Kota, Rajasthan

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = कोटा (Kota) | type = city | latd = 25.18 | longd = 75.83
locator_position = right | state_name = Rajasthan
district = Kota
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 271
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 695,899| population_density = 288
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 91 744
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode = INKTU
website = kota.nic.in
footnotes =

Kota (Hindi:कोटा "koṭa") formerly known as "Kotah", is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Situated on the banks of Chambal River, the city is the trade centre for an area in which cotton, millet, wheat, coriander and oilseeds are grown; industries include cotton and oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, and the manufacture of metal handcrafts. Kota is one of the major industrial hubs in northern India, with many prominent chemical and engineering companies based here. The rail junction, a road hub, lies 4.8 km (3 mi) to the north.

Kota is famous for its distinctive style of painting. Kota is well known for its saris, stone products and a vibrant education sector. In fact, the numerous coaching centres which prepare aspirants for India's elite engineering and medical colleges have given a totally new character and identity to the city. The Crosthwaite Institute is located in Kota, as are old and new palaces of the Maharao (the maharajahs).

Geography

Kota is located along the eastern bank of the Chambal River in the southern part of Rajasthan. The exact cartographic coordinates are coord|25.18|N|75.83|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/24/Kota.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Kota] ] It covers an area of approximately 12,436 km² (3.63 per cent of the Rajasthan State). [ [http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/KOTA1.SHTM Statistics by Govt. of Rajasthan] ] It has an average elevation of 271 metres (889 ft). The district is bound on the north and north west by Sawai Madhopur, Tonk and Bundi districts. The Chambal River separates these districts from Kota district, forming the natural boundary.

Distance from Major Cities
*Delhi - 454km
*Jaipur - 256km

Climate

The climate of the city is of the tropical type due to the proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and is subject to extremes of heat during summer, and has mildly cold winters. The summer season in Kota lasts from April to late October. The average temperature in the daytime hovers around 42.6°C. The average temperature falls in the range of 29.7°C (max) to 9°C (min) during wintertime.
The average annual rainfall in the Kota district is 885.6 mm. [ [http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/KOTA1.SHTM Statistics by Govt. of Rajasthan] ] Most of the rainfall can be attributed to the southwest monsoon which has its beginning around the last week of June and may last till mid-September. Pre-monsoon showers begin towards the middle of June and post-monsoon rains occasionally occur in October. In the winter season also, there is sometimes a little rainfall associated with the passing western distribution over the region.

History of Kota-----------------

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 Independent state of kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful. Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of chambal river and is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories

Kota is Rjasthan's Fifth Largest City. This Bustling,sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state

Princely City of Kota

See also: Hadoti

The Kota city became independent in 1579, after Bundi state in Hadoti region become weak. Then, Kotah ruled the territory which now is Kota district and Baran district.

Rulers of the Kota City, 1632-1947-1971

1. Rao Madho Singh Hada (18 May 1599-25 January 1648), r. 1632-25 January 1648.

2. Rao Sri Mukund Singh (k. in battle 26 April 1658), r. 25 January 1648-26 April 1658.

3. Rao Sri Jagat Singh (1644-1682), r. 26 April 1658-August 1682.

4. Rao Sri Prem Singh, r. August 1682-February 1683.

5. Rao Sri Kishore Singh (k. in battle April 1696), r. February 1683-April 1696.

6. Raja Sri Ram Singh Hada (k. in battle 18 June 1707), r. April 1696-18 June 1707.

Period of rule by Maharao Budh Singh of Bundi, 18 June 1707-12 September 1713.

7. Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Bhim Singhji Hada, Singharaja, Krishna Das, Brijendra Sahib Bahadur (1682-19 June 1720, k. in battle against Asaf Jah I), r. 12 September 1713-19 June 1720.

8. Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Arjun Singhji Sahib Bahadur (d. October 1723), r. 19 June 1720-October 1723.

9. Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Durjan Sal Sahib Bahadur (d. 1 August 1756), r. October 1723-1 August 1756.

10. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Ajit Singhji Sahib Bahadur (c.1674-March 1757), r. 1 August 1756-March 1757

11. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Shatru Sal I Sahib Bahadur (c.1716-17 December 1764), r. March 1757-17 December 1764

12. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Guman Singh Sahib Bahadur (c.1723-17 January 1771), r. 17 December 1764-17 January 1771.

13. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Umed Singhji I Sahib Bahadur (1761-19 November 1819), r. 17 January 1771-19 November 1819.

14. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Kishore Singhji II Sahib Bahadur (1779-2 July 1827), r. 19 November 1819-2 July 1827.

15. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Ram Singhji II Sahib Bahadur (1808-27 March 1866), r. 2 July 1827-27 March 1866. Received a salute of 17-guns, demoted to 15-guns in 1858.

16. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Shatru Sal II Sahib Bahadur, Kaiser-i-Hind (d. 11 June 1889), r. 27 March 1866-11 June 1889. Restored to a 17-gun salute in 1866.

17. Colonel Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Sir Umed Singhji II Sahib Bahadur, GCSI, GCIE, GBE (15 September 1873-27 December 1940), r. 11 June 1889-27 December 1940. The fifth-great-grandson of Kishore Singh.

19. Brigadier Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Sir Bhim Singhji II Sahib Bahadur, KCSI (14 September 1909-20 July 1991), r. 27 December 1940-15 August 1947. Last ruling Maharaja. "Rajpramukh" of the State of Rajasthan 25 March-18 April 1948, Up (Deputy) "Rajpramukh" of the State of Rajasthan 18 April 1948-31 October 1956. Derecognised on 28 December 1971 and stripped of all titles and government allocations. Head of the Royal House of Kota 28 December 1971-20 July 1991.

* Head of the Royal House of Kota, 1971-

19. Brigadier Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Sir Bhim Singhji II Sahib Bahadur, KCSI (14 September 1909-20 July 1991). Head of the Royal House of Kota 28 December 1971-20 July 1991.

20. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Sri Brijraj Singhji Sahib Bahadur, (aka Brijraj Singhji Kotah) (21 February 1934-), Head of the Royal House of Kota 20 July 1991-.

Source: [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/kotah4.htm]

Places of interest

*Chambal GardenA beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides. Presence of the River Chambal at one end of the garden makes it a very scenic place.
*Maharao Madho Singh MuseumSituated in the old palace, 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.
*Kota BarrageA part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening strolls.
*The Government MuseumHoused in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.
*Jag MandirAmidst the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs, lies in the vicinity.
*Godavari Dham TempleThis Hanuman Temple is located beside the swiftly flowing Chambal River. It has two high marble towers and huge marble swan built at the top of the entrance gate. It is visited by a large number of devotees especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays when a midnight Aarti of Lord Hanuman is organised.

Other places worth visiting
*Adhar Shila
*Darrah National Park
*Chambal River Ghariyal {Aligator} Reservoir
*Sawan phuhar Water Park,Haryali resort
*Godavari Dham Mandir, a temple
*Garh Palace
*Umed Bhavan Palace
*Brijraj Bhavan Palace
*Bheetariya Kund
*Pahadajhar Mahadev Water Fall
*Gapernath
*NavGurukul
*Badoli Temples
*Jawahar Sagar Dam
*Chowpaty Bazaar
*Hadoti Traffic Garden
*Indra market for shopping
*Chambal Garden
*Tirupati Balaji Temple
*Koela Haveli

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Kota has a population of 1,568,525. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kota has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 62%. In Kota, 13% of the population is under six years of age.

Transport

The district is well connected with neighbouring districts and with major cities outside the state. National highway No.12 (Jaipur—Jabalpur) passes through the district. The total road length in the district is 1,752 km. as of 31 March 2000.

Delhi—Mumbai railway line passes through the Kota junction. The district has 148.83 km of railway line in the Kota—Ruthia section, 98.72 km on Nagda—Mathura (Mumbai-Delhi) section and 24.26 km on Kota—Chittorgarh section. The broad gauge railway facility between Kota and Jodhpur via Jaipur was inaugurated recently.
Kota Airport (IATA:KTU, ICAO:VIKO) is a small airport [ [http://aai.aero/allAirports/Kota.jsp Kota Airport on AAI Website] ] connected to Jaipur by domestic airlines. The nearest airport offering international flights is at Jaipur (239 km away).

Utility services

Electric power is made available to Kota from the generation of electricity from Rana Pratap Sagar dam (172 MW), Jawahar Sagar Dam (99 MW), Kota Thermal Power Station (850 MW), Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (440 MW). Out of the total 811 villages, 782 were electrified up to 31 March 2000.
The water for irrigation is available from Chambal canal in the tehsils of Ladpura, Digod and Pipalda besides wells/tube wells. All the five towns of the district have already been covered under the drinking water supply scheme.

Economy

The city is the trade centre for an area in which cotton, millet, wheat, coriander and oilseeds are grown; industries include cotton and oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, and the manufacture of metal handcrafts. Kota also has an extensive industry of stone-polishing of a particular kind of stone called Kota Stone. Kota stone is blue in colour and is used for the floor and walls of both residential and business buildings. It is a cheap alternative to marble. Kota's economy today is driven by the all-India fame of its coaching classes.

Kota doria

Kota in Rajasthan is famous for the fine translucent muslins called Masuria Malmal. Originally, such saris were called Masuria because they were woven in Mysore. The weavers were subsequently brought to Kota by Rao Kishore Singh who was a general in the Mughal army. The weavers were brought to Kota in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and the saris came to be known as 'Kota-Masuria'. Kota saris are popularly known as 'Masuria' in Kota and Kotadoria outside the state. 'Doria' means thread.

Kota stone

The fine-grained variety of limestone is known as Kota stone. The rich greenish-blue and brown colours of this stone are most popular. Kota stone is preferred for flooring and wall cladding, paving and facades of buildings. This is because they have the unique properties of limestones. They are very tough, non water-absorbent, non-slip, non-porous and have excellent stain removability. Moreover, their resistance to wear and delamination is higher than other stones. They are available in different sizes and thicknesses. The varieties include Kota Blue Natural, Kota Blue Honed, Kota Blue Polished, Kota Blue Cobbles, Kota Brown Natural and Kota Brown Polished.

Major companies

Kota is major industrial hub in Rajasthan with many prominent chemical and engineering companies based in the city.

Chambal Fertilisers

Established in the year 1985, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) grew into the largest manufacturer of Urea in the private sector with an installed capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum. CFCL has been a dividend-paying company since its first full year of commercial production. The fertiliser plant is located at Gadepan, Kota district, Rajasthan. The main activity of CFCL is the manufacture of nitrogenous fertiliser viz. production of Urea. CFCL is also involved in trading of many agricultural inputs. The Company has also entered into the software, spinning and miniature potato seeds businesses.

DSCL

DSCL, a Rs. 2500 crore+ diversified business group based in North India.

Instrumentation Ltd

Instrumentation Limited (better known as IL) is a Government Of India enterprise set up in 1964 with the prime objective of attaining self reliance in the field of Control and Automation for the process industry. Today IL is manufacturing and supplying state of the art control equipment on a turnkey basis to various sectors of Industry viz. Power, Steel, Fertilizer, Chemical, Petrochemical, Refineries, Pharmaceutical, Cement, Paper, Textile, Space, and Oil and Gas.

Other major companies

* [http://www.rewindia.com Rajendra Engineering Works] (CHILLEX - Revolution in Mustard Pungent Oil which is completely Environmental Friendly) [http://www.rewindia.com]
*Kota Super Thermal Power PLant
*National Thermal Power Corporation
*Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant
* [http://www.smritiinteractive.com Smriti Interactive] (Low cost Domain Names, Web Hosting, Website Designing & Development) [http://www.smritiinteractive.com]
*Agro Engineers Limited [http://www.agroengineers.com]
*Vishvesh Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
*Career Point Infosystems Ltd [http://www.careerpointgroup.com]
*Bansal Classes [http://www.bansaliitjee.com]
*IIT/PET/PMT Entrance examination hub
*Edible Oil Processing (Nobel Grain (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bunge (India) Pvt. Ltd.)
*Samcore Limited

Educational institutions

*ALLEN Career Institute,indra vihar
*Bansal Classes,
*career point,sakti nagar,
*Resonance Institute, jawahar nagar
*Kota Open University
*Govt. Medical College, Rangbari Road, Kota
*Engineering college kota, Rawatbhata Road, Kota
*Govt. Polytechnic College, Kota
*Insight, Kota (IIT JEE),talwandi
*Medical College Kota
*Vidhu Tutorials
*Garg Classes Kota
*KL IITJEE Academy,dadabari
*Narayana Academy,indra vihar
*Insight,talwandi
*Shri Chataniya,talwandi
*KElvin Classes,jawahar nagar
*Net Coaching

The coaching classes of Kota, have year after year produced exceptionally high success rates in the all-India entrance exams to the IITs and medical colleges. However, the educational institutions have faced criticism for charging high fees and thus allowing only the more affluent students a chance to prepare for IIT. Many IIT faculty and some alumni also feel that the IIT-JEE should not be prepared for so intensely and in such a gruelling atmosphere. Even so, a large number of students, from all over the country prefer to undergo training at these institutions because of the generally high success rates they boast of.This is also due to the overall, albeit often misguided zeal among students and parents to pursue professional courses, especially engineering and that too at IITs.

tudents life in Kota

Kota has a Govt. Engineering College & Diploma College. Many outstation students are attracted towards the mushrooming study / tution institutes that have come in Kota. Their aim is to become Engineers or get into other professional institutes.

External links

* [http://kota.nic.in/default.htm Official Website of Kota District]
*wikitravel
* [http://rajasthantourism.gov.in/destinations/bundi/bundirexcursions.htm Rajasthan Tourism]
* [http://www.kotalive.com Kota Detailed Information with Map]
* [http://www.bharatonline.com/rajasthan/cities/kota/index.html Kota Information]
* [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2003/03/23/stories/2003032300180800.htm A tourist's description of Kota]
* [http://www.kotastudents.com Online Guide for students moving to Kota]
* [http://www.smritiinteractive.com Book Domain Names & Get Your Own Website Designed]

References

Further reading

* Tod James "Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan: Or, The Central and Western Rajpoot States of India" Published 2001 Asian Educational Services ISBN 8120612892 pp. 407-690