Deogarh
in Rajasthan is situated on the boundaries of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara,
about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea
level, it is cooler than other parts of Rajasthan. The chief of Deogarh,
known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) entitled to
wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. These type of
feudal estates, called 'Thikanas' were sanctioned by the ruling Maharana to
a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of valour. Deogarh
is also famous as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures
embellish the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of
this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The palace also has some
interesting rooms to venture through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of
mirrors, is one of them.
Best Season to Visit : From October to early April
Sightseeing at Deogarh -
Deogarh Mahal : This 17 the century Palace is a commanding
structure, standing atop a hill offering a panoramic view of the Aravalli
mountain range and the numerous lakes, spread through out the countryside.
With its greying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways,
it is a picturesque sight from the town below.
Deogarh Mahal : has been converted into a hotel about 3 years ago,
by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still
occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and
personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care reflected in the
minutest details, have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in
Rajasthan.
Dashavatar Temple : The exquisite Vishnu temple at Deogarh belonging
to the Gupta period, popularly known asthe Dashavatar Temple is the earliest
known Panchayatan temple of north India. The terraced basement above the
high temple plinth is decorated with an uninterrupted row of sculptured
panels. Elaborately carved doorway with Ganga -Yamuna images lead to the
sanctum sanctorum. Three bigrathika panels set in the side walls have
Vaishnava mythological images carved in high relief - the Gajendramoksha
panel, Nara-Narayan tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu. The Dashavatar Temple
at Deogarh is marked for being the first northern Indian temple with a
shikhara or spire. Only the lower part of the shikhara remains today.
Manastambha
: The group of 31 Jaintemples, though of a later date, are no less
notable. The site was a Jain centre from the post-Gupta times upto the 17th
century. Panels reflecting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, a
Manastambha (votive pillar), Ayagpatta (votive tablet), Sarvato bhadra
pratima (Jaina images visible from all sides) and Sahastrakuta (pillar
carved with a thousand Jain figures) are found here.
Chanderi : Chanderi is famous for its gossamer Chanderi saris. It
also boasts of some of the finest examples of Bundela Rajput and Malwa
Sultanate architecture. A beautiful Mughal fort commands the skyline of this
amazing old town. Among the sights here are the Koshak Mahal, an old palace
said to have been commissioned by Mahmud Khilji in 1445, the Badal Mahal
Gate -a victory arch, the imposing Jama Masjid, the Shahzadi ka Rouza, a
building with decorative arches and the Parmeshwar Tal. Chanderi also has a
number of ancient Jain temples, worth visiting.
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Deogarh Attractions
