Bhangarh in the state of Rajasthan India. Local mythology
says the place is haunted, coz they have to say so. But in this case, the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) in charge of it warns people off the area!
The ASI is the official government body in charge across
India of all the monuments and ruins.
Take a look at this ASI signboard in Bhangarh. The signboard is placed 1 Km away from the Bhangarh fort, which has been in ruins since the 17th century, when Bhangarh was deserted overnight. People do not enter the area as it is believed that if you do, you do not return.
What does
the signboard say?
What does it mean ---
The
Government of India
The Archaeological
Survey of India, Bhangarh
Important
warning:
1. Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after
sunset is strictly prohibited.
2. Shepherds and woodcutters who enter Bhangarh area will
face legal action.
3. The Kewda or Pandanus trees found in Bhangarh area belong
to the Archaeological Survey of India. Is it forbidden to subject this tree to
any kind of harm.
Note: Anyone flouting of the rules mentioned above will face
legal action.
By order
In charge, Archaeological Survey Board
One of the stories say that the Bhangarh was cursed by a tantrik (a wizard who
practices dark arts), Singhia, who was in love with the beautiful princess
Ratnawati of Bhangarh. Singhia added a love potion to a bowl of oil that
belonged to the princess, but Singhia’s hopes were dashed (literally) when
Ratnawati hurled the bowl on a wall that collapsed and buried Singhia.
A dying Scindia cursed the kingdom of Bhangarh saying that
the city would be wiped out overnight, and would never be inhabited again,
except for the temples. Shortly after the death of Singhia, the whole city was
sacked and destroyed in the Bhangarh-Ajabgarh wars.
Bhangarh was built in the 17th century, by Raja Madho Singh,
younger brother of Man Singh, a general of Emperor Akbar’s army. At that time,
Bhangarh had a population of over 10,000. Now, not a soul lives in the ruined
but still beautiful city. Bhangarh was the precursor of the exquisite old city
of Jaipur, with its havelis, colorful bazaars, and temples.
Havelis are elaborate residences, almost miniature palaces,
built around large courtyards. The walls are painted in bright colors with
detailed frescoes. If the old city of Jaipur is anything to go by, Bhangarh
must have been an extremely prosperous city. Today nothing remains but the
temples
One is a dusty village and the other a ruined city; both are
less than 10 km from the super-luxury resort Amanbagh, hidden deep in Alwar
district. Book yourself into the delicious resort and then go tramping around
these beautiful but dusty relics of princely Rajasthan. Ajabgarh, meaning
‘place of mysteries’, is an appropriately ghostly village, dotted with
abandoned old houses where you’ll find the odd, stunningly carved window frame
of picturesquely decorated doorstep. Prepare to be startled by the scale and
beauty of Bhangarh – the abandoned city’s marketplace areas, temples and
gardens are in surprisingly good repair as well. Legend goes that the city was
abandoned after it was cursed by a holy man. It’s perfectly serene; you’ll have
only stray dogs and ancient temple-keepers for company.
Passing by Bhangarh, banyans and temples dot the landscape
and one chhatri can be seen up on the hill. The most remarkable are the temples
of Gopinath, Shiva (Someshwar), Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai. Other more or less
preserved buildings are e.g. shops along the main road, several havelis, a
mosque, and a palace. The palace was protected by two inner fortifications
across the valley. The town is separated from the plain by ramparts with five
gates. Bhangarh is also a pre-historic site.
This town was established in 1573 (VS 1631) during the rule
of Raja Bhagwant Das and it became the residence of his second son Madho Singh.
Madho Singh was younger brother of Emperor Akbar’s General Man Singh I of
Amber. Madho Singh participated in many campaigns with his father and brother.
The next ruler of Bhangarh was his son Chhatr Singh. Bhangarh slowly declined
after Chhatr Singh's violent death in 1630. Near Ajabgarh was founded by Ajab
Singh, the son of Chhatr Singh. When Mughal Empire became weaker after the
death of Aurangzeb, Jai Singh II attached Bhangarh to his state by force in
1720. After this Bhangarh diminished in population, and when the famine of 1783
(VS 1840) fell on the land the town was abandoned, and has remained a ruin ever
since.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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