Cave paintings date the occupation of the area along the Chambal River to prehistoric times. It was ruled by Bhil chieftains until the 13th century, when Jait singh of Bundi, a Hada Chauhan, usurped their territory, Kota became an independent state from Bundi when rao Madho singh was installed as ruler in 1631 with the blessings of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
The surprising fact is that Kota has historical–industrial towns with power and atomic plants aren’t supposed to, belonging as they do to the genre of sci-fi cities. Kota’s broad avenues, leefy roads and its status as a divisional headquarter of the Indian Army further hide its ancient beginnings. But Kota is as much a child of fractious history as its fellow Rajput kingdoms, born of blood, gore and diplomacy.