Bhangarh Ruins
Distance :84km from Alwar
47km from Sariska
Bhangarh was once a flourishing town of 10,000 homes. That was in the
17th century when it was built by Raja Madho Singh, the illustrious
Man Singh I's brother (Man Singh was one of the nine gems in Akbar's
court, remember? See History of Amber for more). But it's all gone
now; only splendid ruins remain. According to prevalent tales, the
town was cursed by an evil magician and had to be abandoned. The fear
still looms large in the minds of the locals, for they tread the soil
of Bhangarh cautiously.
¤ Main Attractions
Most of Bhangarh is in ruins. Crumbling temples, walls and pavilions
standing against the silent wilderness of forested hills scream out
about the town's ancient prosperity. The ruins of the arches and
colonnades, built on various levels, suggest that it was once quite an
elaborate complex. Portions like a pavilion and a minaret on a mound
are somewhat intact. The site seems the perfect place to pack a picnic
lunch and retire to.
The recently restored evocative medieval bazaar is a truly fascinating
experience. Nearby is the finely carved Someshwar Temple. The temple
tank is still used by villagers to bathe and wash. There's also the
Temple of Gopinath which has carved pillars and a corbeled cupola.
Another fascinating monument of Bhangarh is the Randiyon ka Mahal
(Palace of Prostitutes). Its unusual name probably comes from female
courtesans for whom the palace was built. In those days female court
attendants were also taken from harems of rulers. Overall, Bhangarh
makes an exciting trip.
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