Formerly known as Dhawalpuri, the city of Dholpur boasts of a rich history that fascinates every visitor. It was established by a small time ruler named Dhawal Deo who named the city after himself.

Dholpur was a relatively small kingdom but had a very turbulent history, the reason being its strategic location on the main route linking Kabul to Delhi. Besides, its proximity to some powerful cities like Gwalior, Agra and Bayana attracted many rulers who wished to take advantage of its strategic location. The brave rulers of Dholpur always did their best to resist every attempt to subjugate them, however, the city regularly suffered at the hands of the invading forces. From Sikander Lodi in 1501 AD to Babur in 1526 AD, Dholpur was repeatedly attacked by neighboring kings and was almost razed to the ground. During Humayun's rule, the site of Dholpur town was moved northwards to avoid erosion by the river Chambal.

Two important Mughal wars were fought near Dholpur, the first being the one when Aurangzeb defeated his brother Dara Sikoh in 1658. The second was a war of succession fought between Aurangzeb's sons in 1707 AD.

The town of Dholpur is 34 m. S. of Agra by rail. Pop. (Igo') 19,310. The present town, which dates from the 16th century, stands somewhat to the north of the site of the older Hindu town built, it is supposed, in the iith century by the Tonwar Rajput Raja Dholan (or Dhawal) Deo, and named after him Dholdera or Dhawalpuri. Among the objects of interest in the town may be mentioned the fortified sarai built in the reign of Akbar, within which is the fine tomb of Sadik Mahommed Khan (d. 1595), one of his generals. The town, from its position on the railway, is growing in importance as a centre of trade.

The main attractions are Shergarh Fort (built by Sher Shah Suri on the site of an earlier Hindu fortress), Khanpur Mahal (palace of Shah Jahan), Shiva Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Talab-e-shahi (the picturesque lake, 40kms from Dholpur, attracting various migratory birds in winter). Ramsagar part of the sanctuary has Ramsagar lake. The lake is very picturesque and supports rich aquatic life including fresh water crocodiles and a number of species of fishes and snakes. Water birds like ibis, white breasted water hen, moorhen, jacanas, stilt, river tern, ringed plover, sand piper and herons (grey, and purple) are quite common. During winter months migratory ducks and geese also visit the lake in good numbers. A four-wheel vehicle is necessary if one intends to visit Ramsagar area and the lake.

Dholpur was created as the capital of a Jat state in as recent as 1805 AD of Rajestan. But the original town is much older than this. It is said to have been built in the early 11th century by one Raja Dhawal Deo. Dhawal’s city was a little to the south of the present city, and was originally known as Dhawalpuri. People started calling it Dholpur only much later. The state was a small one, but with a very turbulent history. Its strategic location on the main route from Kabul and Delhi to Deccan and its proximity to cities like Gwalior and Agra attracted the attention of almost all the powerful rulers. As such the place has had to witness many bloody wars. and though the rulers of Dholpur resisted with valour, it was, time and again, plundered and devastated several times.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:

Laswari:
It is the very site where Daulat Rao Scindia was defeated by Lord Lake. The ruins of the oldest Mughal garden, the Damoh Waterfall and the Kanpur Mahal are the main attractions of Laswari.

Shergarh Fort:
Located towards the south of Dholpur, the Shergarh Fort was built by Sher Shah Suri on the ruins of a Hindu fortress.

The Khanpur Mahal:
This exquisite structure was meant to be a pleasure- palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

The Shiva Temple:
This ancient temple boasts of great architectural beauty and importance and is located near the Gwalior- Agra road.

EXCURSIONS:

Muchchhkund:
Located 8 kms away from Dholpur, Muchchhkund is a revered Hindu site. It was named after Raja Muchchhkund the 24th king of the Suryavanshi Dynasty (the solar race) who is believed to have reigned nineteen generations before Lord Ram.

Ramsagar Sanctuary:
The sanctuary is located some 34 kms away from Dholpur and boasts of a rich aquatic life that includes freshwater crocodiles besides a variety of fishes and snakes. Visitors can also have a look at many water birds like Cormorants, Jacanas, River Terns, Moor Hens, Ringed Plovers and Stilts.

Talab Shahi:
This beautiful lake is situated beside a hunting lodge built for Shah Jahan in 1617 AD. Situated 40 km away from Dholpur, the lake attracts a large number of winter migratory fowls like the Pintail, Shoveller, Red Crested Pochard, Comnion Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Teal, Garganey Teal and Gadwall.

Van Vihar Wild Life Sanctuary:
This old wildlife reserve of the rulers of Dholpur is located around 18 kms away from Dholpur. Spread over an area of 59.86. Sq. kms, the reserve boasts of a rich wildlife.