Alwar

This article is about the municipality in Rajasthan, India. For its namesake district, see Alwar district. For the Hindu saints, see Alwars. For places in Iran, see Alwar, Iran.
Alwar
अलवर
city

Alwar is famous for its scenic landscape
Alwar
Coordinates: 27°20′N 76°23′E / 27.34°N 76.38°E / 27.34; 76.38Coordinates: 27°20′N 76°23′E / 27.34°N 76.38°E / 27.34; 76.38
Country India
State Rajasthan
District Alwar
Elevation 268 m (879 ft)
Population (2011)
 • city 315,310
 • Metro 341,422
Languages
 • Official Hindi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 3010 01
Telephone code +0144
Vehicle registration RJ-02
Website http://alwar.rajasthan.gov.in/

Alwar is a city and administrative headquarters of Alwar District in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located around 160 km south of Delhi, and about 150 km north of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Alwar is part of National Capital Region (NCR). It is also famous for its Olive plantation in Tinkirudi.[1][2]

Alwar was formerly the capital of the princely state of Alwar which was ruled by kachwaha(Naruka) Rajputs. It was formerly spelt as "Ulwar" in British India. This placed it in last position in alphabetically ordered lists, so a king changed the spelling to "Alwar" to bring it to the top. Alwar is also known by the name "MatsyaNagar"

Neemrana
New residential Buildings in Neemrana Alwar

History

Main article: Alwar State

Alwar dates back to 1000 A.D. the king of Amer (old seat of Jaipur state) ruled the area in the eleventh century and his territory extended up to the present city of Alwar. He founded the city of Alpur in 1106 Vikrami samvat (1049 A.D.) after his own name which eventually became Alwar .[3] From time to time, Different sub-clans of Rajputs ruled Alwar. Nikumbh Rajputs, Yaduvanshi Rajputs, Badgujar Rajputs and Last was Naruka (Kachwaha) Rajputs who took the control over this area. Marathas and Jats of Bharatpur also ruled this region for very short period. A brave Rajput Rao Partap Singh took the Alawar Fort from Jat Raja of Bharatpur on an agreement and laid down the foundation for modern Alwar.

Great Hindu King Hemu also born into a Brahmin family in Machari (a village in Alwar) was, a Hindu emperor of North India during the 16th century, a period when the Mughals and Afghans were vying for power in the region. Hemu acceded to the throne of Delhi on 7 October 1556 after defeating Akbar's Mughal forces in the Battle of Delhi in the Tughlakabad area in Delhi, and became the de facto king. He won twenty-two battles in succession and became the last Hindu emperor of India. He is sometimes known as the Napoleon of India. He died on 5 November 1556.

The princely state of Alwar was ruled by Pratap Singh, a Rajput of the Kachwaha lineage, in 1770. He was earlier jagirdar of "dhai Gaon" means two and half villages near macheri. A few years later, His successor Bakhtawar Singh ventured an armed incursion into neighbouring Jaipur, the senior Kachwaha state, and the erstwhile overlord of his predecessor. He was defeated; a fresh engagement was made with him by the East India Company, prohibiting him from political intercourse with other states without British consent.

Alwar acceded unto the dominion of India following the independence of India in 1947. On 18 March 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states (Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli) to form the Matsya Union. On 15 May 1949, it was united with neighbouring princely states and the territory of Ajmer to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan.

Culture

Ethnicity

The Residents of Alwar are from different communities. Alwar was a part of Matsya region.[4] The principal communities are the Rajputs, (Meena)s, Ahirs, Meos and Gujjars. The Naruka Sub-clan of Kachwaha Rajputs ruled Alwar till 1947. In past also, Nikumbh Rajputs and Yaduvanshi Rajputs ruled this region. As per Gazzetter of Ulwar published by Britishers, Alwar used to be divided in four regions as per dominance of castes/tribes.

Cuisine

Alwar is famous for its Kalakand (Milk-Cake), a world famous dessert. This is a special dessert made of milk. Its demand from all over the world has given Alwar a special name on the map of world. Some other special shops for different items are as under- Gulabjamun : Bhairu baksha devi sahay Samosa-kachori:Sohal Lal- Vir Chowk Makhan vada : Mansingh Kripadayal Chole-Kulche : Bhagat ji Chole Wale at Kashiram Circle ,Must try mutka kulfi with rabri at some shops situated at Tripolia

Ayurvedic Medicines

Alwar is famous for variety of Ayurvedic and Unani Medicinal Products.

Geography and climate

Alwar is located at 27°34′N 76°36′E / 27.57°N 76.6°E / 27.57; 76.6. It has an average elevation of 271 m (889 ft). The Ruparail River is a major river near the city. Alwar is fairly rich in mineral wealth. It produces marble, granite, feldspar, dolomite, quartz, lime stone, soap stone, barites, copper clay, copper ore and pyrophylite.[5]

Alwar is reputed to be the place where, on 10 May 1956, India's record high temperature of 50.6 °C (123.1 °F) was recorded.[6]

Developments after becoming part of NCR

A 180-km rail route between Alwar and Delhi has been approved by the Board. As per the proposal, the route will connect Alwar to Delhi via Gurgaon and Rewari. Over Rs32 crore will be spent on this route. The travel time will be faster as the line will be connected to the Metro under regional rail rapid system giving better transport facilities to the locals.[7] Keeping in view the industrial importance of Alwar district, approval in principle was given to the Rs285 crore drinking water projects for the seven towns of Alwar district.[8]

Local attractions and excursions

Museum near Alwar fort with Aravali hill in background
Alwar rail station outside
Alwar Junction
Musi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Alwar

Alwar contains many interesting and historical monuments like Deewan ji ki lal haweli built in 1754 owned by Rajendra Kumar jain. The city has a beautiful lake and a picturesque valley. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Aravali hills only a few kilometres away from Alwar. The sanctuary, which is a Project Tiger reserve, also boasts of many other species, including rare birds and plants. The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar. Hill Fort Kesroli now a heritage hotel is also near by.[9] Raj Rishi College has existed in Alwar for over a hundred years.

Bhangarh Haunted Fort

Bhangarh Fort is a haunted fort and the Archaeological Survey of India has put up a board on the fort gate that it is prohibited for tourists to stay inside the fort area after sunset and before sunrise. This fort has become a major tourist attraction.[10]

Fairy Queen

Fairy Queen is the oldest working engine in the world and one of national treasure (cultural artifacts) of India. The engine was built in 1855 and acquired by the Eastern Indian Railways from a British firm. Now the train is used for tourism purposes that departs from the Delhi encampment and reaches its destination at Alwar, in Rajasthan.

Tourism

The Sariska Palace[11] within Sariska Tiger Reserve
Siliserh Lake surrounded by green Aravali Hills

For trekking lovers there is a trek at Naldeshwar. A Lord shiva temple is situated here on a mountain. One can reach here after trekking around 2–3 km. Very enchanting place, must try.

Agriculture

Alwar has an important place in Agriculture production in Rajasthan. Total geographical area of the district is 7,83,281 hectares which is about 2.5 per cent of the State. In 2010–2011 the net cultivated area is 5,07,171 hecters from which about 83 per cent area viz. – 4,51,546 is irrigated and remaining 17 per cent area viz. – 82,903 is unirrigated. Double cropped area is 252 hectares of which 32,230 hecter (12%) area is irrigated and remaining 2,19,819 hecter (88%) area is unirrigated. Thus, the total cropped area of the district is 8,12,873 hecters. In Kharif season Bajra, Maize, Jowar, Karif pulses, Arhar, Sesamum, Cotton, Guar etc. are sown in about 3,29,088 hectare (42%) and in Rabi season Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard, Taramira, Rabi pulses etc. are sown in about 4,52,527 hectare (58%). The main source of irrigation are wells and Tube Wells. By 26064 Tube Wells about 192861 hectare area is being irrigated and by 57196 Wells about 265169 hectares area is irrigated. By other sources like canals, tanks about 404 hectares area is irrigated. About 35470 electric motors and 66502 Diesel pump sets are being used for Irrigation purposes. The normal rainfall for the district is 657.3 mm. The average rainfall in last ten years in the district is 724 mm. The rainfall distribution in the district is uneven and scattered which resulted some times flood problems and some time draught position which affect the Agriculture production as well as cropping pattern in Kharif & Rabi season. Thus, the Agriculture in the district by and large depends on rainfall distribution. The average rainfall in 2011 up to September is 217 mm.

Education in Alwar

Schools

Colleges

Private Universities

[SUNRISE UNIVERSITY]

Demographics

Population Growth of Alwar City 
CensusPop. %±
189152,400
—
190156,7008.2%
191141,300-27.2%
192144,8008.5%
194154,100
—
195157,9007.0%
196172,70025.6%
1971100,80038.7%
1981140,00038.9%
1991210,10050.1%
2001266,20326.7%
2011341,42228.3%
source:[12]
Population growth through the years
Year Population
1891
52,400
1901
56,700
1911
41,300
1921
44,800
1941
54,100
1951
57,900
1961
72,700
1971
100,800
1981
140,000
1991
210,100
2001
266,203
2011
341,422

♦ Source:[12] ♦ Source:[13]

According to 2011 census the population of Alwar is 1,015,310.[14] city population of Alwar in 2011 is 341,422.

Religions in Alwar
Religion Per cent
Hindus
  
 74%
Muslims
  
 21%
Jains
  
 3.7%
Others†
  
 1.3%
Distribution of religions
†Includes Sikhs (0.2%), Buddhists (<0.2%).

.Main community living in Alwar are ahir/yadav,rajput,and jat. Yadav/ahir comprises 35% of alwar dominating mainly northern and central part of the alwar,further rajput have 10% population in alwar found mainly in southern alwar and jat in mainly in the east of alwar with 5% population

Administration

Alwar district has 16 tehsils:[15]

Villages in Alwar

Toolera Para lapala Macharri Hamidpur

References

  1. ↑ http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/weekend-review/an-oasis-in-the-desert-1.1146298
  2. ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Rajasthans-olives-to-hit-the-market-by-September/articleshow/8687259.cms
  3. ↑ "Welcome to Alwar, The Gateway of Rajastan > History Of District Alwar". Alwar.nic.in. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  4. ↑ "History of Alwar,Origin of Alwar,Alwar History In Rajasthan India". Indiasite.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  5. ↑ "Welcome to Alwar, The Gateway of Rajastan > Mineral Resources". Alwar.nic.in. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  6. ↑ "Extreme Weather Events" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "Rs 1,000 crore for cluster development in Haryana". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "Bharatpur becomes NCR; Delhi Metro to chug into Alwar soon". daily.bhaskar.com. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  9. ↑ "Account Suspended". Alwarcity.com. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "The Times of India: Latest News India, World & Business News, Cricket & Sports, Bollywood". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  11. ↑ Archived February 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  12. 1 2 "Historical Census of India". Populstat.info. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  13. ↑ "Census of Alwar". Citypopulation.de. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  14. ↑ "Alwar District Population Census 2011, Rajasthan literacy sex ratio and density". census2011.co.in. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  15. ↑ "Welcome to Alwar, The Gateway of Rajastan > Administrative Setup Of Alwar District". Alwar.nic.in. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  16. ↑

Bibliography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alwar.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Alwar.
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