Naguar's history is both interesting and unique to tourists who are more used to hearing the courage and sacrifice of the Rajput clan of Rajasthan. Nagaur was originally inhabited by the Naga Rajputs and was known as Acichhatrapur, the capital of Jangledesh. It was later ruled by the Chauhan and Muslim rulers.

Despite this, Nagaur would not have found its distinct place in history had it not been for its hot tempered ruler, Amar Singh. The story goes that Amar Singh was an irrepressible personality who refused to bow before his father and was hence ousted from his own kingdom of Jodhpur. He shook hands with the Mughals, who though respected his father, Gaj Singh, still realised that Amar Singh could be a boon for them during wars. Shah Jahan, famous Mughal Emperor gave him Nagaur as an independent fief and a title of Rao as a recognition of his bravery.

However, soon after, a catastrophic event shook the bond that was developing. Amar Singh, without informing remained absent from the royal court for a considerable time period and when summoned by the emperor to give an explanation for his unruly behaviour (he had also refused to pay the fine imposed on him for his behaviour), he attacked the king himself. The subsequent event that followed saw the death of Amar Singh.

Notwithstanding the story, the people of Nagaur still hail Amar Singh as a hero who had the courage to stand up to protest against the power of the great Mughal rulers. The respect for Amar Singh is still evident when incence sticks are lighted at his cenotaph.

The Majastic Nagaur Fort

At one end of the Thar desert lies the picturesque town of Nagaur. Located 137km to the north of Jodhpur, the Nagaur fort shimmers like a beacon in sharp contrast to the dull sandy stretch of desert which surrounds it. Located atop a hill like so many of Rajasthan’s forts for strategic reasons is the historic Nagaur fort, dating back to the 4th century. The city itself has three main entrances called the Delhi Gate, the Tripolia Gate, and the Nakash Gate. The three palaces within the fort which are particularly exquisite are the Hadi Rani Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Badal Mahal which are noted for their beautiful frescoes. Nearby lies a mosque which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar and a shrine dedicated to a follower of Moin-uddin Chishti, the famous sufi (mystic) saint who lived in nearby Ajmer. Also in Nagore lie a cluster of cenotaphs built in the traditional Rajput style; like pristine stone umbrellas.

The Nagaur Fair

A major attraction of Nagaur is a cattle fair which is organised annually and will next be held on 12-15 February 2000. The cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and is a wonderful gathering of men and beasts, brisk trading and keen competition in the best traditions of this quaint little township. Held right on the outskirts of the town the fair features cock fights, camel races, puppet shows, folk dancing, tug-of-wars and a host of other things. The fair is renowned for the trading of cows, oxen, horses, camels and bulls (the Nagaur breed is known for its fleet-footedness). As the sun sets the atmosphere is enlivened by folk musicians whose melodies resound far and wide across the tranquil desert sands.