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Nihal Minar also known as 'Gantahar' is a magnificent relic of India's colonial past located in Delpur
Nihal Tower is located in the city center near the old municipal offices. Its construction work started in 1880 during the reign of Raja Nihal Singh and was completed in 1910 during the reign of Maharaja Rajaram Singh.
Nehal Minar, also known as 'Gantahar', located in the district headquarters of Delpur in Rajasthan, is a majestic relic of India's colonial past and a symbol of the legacy of the Princes of Delpur. Built between 1880 and 1910, this towering building served as the city's central timepiece.
Its bells can be heard up to eight miles away, making it a time indicator throughout the city. As time passes, the clock of Nihal Tower stops and this unique building stands silently.
The Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) was built on Town Hall Road and is 150 feet high with 8 floors. It was commissioned by Raja Nihal Singh and completed under the leadership of Maharaja Rajaram Singh.
Built from the region's unique red and white stone, the tower has 12 gates and is known for its unique architectural design. There are four large clocks on the sixth floor that display the time from all directions, which were once an integral part of the daily life of Delpur residents.
There is a huge bell in the tower, three and a half feet in diameter, 11 feet in circumference and weighing 600 kilograms. The pendulum weighs 100 kilograms and the hammer weighs 5 kilograms.
Made by Gillett & Johnston Croydon in England, the bell once regulated daily activities, from waking up in the morning to the return of livestock in the evening. Despite its historic significance, the clockwork is no longer functioning and the tower's preservation is at risk.
Local resident Gayajit recalled the bell's important role in community life, stressing the need for renewed efforts to protect and restore this historical landmark. As Dholpur's tallest and most distinguished clock tower, Nihal Minar remains a poignant reminder of the region's storied past and a beacon for generations to come.
