Nagaur is a desert town of historical significance. It is the chief town of the district of the same name in Jodhpur Division. It was known as Ahichhatrapur. It was the capital of Jangaldesh.
Nagas originally ruled over this place and about 7th century onwards the Chauhans became the overlords of Nagaur and it was included in Sapadalaksha. Later on Nagaur remained under the control of the
Muslim Sultans and Rathore rulers of Jodhpur. Nagaur was granted to the famous warrior Amar Singh Rathore by emperor Shahjahan.
Nagaur fort was considered to be the best example of Bhumi Durg (land fort) in Rajputana. It is defended by strong gates and massive ramparts. The fort contains many royal apartments such as
Moti Mahal, Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal. The Baradari is painted with beautiful paintings depicting various episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The town possesses some monuments of historical importance, namely, the Dargah of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri known as Sultan-ul-Tarkeen, who was one of the chief disciples of the Khwaja of Ajmer; and
Amar Singh Rathore Ki Chhatri. The paintings in the Jain temple depict motifs related to the life of Lord Mahavira and Parsvnath.
Amar Singh Rathore was the heir apparent to the throne of Marwar, who not only was deprived of his right to succession, but was also exiled from the State, whereafter he retired to the Mughal court.
His exceptional gallantry on the battle fields impressed the emperor who bestowed upon him the chiefship of Nagaur and elevated him to a very high rank in the nobility.
However, he is remembered for upholding his dignity and intrepidity exhibited in full view of the emperor in the Mughal court at Agra, by murdering Salabat Khan, the Paymaster General for the latter's
insolent conduct towards Amar Singh. Amar Singh was overpowered and killed, but the saga of his daunting spirit and heroic action survived for long in the ballads of the minstrels. |
