Tomar Rajput dynasty echoes here at Surajkund. This ancient reservoir whispers tales of kings and sun worship. Surajkund is not just a lake. It is a testament to the rich history of Delhi and Haryana.
Let’s journey back to the 10th century. King Surajpal of the Tomara dynasty built this artificial Kund. “Kund” means lake or reservoir. The king was a sun worshipper. Thus, he built a Sun temple on its western bank. Imagine the rituals performed here. Picture the vibrant colours of devotees offering their prayers.
Surajkund literally translates to “Lake of the Sun.” The Aravalli hills provide a stunning backdrop. The amphitheater-shaped embankment adds to its unique structure. The reservoir is semicircular. It reflects the architectural brilliance of the time.
But the history of Surajkund stretches back even further. Paleolithic sites surround Surajkund. These sites contain rock art and stone tools dating back 100,000 years BC. Imagine early humans crafting tools. Picture them seeking shelter in these very hills. Surajkund has been a place of importance for millennia.
Anangpal I, the first king of the Tomar dynasty, established his kingdom in the 8th century. He built numerous palaces and temples. Though many have diminished, Surajkund remains. Anangpal II, another Tomar king, built Delhi’s Lal Kot. This was later renovated by Prithviraj Chauhan.
The Tomars ruled for 457 years. Their capital shifted over time. Anangpur was their first capital. Dhillikapuri, or Delhi’s Lal Kot, was the last. Suraj Pal may have built Surajkund in 686 AD. He was the son of Anang Pal I. Another theory suggests the name comes from the Sun Temple. Ruins of this temple have been found. Some believe Surajpal built this lake for his daughter.
Centuries later, Feroz Shah Tughlaq renovated Surajkund. He rebuilt the steps and terraces with stones and lime mortar. He also built a garhi near the Sun temple site. The Tughlaq Dynasty left its mark on this ancient site.
Even though the Tomar dynasty disappeared in the 12th century, Surajkund endured. The Haryana Government recognized its potential. They developed the area as a tourist spot. The annual Surajkund Crafts Mela was introduced. This fair has become an iconic event.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela attracts millions of visitors. People come from India and abroad. Traditional craftspeople showcase their work. Artists, painters, weavers, and sculptors participate. You can find designer items made of wood, metal, bamboo, and stone. The fair has a different theme each year. It focuses on Indian culture and crafts.
The architecture of Surajkund is remarkable. The reservoir is shaped like the rising sun. A steep embankment of stepped stones encloses it. Rainfall was captured here to meet Delhi’s water needs. The reservoir spans 99 acres. In the past, it served as a hunting forest resort. Peacocks once danced here.
The Anagpur Dam is upstream from Surajkund. A seasonal stream flows from the dam to the lake. Peacock Lake lies downstream. It adds to the area’s beauty.
Today, Surajkund faces environmental challenges. Illegal mining and habitat destruction threaten its existence. The Supreme Court has intervened to stop illegal mining. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the wetland areas. The goal is to protect this historical site.
As we stand here at Surajkund, we connect with centuries of history. Kings, artisans, and devotees have all left their mark. The Surajkund stands as a reminder of our past. It also serves as a beacon for the future. It is a call to preserve our heritage. Let’s cherish Surajkund.