Bayana

Bayana is 45 kms. from Bharatpur between two ranges of aravali hills running more or less parallel to each other close to the left bank of Gambhir river, formerly a tributary of Banganga.The ancient name of Bayana was Sripatha or Sriprastha. It became an important town under the Mughal emperors (early 16th-mid19th century). It was close to this place that Babur defeated Sangram Singh (aka Rana Sanga) of Chittor and it was after this major battle that the Rajput town of Sikri became the famous Fatehpur Sikri (which is situated in what is now Uttar Pradesh, very close to the border). Since then Bayana became a stronghold of the Mughals. The remains of some of their relics can be seen.
Main Attractions of Bayana

The Old Fort:

The highpoint of a trip to Bayana is the old fort, Vijaygarh, perched on a low hill. A curious mixture of Hindu and Muslim relics, the fort has been the scene of many historical events. Much of this huge complex is in ruins, but the solid rounded outer walls and colossal watchtower speak volumes of its past glory. Scrubby growth fills the gaps in the edifice, and goats and cows are the only regular visitors to the place. Although most of this red sandstone fort might look like rubble from a distance, some portions like a darwaza (door) here and an arch there are intact. But the surprises are many. Some of the gateways and panels show extremely beautiful carving. A forgotten barrel lies somewhere in the bushes. There’s also a pillar with inscriptions in Pali (an ancient language, of around the 4th-5th century BC). In other places are writings in Urdu, the language of the Muslims. Yet in another place is a carved slab showing the sacred footprints of a person, perhaps of a sadhu (Hindu saint) who passed that way.
The Barah Khambon ki Chhatri:

The Barah Khambon ki Chhatri, is, as its name suggests, a pavilion of 12 pillars. It is a red sandstone monument lying at the foothills amidst dense bushes. There’s another cenotaph in the surrounding, a double storeyed one, with an interesting circular pattern inside its dome. The place make for a perfect picnic spot. In fact, Bayana is full of such monuments. There's the Usa Masjid, built as an extension of an older mosque which has now been converted into the temple Usa Mandir. The old mosque was probably built in the 12th century by one Baha al-Din Tugral, who was the first Muslim governor of the region. These were the Ghori Sultans who were in Delhi for sometime, but did not have a very significant niche. The Usa Masjid was then added in about 1320-21 by one Kafur al-Sultani, a later Governor.
Lodi Minar:

Another one worth seeing is the Lodi Minar, though incomplete, built in 1519-20 by Nizam Khan, the Governor under Ibrahim Shah Lodi. The Lodis were the rulers of Delhi in the 15th and 16th centuries until Babur came and set up the Mughal empire. The construction of this minaret in Bayana was, unfortunately, stalled by Babur. The Jijhri is a little structure which was built to house Akbar for just one night. It had a special cooling system, as it was supposedly built on a pond. The jali (latticed) windows were to let in maximum air. The Jahangiri Gate stands like a stray structure, dilapidated and aloof. However, there are traces of carving in the pillars and some inscriptions in Urdu. The gateway was built to welcome Jahangir, Akbar’s son, who had come for a visit to Bayana.