Rising from the Curse is the new Chapter in the Horror Story of Ajabgarh Village
Ajabgarh, the ruined city near the infamous haunted fort of Bhangarh is resurrecting slowly into a pleasant tourist place no one could wonder.
Located at the foot of the Aravali range in Alwar district of Rajasthan, Bhangarh has been a rich tourist attraction for its connotations with the curse bequeathed from its mysterious past. Situated only 15 Km away from Bhangarh is a medium-sized village of Ajabgarh in Thanagazi Tehsil of Alwar which is equally known for the ruins of monumental buildings and historical forts. The majestic archeology streamed with ghost stories has always intrigued history lovers and adventure freaks to experience what lies inside the darkness that engulfs the pristine forts of Bhangarh and Ajabgarh.
The Evil Spell
Ajabgarh was built by Maharaja Madho Singh’s grandson as a new settlement for the people of Bhangarh. But what seemed like a curse traveled its way from Bhangarh, Ajabgarh is also linked with paranormal activities for the infamous history of witchcraft which possibly forced its people to leave their dwellings. Another reason was the scarcity of water and lack of facilities, which is why the village was almost abandoned despite 325 households in the total area of 515 hectares.
So far, there was nothing else that Ajabbgarh could offer to its tourists and the local population except only the historical attraction of the place. One could not find hotels or any accommodation within a radius of 25 Km of this place Most of the forts were not even accessible by road. People complained of the crumbling structures which crave for maintenance while some others found the trouble with facilities such as road, accommodation, and local settlement. Such off-putting remarks from visitors were a clear warning to consider before adding this place to one’s travel plan.
Restoration Activities
Finally, what seems like a pleasant call arrived in the form of whole new endeavors that are lifting the place from horror to hope. To make Ajabgarh an amicable abode for tourism, some private firms have come up with projects to turn the ruined forts into heritage hotels. This would not only preserve the forts but shall also provide lavish accommodation to the tourists.
Recently, the parched landscape has been bestowed with water supply from a local water conservation project which started 35 years ago. It includes recharging of groundwater by creating johads (rainwater storage tanks) and ponds. People have started returning to their homes to raise their neglected farms. A new community is reported to build up one-kilometer away from the abandoned village adding to 2,500 households which now populate the restored village.
Besides selling their crops in cities, many residents look after the maintenance work of the forts or serve as local guides to the tourists. The re-settlement has paved way to creating shops, government schools, water storage tanks, and roadside amenities.
While the lush greenery of the place that is besotted during the monsoons and winters is enough to let go of the blandness of life, one can visit the haunted Ajabgarh fort, Sariska wildlife sanctuary, Dausa Village and the reverential temples of Hindu idols. Other activities include walking down the planned new smooth roads, shopping in the streets and listening to the stories of local people. The upcoming chain of heritage hotels would allow for an accommodation option within the place.
The newly restored village of Ajabgarh hence promises more prospects for tourists to visit the place and experience the thrill around the majestic forts of Bhangarh and Ajabgarh which are hitherto claimed to be haunted.
