Alwar

Alwar lies among the hills of the Aravalli range, between Delhi and Jaipur. The region belonged to the ancient kingdom of Matsya and later saw the rule of several Rajput houses and the Khanzadas of Mewat. Above the town stands the fort known as Bala Quila, a stronghold contested by the rulers of the surrounding country.

In 1492 the fort passed from the Nikumbh Rajputs to the Khanzadas of Mewat. The region was also the birthplace of Hemu, who captured Delhi in 1556 before his defeat and execution after the Second Battle of Panipat. In 1770 Pratap Singh Naruka established the state of Alwar. His successor Bakhtawar Singh fought neighbouring Jaipur and was compelled to accept a treaty mediated by the East India Company.