About Tonk

Nawabi Nagari 'Tonk' is popular not only in Rajasthan but also all over India for its historical traditions. As per the history, Jaipur's King Man Singh occupied Tari & Tokra Janpad in the regime of Akbar. In 1643, twelve village of Tokra janpad were given to Bhola Brahmin. Later Bhola gave a name to these twelve villages as 'Tonk'. It is surrounded by 5 districts: north, Jaipur district; south, Bundi district and Bhilwara district; east, Ajmer district; and west, Sawai Madhopur district. Average rain fall is 62 mm. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main occupation of the people.

The history of Tonk is very old as it is associated with Bairath culture and civilization. Tonk has been called Rajasthan ka Lucknow, Adab ka Gulshan, Romantic poet Akhtar Shreerani ki Nagri, Meethe Kharboojo ka Chaman, Hindu Muslim Ekta ka Maskan and as result of which Tonk could keep an isolated status in Rajasthan.

During the rule of Nawabs all the native were invited in an Islamic function of Miladdunabi without caste, color and creed, which was organised by the ruling Nawabs for the period of seven days in the month of Rabiul Awwal, collectively with full enthusiasm in Tonk.The first founder ruler of Tonk was Nawab Mohammed Amir Khan. It is known as Samwad Lakshya in the Mahabharat period. In the rule of Mouryas, it was under mouryas and then it was combined into Malvas. Most of the part was under Harsh Vardhan. As per Hevan Sang, tourist of China, it was under Bairath State. In the rule of Rajputs, the parts of this state were under Chavras, Solankis, Kachvahs, Sisodiyas and Chouhans. Later, it was under the rule of King Holkar and Sindhia.

In 1806, Amir Khan occupied it from Balvant Rao Holkar. Later, the British government gained it from Amir Khan. As per the treaty of 1817, British government returned it to Amir Khan. Tonk was founded in 1818 by an Afghan military leader who was granted land by the ruler of Indore.

The main touurist attractions of Tonk are-

1) Sunahari Kothi
It is located near Bada Kuwa on Najar Bagh road in Tonk City. Inside the Kothi, the walls are golden polish. It is also known as Shishmahal. One can see the diamonds and glasses,paintings,flowers, Pachhikari and Meenakari works on the walls. The government has published it in the gazette for making it a historical place. Renovation work is going on for preserving this monument.

2) Hathi Bhata
It is about 22 km from district Headquarters. Five km from this place, there is a monument of an elephant, where a single stone was carved into the shape of an elephant. It was prepared by Ram Nath Slat during the rule of Sawai Ram Singh in 1200 AD. This fact is written on the right ear of the elephant. Even today you can read this script.

3) Bisalpur
It is situated about 70 km from District HQ. and 13 km from Deoli tehsil head quarter. One can visit the beautiful Dam and historical Lord Gokarneswar Temple. As per the local history, Ravan has made tapasya here. Dam was built between two mountains on the Banas River. Here, the Banas River splits the Aravalli Range.

4) Rasiya Ke Tekri
Appointed by Raja Holkar, as a governor of this place Shri Ambaji Maharaj, a schooler, known for composing love songs, modernized Rasia Ki Tekri in 1859. As per the local history, one Kayasth lover used to sit here and always sing love songs. On account of this romance (rasiya), this monument is called by the name of Rasiya Ke Tekri.

5) Historical Ghanta Ghar (clock tower)
This was founded by Mohd. Sadat Ali Khan, Nawab of Tonk in 1937. As per the local history, in 1936, public suffered from the disease haiza. Nawab Sadat Ali Khan, fifth Nawab of Tonk, distributed medicines house to house personally. Public appreciated this and presented money to him. He constructed this monument with this money.

6) Jama Masjid
This monument is one of the biggest masjids and the most beautiful monuments in India. This was founded by First Nawab of Tonk, Nawab Amir Khan in 1246 and was completed from 1297 to 1298 by his first son Nawab Wzirudhoula. Four Minars of this monument can be seen from a long distance. Four big doors are built in the Moughal style. The main part of the monument look likes Delhi and Agra Mogul style monuments. One can find the golden paintings and Meenakari on the walls.

7) Dunja Temple
Dunja temple is located at Duni Village on the Pond. the location of pond is very attractive. Temple situated at the side of Rajmahal,Village has a wall in all areas & incoming is possible by Four Gates Only.

8) Shivaji Garden
It is located in Bhagat Singh Colony, Newai Town about 30 km from Tonk Hq. It is situated on the National Highway, 70 km far from Jaipur. Its map is designed like Maisoor Gardens and Hiran Magari Park. Musical fountains are arranged in this garden, and there is a swimming pool for children.

9) Rajamahal
The 'Sangam' of three rivers Banas, Khari and Dai attracts the tourists. This Mahal is situated at bank of the Banas River. There is good heritage hotel that provides accommodation to the tourists. One can enjoy the boating in Dah of Salam Singh. Many national and international tourists who visited this place admire the beauty of this place. It is about 10 km from Bisalpur. One can see the Raj Mahal built on a big mountain at Kakor. This Mahal attracts the tourists. Formerly, this village was known as Kanakpura.

Tonk town has the biggest market in the Tonk district. It has separate agriculture market - 'Krishi Mandi' and a central consumer durables market. Other towns in the district have smaller clustered markets. Most popular shopping destination for consumer durables in the district is Ashok General Stores located at Subhash Circle of Tonk town. One of the oldest shop for Medicens/Durgs and General Items is " Agarwal Medical Store " at Bada Kuwa.

By Rail: Jaipur Station is well connected to Delhi by Ajmer Shatabdi and Delhi-Jaipur Express, to Mumbai by the Bombay Central-Jaipur and Aravalli expresses, and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jaipur Express.

By Road: Tonk is well-connected by roads. Rajasthan Tourism provides regular bus services that run through major tourist cities and nearby towns.

By Air: Jaipur Sanganer Airport is the nearest airport and is well connected to all the major cities of the country.