This baoli is possibly the finest and the best such monument preserved in Haryana. According to an inscription on the well, it was built by Saidu Kala, a chobdar in the service of Emperor Shah Jahan, in 1658-59 AD. It is an elaborate structure of bricks and kankar blocks, has 101 steps extending in three stages, separated by landings and leading to the water reservoir. The circular well is located at the end of the stairs.
The tomb, overlooking the madarasa and standing on an artificial terrace, is octagonal in shape with the entrance in the south. It is built of buff sandstone and is crowned with a pear-shaped dome of white marble standing on a high circular drum. The cenotaph of saint occupies the centre of the chamber, while his grave is located in the lower chamber, which conjoins the madarasa through a narrow gallery. The madrassa has nine-arched openings on each side of a central courtyard that has in the centre a stone masonty tank. John Dawkins, the then collector of Thaneshar, was instrumental in getting the tomb repaired in 1854 AD. The antiquities recovered from the excavations at Harsh ka Tilla and Bhagwanpura (both failing in the district of Kurukshetra) are displayed in two small museums of the madarasa building
Therefore, this huge pond (sarovar) was built by a local chief during late Mughal period for the use of general public. The ‘sarovar’ was constructed in rubble masonry with thick layer of lime plaster in the style of then prevailing Hindu architecture. Four staircases in each arm of the pond lead to the water storage tank. There were twelve kiosks (chhatri) on its boundary wall, one each at the corners and two each on the either sides of the staircases. At present only two out of twelve are surviving. An inscription affixed on the eastern wall records that an enclosed chamber for ladies-bath was added to this pond in 1929 AD. This ‘sarovar’ is still in public use.
It was built by Sarsai Nath, a saint of Nath sect, followers of Shiva, who is said to have meditated here. This place is held in high esteem by the people of the area. An inscription of Bhoja, the Pratihara ruler was found at Sirsa. It records that Nilkantha,a saint of Pashupati sect constructed the temple of Yogisvara (Shiva) made of burnt bricks and thick slabs of stones with a golden Shikara. Though no remains of this temple have been found, yet it indicates that Saivism and Pashupati sect flourished here at Sirsa during the 8th and 9th centuries.
Mughal Emperor ShahJahan visited the Dera Baba Sarsai Nath for blessings for his ailing son. The emperor built a dome and donated land to the temple. A document in Arabic, in possession of Dera authorities testify emperor ShahJahan’s visit to the temple. The Dera has temples of Shiva and Durga.
The museum has six galleries, three each in two blocks. On display are stone sculptures, bronze castings, leaf etchings, miniature paintings, clay pottery and terracotta artifacts. An extension of this museum is the Multimedia Mahabharata and Gita Gallery set up by Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Achievements:
One of the best defenders in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Star player for the Haryana Steelers team in PKL.
Known for his strong ankle holds and tackling skills.
Considered one of the most reliable defenders in the game.
Legacy: Surender Nada's impact in the Pro Kabaddi League is undeniable. His ability to defend and tackle raiders made him a standout player in the league.
Achievements:
Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, London) in Wrestling (Men's Freestyle 66kg)
Olympic Bronze Medalist (2008, Beijing)
World Champion (2010, Moscow)
Sushil Kumar is one of India’s most decorated wrestlers and has made Haryana proud on the world stage. His consistency and technique have made him a role model for budding wrestlers in India.
An archaeological site museum, a first-of-its-kind in Haryana, has been set up here to enlighten people about the history of Thanesar, which was revealed by archaeological excavations carried out here by the Archaeological Survey of India. Many varied interesting things have been unearthed from the mound, such as stone and terracotta sculptures, coins, ornaments, ritualistic objects, etc. An exhibition at the museum displays these finding.
