Home > Travel > Cities of India > History of Kota
History of Kota
History of Kota is dotted with tales of courage and sacrifice.

Share this Article:

The history of Kota generally revolves around the city of Kota. The kingdom of Kota was ruled by the Hadas and was thus known as the land of the Hadaoli. They were known to be the descendants of Chauhan clan of the Agnikula Rajputs. Initially they had settled in the hilly terrain of Mewar near Bijolianat Bambaoda in the 12th century A.D. they slowly extended their empire and conquered Bundi in 1241 A.D. however it was not before 1624 that Kota became a separate identity. It was separated from Bundi in 1579 to create an individual kingdom. The kingdom was ruled by Rao Madho Singh quite efficiently.

Rao Madho Singh at the age of fourteen was popular for his ability as a fighter. It was one of the reasons why a separate kingdom was carved out for him. He fought for the ageing Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, against his usurper son, Aurangzeb. The history of Kota is dotted with tales of courage and sacrifice. Five of Rao Madho Singh`s six sons died on the battlefield. While Bundi was hidden away from the invasions amidst the hills Kota was not that fortunate. It was threatened by Mughal rulers, the Maharajas of Jaipur and Mewar, the Maratha warlords, and sometimes their own cousins in Bundi. It was through diplomacy that the rulers of Kota would often safeguard their kingdom. One such move was an alliance with the Marathas through a treaty in the 18th century to keep the Kachhawas rulers of Jaipur away from Kota.

One of the most interesting characters of modern Rajput history is Zalim Singh, a statesman and diplomat. He was often known as the "Talleyrand of North India" and the "Machiavelli of Rajwarra." Beginning as a general of the Kota armies he went onto become the Regent of the kingdom when the ruler died. He left an infant son on the throne. At this time Zalim Singh reorganized the kingdom and he was the first one who signed a treaty with the British. By doing this he ensured that Kota would be divided into his sons equally. This treaty was signed in the year 1817. Under the guidance of Zalim Singh Kota prospered. Due to this treaty a new state of Jhalawar was formed in 1838. his diplomatic decisions and smart moves gave Kota recognition amongst the Rajputana states.

In the Indian history too Kota was of great importance as it was one of those kingdom`s that took part in the Revolt of 1857.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in Cities of India

Cities of North East India
Cities of North East India defines the unity in their culture and tradition. The tourism sector in North East cities in India are mainly based on nature and adventure tourism.
Cities of Central India
Cities of Central India are located on the Central Highlands in the midst of the dense jungles and the rich history of Chandella Dynasty.
Cities of South India
Cities of South India express the cleanliness, technically upgraded traffic system and easy communication in inter cities and abroad with railways, roadways and airways.
Cities of North India
Capital Cities of North India have a rich history from the time of Mahabharata. These cities have good communication system, proper business centers and cultural home towns.
Capital Cities in East India
Capital cities in East India define the Bengali and Odiya culture with the close similarities. The tribal culture is also dominant in the 21st century capitals along with the heavy industrialization.
Capital Cities of South India
Capital cities of South India are the smarter cities, with well equipped communication system and rapid transit system. In these capital cities of India, ayurveda, historical tourism and the medical tourism are dominant.
Capital cities of West India
Capital cities of West India define the business centers and this region has the highest GDP rate.
Capital Cities of Central India
Capital Cities of Central India are located in the midst of forests and the tribal belts of Central India.
Capital Cities in North East India
North East India forms a unity in the tribal language, settlements and the culture. The capital cities of North East India run their administration in a unified form.
Ancient North Indian Cities
Ancient North Indian Cities were developed in the early era that is from the time of Mahabharata, and after the decline of Hindu kings in Northern parts. Some have become desolated and some became the archaeological ruins.
Ancient South Indian Cities
Ancient South Indian Cities witness the rise and fall of many empires from the early era.
Ancient Cities of North West India
Ancient Cities of North West India show the Rajput culture from the early phase, but in medieval era it showed the prominence after having a good relation with Mughals.
Ancient West Indian Cities
Ancient West Indian Cities are now completely in ruins, because of the heavy earthquake in some of the regions.
Holy Cities of North West India
Holy Cities of North West India are grown up in the midst of dry and thorny desert lands with Rajputana art and architecture.
Tourism in Metropolitan Cities in India
Tourism in Metropolitan Cities in India represent the culture, history, monuments and eco tourism with easy connectivity in roadways, railways and airways.
Holy Cities of North India
Holy Cities of North India are having the rich history of Hinduism and the entire civilization was grown up with the hands of beliefs, rituals and the evolution of religion.
Holy Cities of South India
Holy Cities of South India gives the detailed cultural formation of Dravidians from the early era, which later developed to the world by the Pallavas and the Cholas.
Holy Cities of Central India
Holy Cities of Central India have the excellence of art and architecture in temples in the early era.
Holy Cities of East India
Holy Cities of East India refer the places of religious importance. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism are widely spread.
Holy Cities of West India
Holy Cities in West India were established by the rulers of Rajputs and the Satvahana Dynasty and the medieval rulers of Junagadh.