Kota was established by Maharao Madho Singh around 1264. It is situated at the bank of Chambal River. Kota is heart of Hadoti region of Rajasthan, famous for kota stone industry, Chemical industry, Kota Doria Saree, Electrical power generation, market of agriculture products and many more things. It attains its position at top on industrial map of Rajasthan as well as of India.

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation temples 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.

The history of the city 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, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.

The commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar,Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. An old palace,dating back to the time when Kota was under the control of Hada Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces the Kota Barrage. The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,Jag Mandir-and island Palace, a splendid haveli (mandion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.

The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota is a treasure of history dating back to several centuries. Prehistoriccaves,paintings,formidable forts and the mighty chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region.

When Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil Chieftain Koteya in a battle, he raised the first battlement or the 'Garh'(fort) over his severead head. The Independant state of kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful.

Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of chambal river and is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling palaces, exquisitely wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificient foil to its exotic wildlife and delicate fresco Paintings. Situtated on the banks of the Chambal River,at an important juncture of the trade route between Delhi and Gujrat, Kota is Rjasthan's Fifth Largest City. This Bustling,sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state.

The tentacles of the modern world have the city in its grip with the Chambal Valley Project giving it a major position on the state's industrial map. Chemicals,fertilizers, synthetic fibres, tyrecord and sophisticated instruments, industry's mainstay, have helped in pushing this ancient city into the forefront of modernisation. Yet memories of its ancient links linger strongly. Present Day Kota owes its foundations to a Kotya Bhil warrior who 800 years ago built a small fortification at akelgarh and put up a protective mud-wall around it all the way to Retwali. In 1580, Rao Madho Singh strenghtened both the fortification and the wall. In time to come, Kota acquired the Hallmark of rajput power as well as culture.

Kota Barrage: A part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River,this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening strolls.

Other Places worth visiting: Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund,Adhar Shila Budh Singh Bafna haveli and Yatayat Park.

Excursions

Bardoli (48 km): The oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century A.D. lies on the way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. The intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraj (Shiva)-the cosmic dancer on the door of the mandap,offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh (50-55 km): Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings. An ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.

Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110 km): Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh hill, is the 11th-12th century temple now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep and car.

The Remains of Garhgachh (110 km): The 9th and 13th century AD temples in red stone, situated in the Baran district near Atru (30 km).

Nahargarh Fort (145 km): An impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of the Mughal architecture.

Sitabari (120 km): An ideal picnic spot,situated near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district on the way to Kota-Shiv Puri. The old temples of Sita,Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in May/June every year.

Shergarh (125 km): A historic fort near Barora 10 km in Atru Tehsil in the Baran district.

Fort of Shahbad and Mosque (160 km): The fort was constructed in 1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest in Rajasthan and was built during the reign of Aurangazeb.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km.): An erstwhile royal hunting preserve,it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The wildlife variety includes panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear.

Rock Paintings of Alaniya (25 km): Beautiful rock paintings adorn the bank of the River Alaniya.

General Information

Area: 193.58 sq. km.
Altitude: 251.1 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 42.6 degree C 29.7 degree C
Winter: 24.5 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall: 88 cms.
Best Season: Oct-Feb.
Clothing: Summer light tropical
Winter: light woolen
Language: English ,Hindi, Rajasthani.