Bundi
Bundi is a city in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan state in northwest India.
Etymology
The name Bundi is believed to derive from the name of a 13th century chieftain, Bunda Meena.History
Artefacts from the Stone Age have been discovered near Bundi.In 1241, Bundi was established by a group of Chauhan nobles, who, having been defeated by Mohammed of Ghori, seized the territory from the Meena and Bhil tribes. Bundi was made the capital of their kingdom, Hadoti.
After the siege of Ranthambore in 1568, the ruler of the Kingdom of Bundi, Rao Surjan Singh, signed a treaty with the Mughal Empire, retaining a significant degree of autonomy.
In 1818, Rao Raja Bishan Singh formed an alliance with the British East India Company, wishing to counter the influence of the Maratha Empire in the region. During the Raj, Bundi retained regional independence as a princely state. Bundi's last ruler signed the Instrument of Accession in 1949, joining the new Dominion of India.
Satur national geological monument
at nearby Satur has been declared a National Geological Monument of India by the Geological Survey of India, for its protection, maintenance, promotion and enhancement of geotourism.Climate
The climate is hot semi arid, not having enough rainfall to qualify as a tropical savanna climate. The climate is quite warm, and most of the rainfall is concentrated during the summer monsoon season. It gets humid during the summer.Demographics
In the 2011 Indian census, Bundi had a population of 103,286. Bundi's literacy rate was recorded at 72%, slightly lower than the then national average of 74%.Notable Landmarks
Taragarh Fort and Palace
Located high in the Aravalli mountain range, Taragarh Fort, also known as the "Star Fort", was constructed in the 1400s by Rao Dev Hada. The Taragarh Palace, below the fort, was constructed around 200 years later, during the reign of Rao Raja Ratan Singh. It served as the official residence of the Maharajas. Unlike many other palaces in Rajasthan, its architecture contains very little Mughal influence. Further, it is built out of green-tinged stone, rather than the sandstone usually associated with Rajput architecture.Sukh Mahal
, translating to "Palace of Pleasure", was built on the bank of Jait Sagar Lake by Rao Raja Vishnu Singh in the early 18th century. It served as the summer residence of Bundi royals.Stepwells
Known as the 'city of stepwells', Bundi contains over 50 stepwells. Historically, these were used to protect the city from water shortages, evolving into places of gathering and worship; although many fell into disrepair during the colonial period, in which they were neglected. One of the largest stepwells in the city is Raniji ki Baori, a popular tourist destination. It was built in 1699 by Rani Nathawati, the wife of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh and is decorated with intricate carvings including avatars of Lord Vishnu.Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri
or "Cenotaph of 84 pillars" is a 17th century chhatri constructed by Rao Raja Anirudh as a memorial to his favourite wet nurse, Deva. The number 84 is of spiritual significance in Hinduism, representing the 84 lakh life forms that one must pass through before attaining salvation; and each pillar is adorned with carvings of flowers, mythical scenes and deities.Temples
Bundi is home to several temples including a partially submerged Varuna temple located in the middle of the artificial Nawal Sagar Lake; and the Charbhuja Nath Temple, devoted to Charbhujanath, a four-armed form of Vishnu, and situated within the old city.Culture
Literature
During the Mughal period, traditional Rajput poetry was fused with Mughal influence, particularly in the Charita genre.Rudyard Kipling visited Bundi in the late 19th century, staying at the Sukh Mahal. The palace and its surroundings inspired parts of his novel "Kim", which he completed in the city.