Dausa History

Before 1947, Dausa was part of princely state of Jaipur ruled by Suryavanshi Kachwaha Rajputs. Dausa is situated in a region widely known as Dundhar. The Chauhans also ruled this land in 10th Century AD. Dausa became the first capital of the then Dundhar Region. The Raja Sodh Dev ruled this region during 996 AD to 1006 AD. Later, Raja Dulha Rai who was son of Raja Sodh Dev ruled this region for 30 years from 1006 AD to 1036 AD.

Dausa has given prominent freedom fighters to the nation. Tikaram Paliwal and Ram Karan Joshi were amongst the freedom fighters who gave their valuable contribution for the fight for independence and in formation of the state of Rajasthan. Tikaram Paliwal was elected the Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1952. Also, Ram Karan Joshi was the first Panchayati Raj Minister of Rajasthan who submitted the first Panchayati Raj Bill in the Vidhansabha in 1952. The poet Sunderdas was born on Chaitra Shukla Navami in Vikram Samvat 1653 in Dausa. He was a renowned Nirgun Panthi Sant and wrote 42 Grantha, out of which Gyan Sundaram & Sunder Vilas are famous.

Dausa Geography

Dausa is located at 26.88°N 76.33°E. It has an average elevation of 333 metres (1072 feet). It is located in Dausa district, one of the 5 Districts of Jaipur division (Alwar, Dausa, Jaipur, Jhunjhunun, Sikar).

Early History & Foundation of Dundhar

Ancient Roots

Dausa is believed to have been inhabited by prehistoric man.

10th Century Rule

In the 10th century CE, the region was ruled by the Chouhans and Badgurjars.

First Capital (1006 CE)

Dausa became the first capital of the Dundhar region in 1006 CE.

Dulha Rai's Conquest (11th Century)

In the 11th century, Dulha Rai, an adventurer, conquered Dausa from the Badgurjars, marrying into the ruling Johans and taking control. This event is considered the beginning of the Dundhar Raj and the rule of the Kachwahas.

Key Figures and Places

• Sodh Dev: Raja of Dausa from 966 to 1006.
• Dulha Rai: The first ruler of the Kachwaha dynasty in Dundhar, who conquered Dausa in the 11th century.
• Dausa Fort: A significant historical structure in the region.
• Abhaneri: Known for the Chand Baori stepwell, a historically significant site near Dausa.

Significance

Dausa's acquisition by Dulha Rai was a pivotal moment in the history of the Kachwahas, establishing the foundation for the eventual rise of the princely state of Jaipur. The region is historically rich, with ancient temples and fortifications, including the Nilkanth Mahadev Temple, a center of devotion.