Tonk

Tonk: The Nawabi Crossroads of Rajasthan

Nestled along the banks of the Banas River roughly 95 kilometers south of Jaipur, Tonk is an exceptionally distinct and culturally rich town. While the vast majority of Rajasthan’s historical destinations are defined by their grand Hindu Rajput dynasties, Tonk stands out as one of the very few historic princely states ruled by a Muslim Nawab pathan clan.

Founded as a sovereign state in 1817 AD by the fierce Pashtun military commander Amir Khan Pindari under a treaty with the British East India Company, Tonk is fondly referred to as the “Nawabi Nagari” (The City of Nawabs). The town serves as a beautiful cultural crossroads where classical Pashtun martial heritage, fine Persian calligraphy lineages, and ornate Indo-Islamic architecture seamlessly blend into the fabric of rural Rajasthan.

Top Things to See & Do Inside:

Marvel at the Luminous Sunehri Kothi (The Golden Mansion): Located near the old city palace complex sits the absolute crown jewel of Tonk. Built by Nawab Mohammed Ibrahim Ali Khan, this otherwise modest exterior opens up into a jaw-dropping, double-story royal audience hall (Sheesh Mahal). The walls and ceilings are completely blanketed in exquisite pure gold leaf gilding, intricate glass inlay art, and thousands of multi-colored Belgian mirrors arranged in delicate floral patterns.
Visit the Arabic and Persian Research Institute (APRI): For history enthusiasts, this world-class academic repository is an absolute must-visit. APRI houses one of the most phenomenal collections of historical Arabic and Persian manuscripts in the world. Among its priceless treasures are ancient hand-written Qurans, heavily illuminated Mughal administrative decrees bearing original royal seals, and a microscopic Quran carved elegantly onto a single grain of rice.
Explore the Ghanta Ghar (The Historic Clock Tower): Built in 1937 AD by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, this imposing, multi-story stone clock tower sits right in the bustling heart of Tonk’s central market lanes. The monument stands as a classic architectural landmark, blending traditional British colonial clock tower lines with fine Islamic archways.
See the Rasiya Ke Tekri and Shahi Jama Masjid: Pay a visit to the Shahi Jama Masjid, one of the most grand and spacious mosques in Rajasthan, featuring sweeping central courtyards, towering minarets, and delicate fresco art on its internal domes. Nearby, check out Rasiya Ke Tekri, a historic hill ridge featuring a series of old stone structures and stepwells wrapped in local romantic folklore.