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The early history of
Nagaur before the advent of the Mughals is intermingled with the
exploits of the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat and Marwar, who
contended for its possession because of its strategic location. It
was later included in the Mughal empire and became a 'Sarkar'
(Division) under 'Ajmer Subah' (province), yielding annual revenue
of about ten lakhs of rupees.
The town has an old fort, situated in the centre of the city
occupying an extensive area. It contains old palaces, water
cisterns and other buildings, some of which are in ruins. The
mural paintings on the walls of some apartments in the palace are
of high order.
A cattle fair is held in the town during January-February in which
large number of cows, bullocks (Nagauri breed is renowned) oxen
and camels exchange hands. Tourists also visit the place in large
numbers.
The town possesses some monuments of historical importance,
namely, the Dargah of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri known as Sultan-ul-Tarkeen,
who was one of the chief disciples of the Khwaja of Ajmer; and
Amar Singh Rathore-ki-Chhatri. Amar Singh Rathore was the heir
apparent to the throne of Marwar, who not only was deprived of his
right to succession, but was also exiled from the state, wherefrom
he retired to the Mughal court. His exceptional gallantry at the
battlefields impressed the Emperor who bestowed upon him the chief
ship of Nagaur and elevated him to a very high rank in the
nobility.
However, he is remembered for upholding his dignity and
intrepidity exhibited in full view of the Emperor in the Mughal
court at Agra, by murdering Salabat Khan, the Paymaster General
for the latteršs insolent conduct towards Amar Singh. Amar Singh
was overpowered and killed, but the saga of his dauntless spirit
and heroic action survived for long in the ballads of the
minstrels. |
