Ancient Sites Near Jhalawar

The tiny village of Kolvi (100km from Jhalawar) is one of the few places in Rajasthan where rock caves have been found. Buddhist in origin, these caves probably date back to the age of Ashoka, the Maurya emperor who embraced Buddhism. The caves are one of the most important evidences of a flourishing Buddhist culture in western India. A massive statue of Buddha is the highlight of these caves. Carved out of single masses of rock, the caves have rectangular open doorways leading into dark interiors where images of the Buddha are placed.

¤ Buddhist Temples

Nearby are stupas (Buddhist temples) also hewn out a single rock with entrances similar to those of the caves. Even today these caves and stupas are treated as holy and are a pilgrimage for Buddhist in Rajasthan and surrounding states.

¤ Bhimsagar Ruins

While In Jhalawar, don’t miss Bhimsagar, 20km away from the town. Located near the ruins of the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Chauhanas, there are ruins of palaces, mosques and temples near a dam on the Ujad river.

¤ Remnants Kakuni Temples

While on temples, 64km east of Jhalawar are the desolate ruins of the Kakuni temples dating back to the 8th century. None of these temples are standing, except for a huge statue of the elephant god Ganesha and a Shiva linga (symbolic phallus). Like the Chandravati temples, the Kakuni temples were also an important religious point in ancient Rajasthan.

¤ Dag- Ancient Temples

100km away is Dag, famous for its 12th century temples dedicated to Dageshwari Mata and Varneshwar Mahadev, as well as a queen’s mosque. Another place to visit is Gangadhar, about 120km from Jhalawar town and known for its temples and fort, where the oldest rock inscription of the region was found.

¤ Festivities

A huge cattle fair is held every year in Chandrabhaga near Jhalrapatan where devotees gather to bathe in the river to wash off their sins (next fair: November 10-12, 2000). The fair isn’t confined to cattle and there a number of cultural events to lend a change into cattle trading.