Kota

Kota, on the banks of the Chambal River in southeastern Rajasthan, began as part of the Hada Chauhan Rajput territory of Bundi, in the wider Hadoti region. In the 12th century, Hada chief Rao Deva established Bundi and laid the base for later expansion here. In 1579, the ruler of Bundi granted Kota as a jagir (land grant) to the younger prince Rao Madho Singh, who distinguished himself in battle. Under the Mughals, especially during Jahangir’s reign, Madho Singh and his successors developed Kota into a walled city and powerful princely state. By the 17th–18th centuries, Kota had outgrown Bundi in area, revenue and military strength, symbolising Rajput valour and culture. During the 1857 revolt, Kota also witnessed an uprising against the local ruler and British influence. Later, the state became part of the Rajputana Agency until it acceded to the Indian Union in 1948, ending princely rule. Post-Independence, Kota evolved from a princely capital into an industrial town and, from the late 20th century, India’s famous “coaching capital” for engineering and medical aspirants, while still retaining its palaces, forts and gardens along the Chambal.