Sariska

Sariska

 Sariska is a region in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, known primarily for the Sariska Tiger Reserve, a national park and wildlife sanctuary. The area has a rich history that is closely intertwined with the heritage of the princely state of Alwar and the Rajputana legacy.

Historical Overview of Sariska:

1. Ancient and Medieval Periods:

   • The area now known as Sariska has been inhabited since ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was part of the Matsya kingdom, one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) of ancient India.
   • The region has seen the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and later the Rajputs.

2. Rajput Era:

   • During the medieval period, Sariska and the surrounding areas were ruled by Rajput clans, particularly the Kachwaha Rajputs who later became the rulers of Alwar.
   • The Kachwaha Rajputs are believed to have migrated from the area around Jaipur to the Alwar region, establishing the kingdom of Alwar in the late 18th century under Maharaja Pratap Singh.

3. Mughal and British Periods:

   • The region came under Mughal influence during the reign of Akbar, who used the nearby Alwar Fort as a strategic military outpost.
   • During British rule, Alwar became a princely state, and the rulers of Alwar maintained their autonomy under British suzerainty. The dense forests of Sariska were used as hunting grounds by the royal family and British officials.

4. Post-Independence:

   • After India gained independence in 1947, Alwar merged into the Indian Union, and the princely state was dissolved.
   • Sariska was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955, and in 1978, it was given the status of a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative to protect the dwindling population of Bengal tigers.

5. Conservation Efforts:

   • In the early 2000s, the Sariska Tiger Reserve faced a severe crisis when the entire tiger population was reportedly wiped out due to poaching. This led to a national outcry and renewed conservation efforts.
   • Tigers were reintroduced to Sariska from Ranthambore National Park in 2008, and since then, the population has been slowly recovering.