Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Vijaymandir Palace
The Palace Attraction
There are some interesting places you could visit if you travel a little away
from the main township. Perhaps that is the reason why it is often said that
Alwar's best attractions are outside the town. Vijay Mandir (1918) is a
magnificent palace located 10km from Alwar. This elaborate 105-roomed palace
with a well laid garden and a rippling lake in the foreground was built by
Maharaja Jai Singh, supposedly along the lines of a ship. The eccentric Jai
Singh had some good ideas after all.
But of course, if Jai Singh had given shape to something nice, his 'normal
eccentricities' couldn't be far behind. It so happened that the maharaja had
earlier commissioned another palace, Yashwant Niwas. It was an elegant
Italianate one. Fastidious as he was, Jai Singh decided at once that he didn't
like it, and built the Vijay Mandir. At least he was quick to make decisions!
Sita Ram Temple
Within the palace grounds is the Sita Ram Temple. Devotees throng to this
temple during Ramnavami, an important festival of North India.
