Karauli, Rajasthan

Karauli was officially founded in 1348 AD by the Yaduvanshi Rajput, Raja Arjun Pal. This holy city was originally known as Kalyanpuri, after the local deity Kalyanji. Legend has it that the princely State of Karauli was established by Raja Bijal Pal Jadon, the 88^th descendent of Lord Krishna, as far back as 995 AD. There is very little documentation available to support this theory. Little is known about the history of the State and the ruling family between 995 AD and 1348 AD.

The 600 year old Fort was built probably in the 14^th century by the Royal family and a magnificent Palace in 1635 AD. The Fort and the Palace remained the official residence of the Royals till 1938 AD. At that time, a much more modest Bhanwar Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bhadur, the then ruler of Karauli and the Fort was abandoned by the family. The property is now being managed by a Temple Trust.

Red sandstone ramparts surrounded the walled city with bastions for security. Today, these ramparts are in ruins but still boast of six gates and eleven posterns. Very little of the original structure remains. The present City Palace is the 18^th century building with elaborate ornamented stucco work and frescoes. The Palace has a major rehabilitation work in progress, hopefully under professional supervision.

The ruling family members of Karauli are considered the descendents of Lord Krishna, the Yadav Rajputs. The city is the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, the deity of Lord Krishna, worshipped by millions of followers from Rajasthan and the rest of India. Kaila Devi is another important deity of Karauli with a temple dedicated to her. The Fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, (the Goddess of Wealth), holds an important place among the celebrated Fairs of Rajasthan. The fair is held at the village of Kaila in Karauli District in the month of Chaitra.