Rajasthan: Ancient history and archaeological sites

Rajasthan's ancient past is recorded at sites linked to the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mauryan and Gupta periods, and the Mahabharata era. Rajasthan Tourism describes prehistoric fossils near Jaisalmer, ancient towns such as Nagari (Madhyamika), Buddhist caves at Kolvi, and early temples and forts across the state.

Prehistoric and Indus Valley Sites

• Hanumangarh: The area is believed to have once been part of the Indus Valley Civilization, and lay on the Delhi-Multan highway used by traders. Recent excavations have revealed artefacts, coins, and entire buildings from this era. The city was originally called Bhatner, the kingdom of Bhati kings. It was renamed Hanumangarh by Raja Suraj Singh of Bikaner after he captured the city on a Tuesday, a day auspicious to Lord Hanuman.
• Jaisalmer: The Akal Wood Fossil Park is a 21-hectare preserved area near Jaisalmer, towards Barmer. A forest once stood here; the area was later submerged by the sea and the trunks were preserved as fossils. The park features about 25 numb trees and fossilized trunks, indicating that the area had a hot and humid climate in the lower Jurassic age, supporting a luxuriant forest of non-flowering trees.
• Shekhawati: Antiquities from the archaeological site Ganeshwar in Gurara (Khandela) are dated to about 3000 B.C.. The museum displays sculptures from the Harshnath temple and other antiquities from the region.

Ancient Kingdoms and Early History

• Bharatpur: History dates back to the 5th century BC, when the Matsya kingdom flourished here. The Matsyas were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. The name is traced to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram.
• Nagari (Chittorgarh): Located 18 km north of Chittorgarh on the banks of the river Berach, it was known as Majhimika or Madhyamika. An inscription found in Barli near Ajmer dates its naming to 443 BC. It was a flourishing town from the Mauryan period up to the Gupta period. In the first century, it was ruled by the Sibi tribes, whose coins bear the legend ‘majhamikaya sibi janapadasa’. The Sibi tribes were probably defeated by the Yavans (Greeks). Patanjali, contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga, mentioned the attack of Yavans on Madhyamika in 150 BC. In the 2nd century, it came under the Western Kshatrapa, in the 3rd century, it was ruled by the Malavas, and later it was conquered by the Huna king.
• Dausa (Bhandarej): Located 65 km from Jaipur, it was known as Bhadrawati during Mahabharata times. Excavations revealed walls, sculptures, jaalis, and terracotta utensils. History traces back to the 11th century, when Kachhawaha Dulha Rai defeated the Bargujars and conquered the area.
• Dholpur: History dates back to Buddha’s time. It was part of the Mauryan Empire. From the 8th to the 10th century, it was ruled by the Chauhans. Until 1194, it remained under the rule of Mohammed Gauri.
• Nagaur: Known as Jangladesh in the Mahabharata era. The fort was initially built by the ruler of the Nag dynasty in the 2nd century and rebuilt in the early 12th century. It was granted to Raja Amar Singh Rathore by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is the birthplace of Meera Bai and Abul Fazal.

Buddhist and Jain Heritage

• Jhalawar (Kolvi): The Buddhist caves in Kolvi village are located about 90 km from Jhalawar. Rajasthan Tourism calls them perhaps the only rock-cut and biggest group of Buddhist caves in Rajasthan. The site features a colossal figure of Buddha and carved stupas. Nearby villages Vinayaka and Hatiyagour also have magnificent caves. The site belongs to the ASI.
• Udaipur (Nagda): Located 22 km from Udaipur, this ancient site has traces of the 6th century A.D. It is renowned for the Sahastrabahu temple (Sas-Bahu temples), dating to the 9th - 10th century A.D. The site also includes the Jain temple of Adhbudji.
• Pali: The NimbokaNath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend states that Kunti worshipped Lord Shiva here. It is also said that the Pandavas built a Navdurga in this area.

Forts and Archaeological Museums

• Kumbhalgarh Fort: Located 84 km north of Udaipur, it is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha, it is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. The fort’s massive wall stretches 36 km with a width enough for eight horses abreast. It was renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 19th century.
• Bikaner Museum: Described by Rajasthan Tourism as the best museum in the state, it displays archaeological artefacts from Harappa and the early Gupta periods. Sections include paintings, arts and craft, woven carpets, clay pottery, ancient coins, and Rajput weaponry.
• Kota: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has a stone inscription dating back to 738 AD, stating it was built by Raja Shivgana Maurya. Local legend attributes its construction to the Pandavas during their exile.
• Alwar: The temple at the Sariska Sanctuary gate is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend says the Pandava brothers took refuge here during their exile. Entry is allowed only on Tuesday, Saturday, and full moon days.