Kota Travel and Tourism Guide

The city of Kota (formerly known as Kotah) is at the centre of the south-eastern region of Rajasthan widely known as Hadaoti or Hadavati, the land of the Hadas. The Hadas is a major branch of the Chauhan clan of Agnikul (fire dynasty) Rajputs. They had settled in the hilly terrain of Mewar near Bijolian at Bambaoda in the 12th century AD and soon extended their rule, conquering Bundi in 1241 and Kota in 1264. Originally, all this formed the Hada state of Bundi, with Kota as the jagir (land grant) of the eldest prince of Bundi. Kota later became a separate state in 1624. Today, Kota is a unique confluence of the ancient and the modern. Though it houses technological wonders such as the hydroelectric power plant on the Chambal river or the well-known nuclear power plant, Kota still retains an old-world charm which draws hordes of tourists to the city. The riverside fort, opulent palaces, ancient temples and the scores of paintings and artefacts housed in them, clearly speak of rich, bygone era, where the city was a much coveted seat of power for many dynasties. Besides these symbols of the past, Kota is also known for its cotton-silk Kota-doria saris, which are made in Kaithoon, a village close to Kota. Watching the artisans work on these saris is an experience in itself as they painstakingly weave the saris, which are then adorned with colours and fine gold thread. Miniature paintings are also famous here and most of them depict the many adventures of the past rulers of the city as they hunted on the banks of the river Chambal.