Haryana on a revisit to M''garh for its past worth

Ravinder Saini in Mahendragarh

NOT many of us would know that Mahendragarh was earlier known as Kanaud because of its association with Kanaudia group of Brahmins. Its present name comes from Patiala ruler Maharaja Mahender Singh in the middle of the 19th century. Located at the Rajasthan border, the district has many historical monuments and heritage sites lying neglected. 

The state government has come up with a plan to include these sites as well as in Rewari into a tourism infrastructure heritage circuit. The plan has set aside Rs 147 crore on the Centre-state fund-sharing basis. The Centre would provide Rs 99 crore while the state government would offer the rest. The heritage circuit begins at Rewari and exits from Madhogarh village in Mahendragarh. Include in the plan are Mahendragarh and Madhogarh forts, Chhatta Rai Mukund, Takht Baoli, Dhosi Hill and Rewari’s Bada Talab and Sola Rahi Shiv Dharohar. 

Take a look at some of the features of these falling heritage sites:

Mahendragarh Fort: It is located in the heart of the city, and was built by the Marathas in the late 18th century. It was named by Patiala ruler Narendra Singh in honour of his son, Mahendra Singh. Its architectural features are unique: Mughal arches and pillars and arched niches in the walls are intricately designed. The fort would get Rs 26.76 crore for its restoration, development of a craft/cultural street, a display gallery, a tourist information centre and an open air theatre. 

Madhogarh Fort: It sits atop an Aravalli hillock on the Mahendragarh-Satnali road. It was built more than 500 years ago by Maratha emperor Madhoji Rao. The fort is in a dilapidated condition. Most of the roofs are broken. This fort gets Rs 17.86 crore for its transformation. 

“The Aravalls around Madhogarh are fascinating. The fort's rejuvenation would attract domestic and foreign tourists,” says Ram Bilas Sharma, state minister of tourism.

Chhatta Rai Mukand: It is a spacious five-storey building with several halls, rooms and pavilions constructed by Ray-i-Rayan Mukand Dass, the diwan of Narnaul during the reign of Shah Jahan in the 16th century. It is believed that the building has four underground tunnels leading to Jaipur, Mahendergarh, Delhi and Dhosi. Legend says Akbar and Birbal visited this town and that is why Chhatta Rai Mukand Das is also popularly known as Chhatta of Birbal. Its renovation cost is pegged at Rs 9.58 crore. 

Takht Baoli: It is a resort constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar. It included a beautiful garden, a pond and a step-well. The three-storey structure overlooks the Baoli. The conservation plan includes arranging water for the Baoli.

Dhosi Hill: It is also known as an extinct volcano at the north?west end of the Aravallis. It has a temple, pond, fort and caves and a forest around it. The fort was constructed to guard the heritage and ashrams on the hill against frequent attacks by invaders during the medieval period. It is believed that Chavan Rishi meditated here and discovered Chyawanprash. Dhosi Hill also has remnants of a fort built by Hemu about 500 years ago. 

“The facts are being verified about these historical monuments,” says Vijai Vardhan, additional chief secretary (tourism).