DHOLPUR

HISTORY OF DHOLPUR

Dholpur according to the Epics was initially known as
Dhawalgiri and later on Dhaulagir,and now as Dholpur.
Before the battle of Mahabharat this whole area was 
under the Yadavs.Whose different branches were spread
over the entire area extending from the south of the 
river Chambal. There is a common belief that some of 
the Aryan races also lived in this part. Col. James 
Todd in his book ‘Annals and Antiquities of Rajputana’ 
has mentioned that the area was submerged under sea 
during the Ramayan period.
Nihal Singh's successor, Maharaj Rana Ram Singh, proved 
something of a wastrel. Early in his term of office, he 
incurred the ire of Lord Curzon, for whom he could do no
_thing right. His early death in 1911 probably came as a 
relief to the Imperial authorities.Luckily for the state 
his younger brother and successor,Maharaj Rana Udai Bhan 
Singh,was cast in the same mettle as his forefathers. He 
enjoyed wide interests,military,administrative,political 
and sporting, which made him the ideal ruler in the eyes 
of the British. He maintained close connections with his 
fellow rulers,members of the British Royal Family,Viceroys 
and administrators alike. He did much to try to bridge the 
gap between the growing movement for independence with 
those of the traditional rulers and with the British.Sadly 
for him, events moved swiftly as a consequence of the 
Second World War. He soon accommodated himself to the new 
realities and built bridges with Pandit Nehru. After inde
_pendence in 1947, he was instrumental in forming the Matsya 
Union a year later. He served as its Rajpramukh, or Head 
of State, during the brief period before it merged into the 
larger Rajasthan Union in 1949. 
At the death of Udai Bhan Singh in 1954, the Maharaj Rana 
left no sons and no designated male heir. His widow then 
adopted their grandson, the second son of their only daughter 
who had married the Maharaja of Nabha. The Indian government 
then instituted a lengthy investigation that lasted two years, 
but eventually recognised Hemant Singh as Maharaj Rana. Sixteen 
years later and after completing his majority, he married the 
descendant of the old enemy, Maharajkumari Vasundhara Scindia 
of Gwalior. Sadly, they separated within a year of their marriage. 
The Maharani went on to build a formidable political career. 
She serves today as Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

Dholpur Tourism

Dholpur is a famous holiday destination in the state of 
Rajasthan, which is popularly known for Damoye waterfalls
in Sarmathura. Earlier called Dhawalgiri,this place was 
later known as Dhaulagir and finally Dholpur.This district
is situated near Bharatpur District and is surrounded by 
the state of Uttar Pradesh in the north and Madhya Pradesh 
towards south.
Yadavas controlled the entire region till the battle of 
Mahabharata concluded. The ancient history of Dholpur is 
reflected in the ruins of the fort situated on the banks 
of Chambal River. Ruins of Mahabharata period can also be
seen at the ancient temple of Muchukund Ji.Dholpur was also
once part of Matsya Janpada, which formed one of the 16 Maha
Janpadas during Buddha's period. The Matsya Janpada later 
became part of the Mauryan Empire.Later on,during Gupta dynasty
it became part of Mathura Janpada. 
From 8th century to 10th century, the Janpada was ruled by 
Chauhans, after which it came under the reign of Jats. The
town is believed to have earned its name from Raja Dholan 
Deo Tonwar, a ruler of this district. The king used to live
at a place called Bilpur, which is situated near Chambal 
and features an old fort. 
In 1120 AD, the Dholpur Fort was constructed by Dharampal, 
who was the Raja of Karauli. During Mughal rule, Dholpur 
was a famous tourist spot, which was frequented by royals 
for its natural beauty and forests. 
The major attractions in and around Dholpur include Talab-e
-Shahi, Machkund Temple, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
and Shergarh Fort. Part of the princely state before Indian 
independence, it became a separate district in 1982. The 
district comprises four tehsils, namely Baseri, Bari, Dholpur
and Rajakhera.The town of Dholpur is situated between Gwalior
and Agra that are 55 km away from the main town. It is situated
250 km from the national capital Delhi.Dholpur lies on the central
railway route and is connected by National Highway (NH-3) on 
Delhi-Mumbai Road. The closest airport from Dholpur is located at 
Gwalior, which is around 60 km from the district. Dholpur has its 
own railway station, which is connected with trains coming from 
Delhi, Amritsar and Jhansi. Tourists can also choose to travel to 
the destination by buses from different places, like Gwalior and Agra.
Among all the seasons, the best time to travel to Dholpur is 
the winter season, between October and February.

Tourist Places in DHOLPUR recommended by travellers

1. Shergarh Fort

2. Ramsagar Sanctuary

3. Machkund temple

4. Talab-E-Shahi

5. Nihal towe

6. Sher Shikar Gurudwara

7. Ravines of Chambal

8. Van Vihar Wild Life Sanctuary

9. National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary

10.Damoye waterfal