Alwar

State: Rajasthan

Main Languages: Rajasthani and Hindi 

 

History:

 

Alwar was formerly known as 'Ulwar'. Due to the last alphabetical positioning of the city one of the kings changed the name of this city to 'Alwar'. This is one of the Rajput principalities which were close to imperial Delhi. The people of Alwar were rebellious and had not surrendered to colonial rule. The state of Alwar had been founded by Pratap Singh of Kachwala lineage in the late 18th century. Following the Indian independence in the year 1947, Alwar was acceded under the dominion of India and was made a part of Rajasthan. The city is known as the gateway of Rajasthan. Presently Alwar is a city which is also the administrative headquarters of the Alwar District. 

 

Geography:

 

The city is situated about 160 km south of Delhi, and around 150 km north of Jaipur, which is also the capital of Rajasthan. The city is situated at 27.57° N 76.6° and has an elevation of 271 meters or 889 feet. 

 

Demography:

 

As per the 2001 census Alwar had a population of 160,245. With males constituting about 53% of the population and females about 47% the ratio for men and women is not very extreme. The average literacy rate here is 73% which is much higher than the national average. 13% of the populations are children below the age of 6.

 

Climate:

 

Like most places in Rajasthan the summers are very hot with temperatures going above 38 degrees. But the winters are cold and pleasant during the day. The best time to visit would be October to March.

 

Tourism:

 

Alwar is a city of historical monuments and places. The lake in Alwar is a picturesque valley. Then there is the Sariska National Sanctuary which is located in the Aravalli hills and is just a few kilometers from Alwar. This sanctuary is also a project tiger reserve. Military cantonment of Itarana is on the outskirts of Alwar. One of the oldest working engines is located here and is called the Fairy Queen. It was made in 1855 by the British and has also won the National Tourism award. There are various other places to see in this district like The Alwar fort or Bala Quila, Haldia Bhawan - About 250 year old Haveli, Silliserh and Jaisamand Lakes, Pandupol Hanuman Temple, City Palace, Moosi MaharaniChhatri, government museum, Purjan Vihar or company garden and various other places. 

 

Education:

Some of the best educational provisions are there in Alwar due to the attempts of Jai Dayal Yadav and Prime Minister of Matsya Union Shobha Ram Kumawat. Both of them contributed largely in bringing education to the rural areas of Alwar after independence and its dominion under India. 

 

Culture:

 

The Rajasthani culture can be seen in every wall of the city. There are regular traditions followed here along with the regular festivals held during Navaratris. The milk cake is a special sweet of the area.

 

Economy:

 

Apart from tourism, production of mineral is a major contributor to the economy. Marble and granites sold here are of great quality. Agriculture and industries are also other major commercial entities. 

 

Transportation:

 

Delhi and Jaipur are the nearest airports. Roads are safe and well connected to highways. The trains are connected to main cities and the Fairy Queen Service can also be availed.