Nihal Tower, also known as “Ghantaghar”, located at the district headquarters of Dholpur, Rajasthan, is a majestic relic of India’s colonial past and a symbol of Dholpur’s princely heritage. Built between 1880 and 1910, the towering structure once served as the city’s central timekeeper.
The sound of its bells could be heard up to eight miles away, making it an indicator of timekeeping for the entire city. Over time, the clock of Nihal Tower stopped and this unique structure stood as a silent building.
The Ghanta Ghar (clock tower), built on Town Hall Road, rose to 150 feet and had eight storeys. It was commissioned by Raja Nihal Singh and completed under Maharaja Rajaram Singh.
Constructed from the region’s distinctive red and white stones, the tower features 12 gates and is notable for its unique architectural design. On its sixth floor, four large clocks displayed the time in all directions, once integral to the daily lives of Dholpur residents.
The tower houses a massive bell, measuring three and a half feet in diameter with a circumference of 11 feet and weighing 600 kg. Its pendulum alone weighs 100 kg, while the hammer is 5 kg.
Manufactured by Gillett & Johnston Croydon of England, the bell’s chimes once regulated daily activities, from the morning wake-up call to the evening livestock return. Despite its historical significance, the clock mechanism is no longer operational and the tower’s preservation is at risk.
Local resident Gayajit recalls the bell’s vital role in community life, underscoring the need for renewed efforts to protect and restore this historic landmark. As Dholpur’s tallest and most distinguished clock tower, Nihal Tower remains a poignant reminder of the region’s storied past and a beacon for future generations.
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