Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing combination of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation. While its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.

When you reach Kota, head for the biggest attraction here, the City Palace .   Almost  a  maze  ,  the  present  structure  is  the  result  of

constructions carried out by different rulers at different stages without any predefined plan. You will see citadels and massive ramparts adorned with elegant cupolas and engraved balustrades where the Mogul fundamentals of decoration are applied to on Rajput structures. The Rajmahal (king’s palace) is decorated with mirrors coated with gold and silver that glitter in the roof and on the walls. Check out some beautiful colored glass and frescoes most of which portray Lord Krishna with the gopis (milk maids).

Close to the Rajmahal is Akhada Mahal where one can see exhibits of jewelry and other precious items among which is an ivory palanquin. On the first floor Bhim Mahal has some excellent Rajput miniatures on the walls. Further up, Bada Mahal and Chattar Mahal also have exquisite miniatures, frescoes and a rich decor protected by glass. Beside the City Palace, is another royal abode. Built in the middle of a lake on an island, the Jagmandir Island Palace is not open to visitors.

The city itself has managed to preserve some remnants of its colonial past in the buildings such as the Herbert College, Curzon Wylie Memorial and Crossthwaite Institute.

Kota is definitely the destination to feel the lives and times of the erstwhile royalty.

History of Kota

The history of Kota dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi-Rao Ratan Singh handed over the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a feature of the Rajput gallantry and culture.

The history of Kota is linked with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans set up their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement continued till 1624. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a part of the British Empire in 1818 and later, a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, when it gained independence in 1947.