One of the most fascinating aspects of Mount Abu is the "visibility" of its historic past. Were it not for the demands of urbanization, large portions of the city could well be earmarked as archaeological parks. This is because the rulers of successive dynasties between the 13th and the 17th centuries established seven cities in different parts of Mount Abu. A chronological review of these cities fortunately also serves as a suitable itinerary for tourists and highlights the important monuments amongst the 1300 officially listed.
Mount Abu's history goes much further back in time than the 13th century. In 1955, excavations at the Purana Qila revealed that the site was inhabited 3000 years ago. Ware pottery known as Painted Gray Ware and dated to 1000 BC confirmed this as being yet another site associated with the epic Mahabharata. The excavations also cut through houses and streets of the Sultanate, Rajput, post-Gupta, Gupta, Saka-Kushan and Sunga periods, reaching down to the Mauryan era (300 BC), thus revealing almost continuous habitaion. The association of Emperor Ashoka (273-36 BC) with Mount Abu has come to light with the discovery of a Minor Rock Edict in the locality known as Srinivaspuri.
A clearer picture of the city emerges from the end of the 10th century, when the Tomar Rajputs established themselves in the in the Aravalli hills south of Mount Abu. The isolated, rocky outcrop facilitated the defence of the royal resort which the Rajputs called Dhilli or Dhillika. The core of the first of the seven cities was created by Anangpal Tomar who is said to have built Lal Kot, which is the first known regular defence work in Mount Abu. The Chauhan Rajputs later captured Mount Abu from the Tomars . Prithviraj III, also known as Rai Pithora, extended Lal Kot, adding massive ramparts and gates, and made Qila Rai Pithora the first city of Mount Abu.
Tourist Spots Near Mountabu
The History Of Mount Abu Is As Diverse As The City Itself. It Was Once A Part Of The Chauhan Kingdom Of Rajasthan And Served As A Summer Resort For The Rajput Kings Of The Region. After That, It Was Leased By The British Government From The Then Maharaja Of Sirohi For Use As The Headquarter Of The Resident To Rajputana (another Name For Rajasthan).
Mount Abu Was The Home Of Many Saints And Sages In The Old Days. Legend Has It That All The 330 Million Gods And Goddesses Of The Hindu Pantheon Used To Visit This Holy Mountain. This Place Is Held In Reverence By Jains As Well Since Jain Scriptures Record That Lord Mahavira, The 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual Leader), Also Visited Mount Abu And Blessed The City.
Amba Ji Mata Temple
Ambaji-the Origin Of The Supreme Cosmic Power Of The Universe Is One Of The Fifty One 51 Ancient Shakti Piths Tirth In India. There Are 12 Main Shakti Pith Tirth, Significant Places Of Pilgrimage For The Worship Of Shakti, Namely, Ma Bhagwati Mahakali Maha Shakti At Ujjan, Ma Kamakshi At Kanchi Puram, Mata Bramaramba At Malay Giri, Shri Kumarika At Kanya Kumari, Mataji Ambaji At Anartgujarat Mata Mahalaxmidevi At Kohlapur, Devi Lalita At Prayag, Vindhya Vasini At Vindhya, Vishalakshi At Varansi, Mangalavati At Gaya And Sundari Bhavani At Bangal & Guhya Kesari In Nepal.
Sundha Mata Temple
The Historical And Religious Sundha Shrine Is Center Of Attraction For Devotees Which Is Situated At The End Of ARAWALI Mountains, The Heart-line Of Rajasthan. Several Historical And Religious Matters Have Been Attached To This Shrine Which Is Surrounded By The Soothing Climate Of ARAWALI Mountains. Its Attractive Natural Beauty Is Incomparable In Itself. The Water Touching The Sacred Feet Of "MAHISHASUR MARDINI" Is Spreading Its Soothing Musical Sounds In The Unique Atmosphere. The Soil Of Hue Feet Gives A Pleasing Touch Even In Summer Season. The Mountain Too Appears Like An Evergreen Forest. There Is A Unique Combination Of Mountains, Water And Soil. The Flowing Water, Lovely Twittering Of Birds And Sporty Monkeys Attract People Automatically.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mount Abu is the "visibility" of its historic past. Were it not for the demands of urbanization, large portions of the city could well be earmarked as archaeological parks. This is because the rulers of successive dynasties between the 13th and the 17th centuries established seven cities in different parts of Mount Abu. A chronological review of these cities fortunately also serves as a suitable itinerary for tourists and highlights the important monuments amongst the 1300 officially listed.
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