Merta City

History

The ancient name of Merta City was Medantaka. Nagabhatta Pratihar from Pratihar Rajput dynasty of Mandore established himself at Medantaka and made the city his capital. In 13th Century, Alauddin Khilji took control of this place and placed Tajuddin Ali as his viceroy at Medantaka. Later, Rao Jodha granted Merta as Jagir to his son Rao Duda. From Merta, Duda's descendant got the name of Mertiya Rathores. Rao Duda built a palace, temple of Chaturbhuj Ji and Dudasar Pond. After Rao Duda, Rao Veeramdeo ruled in Merta. Veeramdeo's niece was the famous poet and devotee of Krishna, Mira Bai. Veeramdeo also took part in Battle of Khanwa. When Maldev Rathore became the King of Marwar, he expanded his territory and annexed Merta from Viramdeo Mertiya. Rao Maldev built Malkot fort in Merta. After the Battle of Sammel, Merta came under control of Sher Shah. After sometime, Merta again came under control of Rao Maldeo. Veeramdeo's son Jaimal Mertiya moved to Mewar. Near Dagolai Talab, Capt. De Bourbon's grave is located. He was in Scindia's army and died of wounds he received in Battle of Merta. Merta-Estate was soon merged with Jodhpur State and Jaimal's 14 sons were given small principalities nearby. Akbar gave half Merta to Rao Surtan Singh and half to Rao Keshavdas Mertiya sons of Rao Jaimal. Merta was distributed in Jagirs and Thikanas by independently Mertiya's like Riya, Budsu (4 villages), Borawar (7 villages), Badu-Jagir(13 villages) Mannano, Ladoli, Kalwo, Gular, Jawla, Meethri, Alniyawas, Maroth, Badnore-Jagir, Ghanerao and others The same spirit was shown by many descendants of the Mertia Royal Family, including the Chiefs of Rian, Methri and Alniyawas who fought against the rebels of Kumpawat clan in the battle of Merta in 1790 AD and suffered mass annihilation.…

Most-observed species

• Little Swift

  Apus affinis (J.E.Gray, 1830) · Aves
  6
• Rose-ringed Parakeet

  Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) · Aves
  3
• Rock Pigeon

  Columba livia J.F.Gmelin, 1789 · Aves
  3
• Red-wattled Lapwing

  Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783) · Aves
  3
• Little Cormorant

  Microcarbo niger (Vieillot, 1817) · Aves
  3
• Grey Francolin

  Ortygornis pondicerianus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789) · Aves
  2
• Indian Rock Python

  Python molurus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Squamata
  2
• Black-shouldered Kite

  Elanus caeruleus (Desfontaines, 1789) · Aves
  2