
Jal Mahal Deeg
'Deeg (
Hindi:डीग)' is a city and a
municipality in
Bharatpur district in the state of
Rajasthan,
India. It is situated in the north of Bharatpur at a distance of 32 km, and 98 km (61 miles) North of
Agra.
History
It is an ancient town. It finds mention in
Skanda Purana as “Dirgha” or “Dirghapura”. Deeg was the first capital of the newly carved out
Jat state of Bharatpur, when
Badan Singh was proclaimed its ruler in
1722. In
1730, the
Maharaja Suraj Mal erected the strong fortress of Deeg. After Suraj Mal moved the capital to Bharatpur, Deeg became the second capital of the rulers of Bharatpur
princely state. It is known for its number of forts, palaces, gardens and fountains.
Fairs
Now a days Deeg is famous for the three-day fair held in the month of September, when the forts of Deeg are brought to liveliness. Deeg has various kinds of palaces, the most famous among them is "Sawan-Bhadon". The palace has a hollow ceiling with rolling iron spheres in it; when water is made to flow into the ceiling, these spheres collide with each other and produce a sound like raining clouds.
Demographics
As of 2001 India
census,
[1] Deeg had a population of 40,826. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Deeg has an average literacy rate of 61%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 71% and, female literacy is 49%. In Deeg, 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.