Introduction

The Hadoti region consists of the districts of BundiBaranJhalawar and Kota, and borders the Mewar region of Rajasthan to the west and on the south by the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh state to the south. The name of the region derives from the Hada Rajputs, a branch of the Chauhan Rajput clan. As early as the 12th century, these HadaRajputs migrated into this region. Hada Rao Deva, a member of this Hada Rajputs group, occupied Bundi in the year 1241, and then Kota in the year 1264. In the Hadoti region, there is Kota, which had gained its status as an independent state in the year 1579. Jhalawar became a separate state in the year 1838. Hadoti is a treasure house of art and sculpture. Some of the archeological wonders are found in the temples that are situated in every nook and corner of it.

Bundi is an important city, bearing witness to some of the striking artistry. It is located in a narrow encompassing gorge. The Bundi palace of this Hadoti region portrays an instance of Hada Rajput architecture with its engraved brackets, towers, and balconies. The Chitra Shala, with its superb paintings of this famous Bundi School, decorates the palace walls.

At the time of its festivals and fairs, the whole of the Hadoti region gets embellished with color and exuberance. Due to its integrity to the Rajasthani culture, most of the people of the Hadoti region practice Hinduism. They also fete almost all the traditional Rajasthani festivals like Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami. Pushkar, too, one of the significant festivals of Rajasthan, has been feted in the Hadoti with great festivity.

Also, there is a small subdivision of Keshorai Patan, which is situated some forty kilometers from Bundi city and about twenty-one kilometers from Kota. It specially gets enchanted with the mood of festivity and Pushkar celebration. Early in the morning, on the banks of the river Chambal, both males and females dress up in costumes. In the crystal-clear waters of the river `Charmanyavati` or Chambal of Keshori Patan of the Hadoti, they float illumined diyas into the river water and seek blessings with prayers. Numerous villagers travel by ferry to reach the area. The local market of this place of Hadoti, is thronged with people who also take a consecrated dip in the "Charmanyawati".

In order to falicitate the development and industrial growth of Rajasthan state, a special Hadoti industrial fair is observed in Kota. Several entrepreneurs have been invited here to take initiatives in this regard. The State Government, has given its wholehearted support to these endeavors.

Being a part of Rajasthan state, the region of Hadoti is agrarian and the majority of its people work in agriculture. Wheat, barley, pulses, and sugarcane are the main staple crops. The region is enriched with the resources of oil seeds and minerals. Various dance forms and musical melodies are quite popular amongst the people of Hadoti, which recreate them and thus elevate their spirits.