Why is Khandela famous? It is about a historical town Khandela that was established before Mahabharat era and birthplace of Krishna Bhakt Karmeti Bai.
In history, the Mahabharata era town Khandela has been referred to by three names, Khandapura, Khandilla and Khadagakupa.
It is believed that Khandela was founded by a descendant of Shishupal, the king of Chedi Mahajanapada of ancient India and cousin of Lord Krishna.
The king named Khand mentioned in Mahabharata is also said to be related to the present Khandela. In ancient times, it was called Khandasya Ila because of the name of the Khand king.
In ancient times, the Kantali river used to flow through the middle of this city, due to which it was divided into two parts. Before independence, two kings ruled here, one of whom was known as Bada Pana and the other as Chhota Pana.
The Naga dynasty Chauhan kings had influence here. In the seventh century, Khandela was ruled by a king named Aditya Nag Dhusar.
In 1084 AD, Prince Nardev Chauhan of Nadol (Pali) defeated the ruler Kunwar Singh Dahil and took over Khandela. The descendants of Nardev Chauhan came to be known as Nirvan (Nirban).
After this, in 1578 AD, the ruler of Khandela, Pipaji Nirban was defeated by Raisal and the Shekhawat kingdom was established in Khandela which continued till Independence.
Many mighty kings also attacked Khandela, among whom Hammir Chauhan of Ranthambore and Maharana Kumbha of Mewar are prominent.
Till Independence, there used to be a total of 52 stepwells in Khandela, due to which it was called the city of 52 stepwells.
The famous Jain Acharya Jinprabh Suri also resided in Khandela. Karmati Bai, who was equal to Meera Bai in devotion to Krishna, was born in the land of Khandela.
The origin of some clans of Vaishya community is also believed to be associated with Khandela, among which Vijayvargiya, Maheshwari, Khandelwal and Sarawagi are the main ones.
See also Why is Khandela Dham famous?
Author
Ramesh Sharma {M Pharm, MSc (Computer Science), PGDCA, MA (History), CHMS}
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