The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.
The history of Kota is linked with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The descendants of the Chauhans set up their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement continued until 1624. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a part of the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan when it gained independence in 1947.
Places of Interest
Maharao Madho Singh Museum:
the museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes, and armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers. The museum is definitely not to be missed as it is reportedly one of the best museums in the state. This was formerly a palace and is named after the son of the ruler of Bundi who was made the first ruler of Kota State by the Mughal emperor Jehangir. The museum is closed on Fridays and state holidays.
Jag Mandir: Right in the middle of the tank, on a small island, is the beguiling little palace of Jagmandir. Built in 1740 by one of the maharanis of Kota, it is best seen early in the morning but is exquisite at any time of the day. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhance its beauty.
Chambal Garden: The Chambal Gardens are on the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort. They are a popular place for a picnic. The centerpiece is a murky pond stocked with crocodiles, which can be crossed by a wobbly suspension bridge. Once common all along the river, by the middle of the 20th century the crocodiles had been virtually exterminated by hunting
Rana Pratap Sagar Dam: Rana Pratap Sagar Dam is the second in the series of Chambal Valley Projects, located 52 km downstream of Gandhi Sagar dam across the river Chambal in Rajasthan. This dam was completed in the year 1970. Bhainsrodhgarh has a 14th-century fort that was never besieged by an enemy force. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Chambal River, it is still occupied by the descendants of a feudal family. Prior permission is needed to visit the fort
Baroli: Baroli is situated 45 km southwest of Kota on the way to Rana Pratap Sagar. Many of these 9th-century temples were vandalized by Muslim armies but much remains. The main temple is Ghateshwara Temple, which features some impressive columns. Although it is one of the best-preserved temples here, some of its figures have been damaged. Many of the sculptures from the temple are displayed in Brij Vilas Palace Museum in Kota.
Shergarh: Shergarh has a historic fort near Barora 10 km in Atru Tehsil in the Baran district. While exploring this wonderful city, one can also visit the Shergarh wildlife sanctuary which has a rich flora of dry teak, Khair, and Dhok trees and fauna consisting of rare tigers, endangered leopards, sloth bears, endemic Deers, hyena, and wild boar.
Other Attraction: Govt. Museum, Haveli of Devataji, Bhanddeora Temple, Remains Of Garhgachh, Sitabari, Fort Of Shahbad & Mosque.
Bazaars: Kota shopping destinations are best known for their rich arts and crafts. The most famous and sought-after shopping item in Kota is the Kota Doria saris. Kota saris are finely weaved with cotton and silk threads. The traditional weaving method is being used even today to make the saris. Amongst the various types of Kota saris, the more popular ones are hand-woven chequered and printed Kota saris.
Restaurants: Restaurants with a splendid view of the Kota which has been the flavour of most of the tourists, visiting this city. Not only due to the beauty, the ambiance in Itself can excite newer feelings in the Mind, especially during the beginning of the evenings.
How to Reach
By Air: Kota does not have an airport of its own. Kota railway station is located at the extreme northern end of the town. There is a small aerodrome, which is not operational. The nearest airport is Jaipur (240 km).
By Train: Kota railway station is located at the extreme northern end of the town. As Kota is on the main Delhi–Mumbai railway line via Sawai Madhopur, a number of trains pass through and stop here. The trip to Jaipur takes about 5 hours, while it takes 10 hours to reach Delhi from Kota.
By Road: The main bus station in Kota is located on Bundi Road near the eastern bank of the Chambal River. There is a good bus service from Kota to Ajmer (6 hours), Chittorgarh (6 hours), Jaipur (6 hours), Udaipur (6 hours), Jodhpur (11 hours), and Bikaner (12 hours).