system were effected, Post and Telegraph lines were laid and systematic survey of the land was made.

The Maharao, being divested of all powers, fell ill, and soon passed away.

The ruler left no heir to the throne and the families of the Barah Kothri were not unanimous in his selection. At last, Mangal Singh of Thana was supported by a majority and consequently, the Viceroy confirmed him as the ruler of Alwar. He ascended the throne on December 14, 1874. He was fifteen years and a month old at the time.

He was created an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the British army in 1885 and the following year, was enrolled as a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. He received the dignified title of Maharaja as a hereditary distinction in 1889 A.D.

He died at the age of 34 years, on May 22, 1892 A.D. at Nainital, owing to excess doze of liquor.

Maharaja Mangal Singh was succeeded by his minor son, Jey Singh, was invested with ruling powers on December 10, 1903 by Lord Curzon, Under his reign, the police department of the State was reorganised. In 1907-08 the official language was changed from Urdu to Hindi.

The Alwar State liberally supported the war effort of the British Government during the World War I. The Mangal Lancers and Jey Paltan fought on various fronts-Suez Canal, Egypt, Sinai, Ghaza and Rapha. The Maharaja was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the British army on January 1, 1915 and an Honorary Colonel on 1 January 1921. At the end of the war, the title of G.C.I.E, was conferred on him on January 1, 1919 and that of G.C.S.I., on June 3, 1924. He attended the Imperial Conference held in London in 1923 as a representative of India and was a prominent figure in the Chamber of Princes and at the First Round Table Conference.

He was a fine Polo and Racquet player, a scholar of Hindu philosophy and an orator of higher order. He was an outstanding personality in many ways and participated in many National and International conferences. He frequently and fearlessly gave vent to his ideas of nationalism. He always spoke eloquently of the fine cultural heritage and greatness of India as a whole. He had equal command over English and Hindi and also knew Sanskrit.

The high British officers in India were already unhappy with him because he would never acknowledge their superiority or submit to them.Bad finances of the State coupled with Meo agitation and the Neemuchana massacre, gave the British authorities opportunity to interfere in his administration and he was in 1933, ultimately asked to leave the State. He died in Paris on 19 May 1937 leaving no lineal or adopted son.

Sawai Maharaja Sir Tej Singh born on March 19, 1911, was installed on the throne on July 22, 1937.

Education made strides during his reign. A number of schools were opened and upgraded. Various communities also started hostels with State aid. Sanskrit College was also opened. The area where Hope Circus now stands was made into a beautiful marketing centre. The closing period of the Maharaja's rule was marred by communal frenzy in which several hundred lives were lost and many more, migrated from the State. After attainment of independence, the ruler signed the instrument of accession which made the Stale a component part of the United States of Matsya.

Neemrana Fort Palace near Behror, 70 km from Alwar City

Banghar Fort is a haunted fort and the Archaeological Survey of India has put up a board on the fort gate that it is prohibited for tourists to stay inside the fort area after sunset and before sunrise. This fort has become a major tourist attraction.[18]

This Royal Rao Haveli (300 years old), Nizam Nagar (Laxmangarh) is only 25 km from Kesroli fort, Agara-Delhi Road. Ruled & established by H.H.Rao Bhero Singh (Riyastdar), who was the Relative of H.H Yashwant Singh, the king Of Alwar.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is also located in the district, and Arvari River flows through this district. Hill Fort Kesroli, currently a heritage hotel, is also nearby at Kesroli.

Neemrana is an important heritage fort on NH-48 near Behror.

Neelkanth temple, Alwar district, Rajasthan