Kaithal is a historically significant place known to be associated with Lord Hanuman. Earlier it was known as Kapisthal which manes the “abode of Kapi”. It is said that the city was originally founded by one of the Pandavas, Yudhishtira. The most famous fact about this city is that the first woman ruler of India, Razia Sultan’s tomb is situated in this city of Haryana. The area today is known for rice and cotton agriculture. Let us look at the top 5 places to visit in Kaithal-
1. Ancient Baoli
Boali is a well that has been built in a particular fashion with brick steps leading down to the well. This water tank is locally more popular as ‘Bhai ki Baoli’. The three story building is like a step well that has walls on both sides. The sides of the steps are decorated with arches and doorways. The Bhai rulers of the Kaithal state commissioned the construction of this baoli. Located near the Government hospital in the city, the baoli is a beautiful place to visit!
2. Kalayat Temple
The name ‘Kalayat’ is derived from the word Kapilayatana which means the home of Kapila the sage. One of the most famous thinkers in Indian Philosophy, the sage Kapila is said to have lived here at one point of time. The area once had five temples but only two survive now that date back to the 8th century AD. The temples have been constructed through the carving of bricks and mortar and are great examples of early Hindu architecture. The carved bricks are truly one of a kind and are therefore, preserved by the local authorities. These temples are of great historical significance as they might be the last surviving Hindu relics form a pre-Mughal era. The temples are located near the banks of a pond in the Kalayat town.
3. Thehpolar
Located about 4 kilometres from Siwan village, the mound of Thehpolar is said to be the site of an ancient village that was destroyed during the Mahabharata war. The site is located about 10 kilometres from Kaithal and has yielded many artefacts on excavation like coins, clay seals, pots etc. The coins are also from the Indo-Greek period and are of great historical significance. A place worth all the travel that takes to get there, this beautiful ancient village is absolutely breath-taking!
4. Forts and Palaces of the Bhai Dynasty
The Sikh-Jat rulers of the erstwhile Kaithal princely state were called Bhais and they constructed various different palaces and buildings all across the town. The palaces were built in an Indo-European fashion and are a lovely sight to behold. The last king of the dynasty made the Garden house that till date mesmerizes anyone who goes to witness the beautifully carved entrances and walls. A must-visit for all, these palaces are a quaint remainder of the royal past of the city.
5. Tomb of Razia Sultan
Located on the Kaithal-Manas road, the tomb is of Razia Sultan, more famously known as the only female rulers of the country. The tomb is protected by a wall and the walls on the west side are covered with arches. The tomb is said to have been built in the 16th century AD and is made of lime mortar and bricks. The tomb also has a mosque in the same premises. This monument is the salient feature of the city, as the last lady to ever conquer the throne of Delhi rests here in peace.
The town of Kaithal is the seat of historical importance and a mixture of cultures that is evident in the architecture of the buildings of the city. The monuments range from the Mahabharata era as well as the time of Razia Sultan. A true melting pot of cultures, the city of Kaithal is a must-visit for all!
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