DHOLPUR

town, eastern Rajasthan state, northwestern India, situated just north of the Chambal River. The original town was founded by Raja Dholan Deo in the 11th century, when it was called Dhawalpur, a name since contracted to Dholpur. The present town was established just north of the original town to avoid encroachments by the Chambal River. It was the capital of the former princely state of Dholpur, which became part of the state of Rajasthan in 1949. Several temples surround nearby Machkund Lake, on the shores of which annual religious fairs are held. An agricultural distribution centre, Dholpur is connected by Grand Trunk Road with Agra and Delhi to the north and with Gwalior to the south. The town has railway workshops, and industries include handloom carpet weaving and glass manufacturing. Dholpur has a hospital and one college. Cattle and horse fairs are held annually. Pop. (1981) 44,375.