Ahar is a historical place located in Udaipur. Ahar is the place where all the rulers of Mewar were cremated and is one of the top places to visit in Udaipur.
Ahar is famous for the cenotaphs of the Royal rulers and an archeological museum. The site contains more than 250 cenotaphs of the maharajas of Mewar that were built over approximately 350 years. Each Cenotaph of the respective rulers has their own brave story to tell. There are 19 chhatris that commemorate the 19 maharajas who were cremated here.
These memorial monuments have striking columns raised on big platforms sheltered by of arched roofs. The chhatri of Maharana Amar Singh seems to be most interesting because of its carvings. The other chhatris dedicated to Maharana Sangram Singh, Swaroop Singh, Shambhu Singh, Fateh Singh, Bhupal Singh, Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Sajjan Singh. These are made out of marble and possess the finest carvings. Each chhatri has a picture of Shiva and also a stone that depicts the emperor and his spouses who committed the 'Sati'. The cenotaph of Maharana Sangram Singh is another attraction that has fifty-six pillars in its porch. It possess octagonal dome in its center with the support of eight small pillars. In 1734, Maharana Sangram Singh was cremated here with his twenty-one wives.
Archeological Museum in Ahar is another attraction that is gaining popularity these days. This museum houses an unusual assortment of antiques that dates back to the 10th century. Items on display in the museum include earthen pots, iron objects and other artifacts that used to be part of the lifestyle of primordial people. Objects belonging to 1700 BC, a metal figure of Lord Buddha dating to the 10th century and a statue of Vishnu-Nag-Nathan are prominent highlights of the museum. Items excavated from the mound of Dhulkot, which is believed to be a 4,000 years old township, are also on display in the museum. Visitors can also see a skin scrubber, grain pot, animal figures, stone weights, balls and seals that date back to the 1st century BC. Terracotta toys, pottery remnants and a huge earthen pot are the other exhibits in the museum.
History of Ahar Cenotaphs
Ahar Cenotaphs, commonly known as the royal cremation ground is a legacy of the Mewar Kingdom built over 400 years ago. There are about nineteen rulers of the Mewar dynasty cremated in this glorious ground.
The last cenotaph was constructed for the cremation of Maharana Bhagwat Singh in 2004. The Ahar Cenotaphs has always attracted tourists, and it has been part of some of the Hollywood movies.
In the 1990s, an initiative to restore the legacy of the ancestors of Mewar dynasty was started by Arvind Singh Mewar. He carried out programs to reinstate its past glory. In this process, he got a museum constructed in the compound presently known as the Ahar Archaeological museum. The Ahar Archaeological Museum is home to artifacts coming from the 10th century.
Architecture of Ahar Cenotaphs
The architecture of Ahar Cenotaphs boasts of the bravery and glory of the great kings of the Mewar Empire. People visit these places to pay honor to the valiant rulers. There are about 19 kings cremated in the cenotaph region of Ahar houses.
The striking architecture of the memorial adds beauty to this region. Arched roofs neatly shelter the stunning columns which are raised on higher platforms making it truly attractive. The ceilings of the Ahar Cenotaphs are graciously studded. The inspiration for the same has come from the marvelous temples built in the mid 15th century.
Inside the cenotaphs, you will find a stone of the architraves standing upright showcasing an imitation of God Shiva along with sculpture. The image depicts the Maharana and his wives, who are referred to as Satis in the picture. Satis are the wives of kings who tend to immolate in the cremation fire of their husbands representing the practice that was prevalent during those times.
According to the ‘Sati Pratha,’ post the death of the husband, the wife is expected to immolate herself in the funeral pyre of her husband. One of the most exciting cenotaphs in the region is made in honor of Maharana Amar Singh.
Some cenotaphs have been dedicated to Fateh Singh, Swaroop Singh, Bhupal Singh, Shambhu Singh, Bhagwat Singh of Mewar, and Sajjan Singh. The cenotaphs are constructed in marble and are further adorned with the best of the carvings.
How To Reach Ahar Museum, Udaipur
By Road: Ahar Museum is located at a distance of 3 km from Udaipur city centre near Rana Pratap Railway station. One can easily reach here local taxi, bus or cab.
By Rail: Ahar Museum, Udaipur is well connected through nearest Udaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: Ahar Museum can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
