Heritage Village of Madhya Pradesh - Amla

History of Amla

Welcome to experience the rich heritage & culture of India. Amla - A Heritage Village offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Indian culture in its true sense. Plan a day trip to village or a week long stay; it surely gives you the true experience of the village life, its culture, rituals handicrafts, agriculture, performing arts, the palace, temples and above all a feeling of association with the roots of real India. The tradition, culture and rituals of the village are true to their form so that you can enjoy peace tranquility and pleasure of village life. A sojourn in the village would make you experience a completely different culture.

Here a wealth of local craft awaits you. At the haat bazaar in the village you can see artisans working and can directly purchase from them. Exquisitely crafted silverware and leather artifacts, which local craftsmen create, are matchless. Embellished with antique embroidery the hand stitched mojris, designed by the people here, are famous throughout the world.

Amla is located near the temple town Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, the financial capital of the State Indore and mesmerizing Mandu.

Enjoy the experience of royal life at Fort Amla a heritage hotel and explore the true tradition of Indian Hospitality and Indian Culture.

About 72% of India is rural based, India has an agro based economy, rural India is one of the largest untapped potential market for goods and services, villages of India have always been said to represent the true essence and flavour of India through their arts, culture, folk music, local dances, fairs and festivals.

Considering the said aspects, village tourism in India offers immense potential for foreign as well as domestic visitors with its unhurried life, quiet solitude and an insight into simple village life.

However, all this is being lost to the constant migration of villagers to cities for livelihood, modernisation, and lack of understanding & consideration for our cultural heritage, the present perception of villages is that they are unhygienic, uninteresting and without the basic amenities for a comfortable stay.

The concept of 'Heritage Village' would look into the shortcomings and the infrastructural deficits and address the issues therein. By doing this, not only will the rural heritage be safeguarded but also open up a huge potential market for rural and cultural tourism. This would also provide the villages with much required up gradation but at the same time safeguarding our rural heritage. For this, following aspects will have to be taken into serious consideration:

• Traditional essence of the village should be retained.
• Infrastructural development should be on the lines of providing amenities without disturbing the original setup.
• The effort is self-sustaining once the project stage is over.
• There is maximum local participation.
• The support and promotion of handicrafts and local art should be based on a business module to ensure economic viability for the artisans, local performers, etc.

Tejaji Fair (Month of September)

The Tejaji Fair is very popular and widely attended function of the area. It is held on the Tenth day of the month of Bhadwa every year. People of the area have staunch faith due to the miracles by the blessings of Tejaji.

The Navratri Durga Utsava (Month of October)

A function of Power & Faith, it is celebrated by the people of all the communities who gather for Garba Dances and Ratijaga's for all the nine nights. The festival culminates in great celebration when the deities are taken for immersion in the step wells or Bawri's.

Malwa's eminent Maach fair (Month of September - October)

It is another very interesting fair as it is a continuation of the old martial art practices. The fair represent youth and bravery and the participants strive to win the trophy awarded to the winning team.

The founders of Amla riyasat are direct descendents of Bappa Rawal of Udaipur, who in those days of Mughal atrocities and suppression bravely opposed the then Badshah and refused to accede to their demands. Many rulers bowed to the Mughals, but Bappa Rawal's family was the only one, which remained untouched.

They were lauded for their bravery with which they supported and upheld the Hindu religion and the vidwans from Kashi with the agreement of the rest of the country gave the lineage the title of "Hindua Suraj." Bappa Rawal's 51st descendent was Maharana Pratap, who was known for his opposition of the Mughal rulers and whose exploits are also well chronicled in history.

Maharana Pratap's 5th generation was Maharana Raj Singhji who was born in 1630 AD and who ascended the throne in 1653 AD. The first thing he did after ascending the throne was to attack Ajmer and Malwa where the Mughals had started to demolish temples and slaughtering cows extensively. In 1658 AD he annexed Banera and Shahpura, which were under the Badshah's rule.

When Marathas conquered the Malwa region 1736-37 AD, they maintained the status quo of Amla jagir. The Scindias also conferred the title of "Istmurardar" and a seat of honour to the rulers of Amla in the royal court of Gwalior. Maharaja Nahar Singhji II ascended the throne in 1899 AD.

The architecture of the fort is similar to the forts of Mewar in Rajasthan. It is maintained regularly and kept in good condition. The fort is located on the outer western side of the village and has a panoramic view of the fields in the west. On the eastern southern side the fort is flanked by the village and has a clear view of the village chowk and the activities therein on the eastern side.

The fort is an architectural delight to behold with bold sweeping arches and long open terraces. It has large spacious chowks in both the Mardana and the Zenana sections. A portion of the Fort has now been converted in to 12 deluxe family suites, with the added facilities of laundry, library, and T.V. lounge, Doctor on call, Indian, Continental and regional cuisine and theme dinners.

One can unwind & enjoy a soul stirring tranquil evening of Malwa with gazhals in the ambience of Fort Amla - the Royal experience. If inclined towards a livelier form of entertainment, an evening of foot tapping music and dance presented by a group of local tribals can be enjoyed. The other folk art of the area to be savored is the Mayur Dance and other performances by local folk Dancers.

A trip to the village

One can make a day long trip to the village to experience the daily life, the rituals and the culture.One can also visit various farms adjoining the village. In convivial evenings, you can take a dip into soulful gazals amid the luxurious ambience of Fort Amla. Or if gazals is not your taste then get intoxicated with mesmerizing folk dance and tap your feet along with tribals, performing live for you, giving a glimpse of tribal tradition.

Hand Block Printing & Batik

The textiles of Madhya Pradesh are a part of the rich heritage of India. The weaving, Block printing and colouring of textiles of Madhya Pradesh have been influenced by the bordering States of Orissa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, but at the same time they have developed their own distinctive style and individuality. You get a chance to see the making live and if you are keen on learning the art the artisans will help you to do the same.

Haat Bazaar

At the haat bazaar, developed in the village, you can see artisans working and can directly purchase it from them. Exquisitely crafted silverware and leather artifacts, which local craftsmen create, are matchless. Embellished with antique embroidery the hand stitched mojris, designed by the people here, are famous throughout the world.

Famous Kalika Mata Mandir

Where people from surrounding villages gather and join the famous Chool-mela - where they walk on fire to express their gratitude to the deity in thanksgiving of fulfillment of their desires (Manoti). This function dates back to about two hundred years.

Fort Amla

Large and spacious 11 rooms and suites are well-lit and airy. Its antique furnishing recalls the grandeur of another era while the contained number ensures intimate and individualized hospitality.

Facilities

Laundry, Doctor on call, Library, TV lounge

Address

Fort Amla, V.P.O. Amla, Tehsil: Barnagar, Dist.: Ujjain, India

By Air

The nearest airport is Indore (110Km) connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Gwalior & Bhopal.

By Rail

Nearest Railheads are Ujjain (45 kms), Indore (110 kms) or Ratlam (48 kms) on wester railway connected with all major locations of India.

By Road

Delhi-Jaipur-Ujjain-Amla, Delhi-Agra-Gwalior-Amla, Delhi-Amla (960 kms) Well connected by buses from Ujjain & Indore. Regular buses are available.

Address

Fort Amla, V.P.O. Amla, Tehsil: Barnagar, Dist.: Ujjain, India