History of Kuchaman City

Situated in the north east part of the princely state of Rajasthan of the Indian republic, the Kuchaman City is an age old city with many historical relics. The beautiful city is a part of the modern day Nagaur district and it is in itself the municipality of the district. The city of Kuchaman developed surrounding the 1100 years old Kuchaman Fort.

This fort was one of the major fortifications done by the Rathore rulers in the 9th century AD. Presently, the city has become a modernized society with all major city life services like, well maintained roads, good sanitation system, proper city planning, schools, colleges, offices and other amenities. The city has developed into an important part of the major tourism locations of Rajasthan, but still retaining its old world charm with an array of ‘Havelis (royal bungalows) built with the Shekhawati style’ of architecture.

Before the formation of the fort, Kuchaman region was divided into innumerable villages ruled by Emperor Shah Jahaan Badshah of the Mughal empire. However during the 17th century, Emperor Shah Jahaan gifted this part of the land comprising of 112 villages of Maroth and 19 villages of Sambhar to the ruler Thakur Raghunath Singh of the Rathore dynasty.

The ruler was succeeded by Thakur Kishore Singh, who was then succeeded by one of the greatest rulers of his kingdom and his son, Thakur Zalim Singh. Zalim Singh was the founder of the present day Kuchaman City in the year 1725 AD at the base of the magnificent fort. The city at that time was inside the fort compound wall, secured from any external attack.

This fort is stretched over a vast area with could be accessed via 10 entrance gates from different sides. There were 32 bastions surrounding the entire fortification and people were residing within the compound. The Rathore dynasty rulers ruled for two centuries in this region and finally were defeated by the Chauhan empire of Ajmer in the year 1950 AD. With the advent of time, the Gaur Kingdom dethroned the Chauhans and ruled the land.

Historically, this region is believed to have been ruled only by the ‘Suryavanshi Kshatriyas’, who were believed to be the descendants of the Hindu god Lord Ram. Hence Kuchaman City has been held with high respect and reverence by the followers of Lord Ram. A temple is present of Lord Ram in this city, where devotees flock in throughout the year to offer their prayers. The Kuchaman City lies at the base of the 1000 feet high hillock, on top of which stands the massive Kuchaman Fort, basking in the glory of the regal past.