Excursions in Jaipur
Tonk and the persian art
It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet town which was ruled
by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal point of Tonk is the Suneri
Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly ordinary monument from outside, it has
stunningly rich ornamental interiors. There are also some interesting building
that accommodated the British office. Tonk is also famous for its leather and
felt industry and one can pick up a good bargain from the markets. The Nawab
of Tonk was an avid book lover and built a sizable library of Arabic and Persian
manuscripts. Arabic and Persian Research Institute are also located here.
Bagru
It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer Road and is well known for
its Bagru prints. This technique simulates a wooden block on which the required
design is first carved, then the carved block is used for transferring the motif
in the desired colour on the fabric. This process is most effective on ethnic
floral patterns and for printing in vegetable dyes in traditional Bagru Prints.
Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just
14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and
undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep
slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century
fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus
pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and
luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes –
Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises
studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds,
lilies and lotus.
A significant geological feature within the park is the 'Great Boundary Fault'
where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in the
South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. The park is dotted
with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built
in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park terrain alternates
between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and
rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the
Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the one
park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including Owlets,
the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat,
marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer are the other
attractions.
Abhaneri
Abhaneri is a village about 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Road. A detour
is well merited for its amazing step wells or 'baoris' and Harshat Mata Temple.
According to a legend, the village is so called because the Goddess Harshat
Mata who is shown portrayed in a joyous mood is believed to spread brightness
or "abha" all around. The village's original name was Abha Nagri,
and its name today is Abhaneri.
It is believed that the celebrated king Raja Chand established the
village. On the other hand it is felt that the mythological Raja Chand could
be King Bhoja, who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the ninth century AD. The
ruins of the temple also speaks of the 10th century architectural and sculptural
styles. There is a huge tank named "Chand Baori", opposite to the
temple fortified on all four sides with bastions for defence. Even though Abhaneri
is now in ruins, the place has a distinct reminiscence about itself. It is best
approached by road, buses ply between Jaipur and Agra.
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