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Alwar is a captivating town in the state of Rajasthan. It is described as the Gateway of Rajasthan. The place abounds with many interesting and historical monuments. The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar. Milkcake made in Alwar is a famous cuisine all over the country. Alwar is also known as the land of tigers.There are several suggestions on
how Alwar has derived its name. Some sources say that the
district is known as Alwar as its headquarters are located in
the town of Alwar. Cunningham holds that the city derived its
name from the Salva tribe and was originally  Salwapur, then,
Salwar, Halawar and eventually Alwar. As per history, earlier
the city was known as "Ulwar". As this placed the city in last position when arranged in alphabetical order, a king renamed it to "Alwar" to bring it to the top.
Geography of Alwar
Alwar is a city in the north-east of Rajasthan. The district is bounded on the north and north-east by Gurgaon (of Haryana) and Bharatpur district and on the north-west by Mahendragarh district of Haryana, on the south-west by Jaipur and on the south by Sawai- Madhopur and Jaipur districts. Its greatest length from south to north is about 137 K.M. and greatest breadth from east to west about 110 K.M. The city is located 160 km south of Delhi and around 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is located at 27.57° N 76.6° E. the place has an average elevation of 271 meters.
History of Alwar
Alwar was founded by Pratap Singh in the second half of the 18th century. During his rule the districts of Thanagazi, Rajgarh, Malakhera, Ajabgharh, Baldeogarh, Kankwari, Alwar, Ramgarh and Lachhmangarh, and areas around Behror and Bansur, were finally integrated to form the State.
After him, the next ruler was his foster son, Maharao Raja Bakhtawar Singh (1791-1815). He also devoted himself to extend his territory. He was successful in integrating the pargannahs of Ismailpur and Mandawar and the talukas of Darbarpur, Rutai, Nimrana, Mandhan, Beejawar and Kakoma in the Alwar State. Maharao Raja Bakhtawar Singh rendered valuable services to Lord Lake, by supporting the British against the Marathas. As a result, in 1803, the First Treaty of Offensive and Defensive Alliance was forged between Alwar State and the East India Company. Thus, Alwar became the first princely State in India to enter into Treaty Relations with the East India Company. The state administration was imperfect during his time and there were cases of loot and dacoity. The State also borrowed money from outside as its finances were poor and mismanaged. By the time the next ruler, Maharao Raja Viney Singh (1815-1857), succeeded the throne the state was under debt.
In 1947, after the independence of India, Alwar acceded unto the dominion of India. On March 18, 1948, Almora merged with three neighbouring states of Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli. On May 15, 1949, Alwar formed into the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan.
Demography of Alwar
As per the 2001 census, the population of Alwar is 260,245. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Alwar has an average literacy rate of 73% out of which 59% are males and 41% are females.
Some Major Attractions in Alwar
Bala Fort: This one of the ancient court that was constructed before the rise of Mughals. The unique fort stands 300 above the city. And these days it is used as radio transmitter station. A special permission from Superintendent of Police is needed to explore the fort.
City Palace Complex: This imposing City Palace Complex is located below the Fort. It has been now turn into a museum. The museum houses collections of Royal dresses, Stone sculptures, 11th century sculpture of Lord Vishnu, and traditional instruments including sitar in shape of peacock. The museum also contains some beautiful paintings. The palace complex also houses some government offices.
Purjan Vihar (Company Garden):
Purjan Vihar is also one of the major attractions of tours to Alwar, Rajasthan, India. It is picturesque garden. It was laid out in 1868 AD during the period of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh. The garden offers an enchanting vista and a popular summer spot. One will have also an opportunity to visit Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri.
Other Attractions: Apart from above mentioned attractions of Alwar, there are several other attraction in Alwar and nearby. They are also worth visiting. They are Sariska Tiger Reserve, Vijay Mandir Palace, Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Vinay Vilas Mahal, Moti Doongri (also known as Lansdowne Palace), Government Museum, Jaisamand Lake, Hope Circus, Bhangarh, Silliserh Lake, Pandupol Hanuman Temple, Tomb of Fateh Jang, Nehru garden, and Mnasa mata ka Mandir, etc.
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