History

The town dates from 1348, and is situated in a position naturally defended by ravines on the north and east, while it is further protected by a great wall. The Maharaja's palace is a handsome block of buildings, some of them dating to the late 18th century.Karauli was founded by Maharaja Arjun Dev Yadav in 1348.

Monuments

Kaila Devi (Goddess) temple is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in Karauli district. The temple is devoted to the tutelary deity, goddess Kaila, of the erstwhile princely rulers of the Karauli state. It is marble structures with a large courtyard of a checkered floor.In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees. The place is also famous for its fair held during the dark half of chaitra (March-April) and lasts for a fortnight Kaila Devi Shrine is located near Karauli. Karauli is a holy city situated 160 km from Jaipur and 103 km from Sawai Madhopur, is venue for the famous Kaila Devi fair. Earlier called Kalyanpuri, after the local deity Kalyanji, Karauli was founded in 1348 A.D. Karauli was strongly fortified by its rulers. The city is surrounded by a wall of red sandstone strengthened by bastions at several places. The peripheral wall, now dilapidated at several places, has six gates and eleven posterns. Raja Gopal Das of Karauli ruled from 1533 to 1569. During this time, he defeated Daud Khan. To acknowledge his valorous deeds, the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, bestowed on him the award of Ranjit Nagarah which is still with the erstwhile rulers. As per the legends, the ruling family of Karauli, recognised as the head of the Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, are the descendants of Lord Krishna. Situated 23 km. from Kaila Devi, Karauli was an erstwhile princely state in eastern Rajasthan. Karauli is famous for its pale red-stone. Karauli has some noted places of visits like temples of Kaila Devi and Madan Mohanji and other historic monuments. In the sanctum sanctorum, there are two idols. The idol of Kaila Devi is slightly reclined as the neck of the goddess is bend. The idols are very old and they are made of the locally available stone. Shakta sect holds way of the temple but it is worshiped by all Hindus and all others. The temple is a fine example of medieval architecture. The shikhar is very high like a pyramid. There is an open court. The Jagmohan or the prayer hall is also the same. The ornamental work, engraving and encarving have been done on walls and pillars. The temple stands on a rocky elevation. The shikhar can be seen from a distance. The Jagmohan of the temple is spacious. The temple has a strong hold on peoples faith.The village was named Kalia after a sadhu called Kedar Giri who lived on the banks of the river Kali Sil. The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in the hills of Trikut, 2 km. to the north-west of Kaila village. Kaila Devi has been regarded as the guardian deity throughout the ages by the Khinchis, the Yadavas and the princess of Karauli. It is a marble structure with a large courtyard of a checkered floor. In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees. The place is also famous for its fair held during the dark half of ‘chaitra’(March-April) and lasts for a fortnight. Years ago, few jadons (jadauns) had moved to west Uttar Pradesh from karoli. They are mainly living in villages and city of Sirsaganj & Shikohabad (distt. Firozabad,UP). Near 84 villages are their in which jadauns are dominating.Jadudwara is under construction near sirsaganj.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Karauli had a population of 66,179. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Karauli has an average literacy rate of 53%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 65%, and female literacy is 41%. In Karauli, 19% of the population is under 6 years of age.