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In olden days, the place was known as Medantak and was the
capital of a ruler named Nagbhatt. Around 1488 AD, it was held by Duda,
son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. Later, it was
wrested by Rao Maldeo from Jaimal, the grandson of Duda. Maldeo built the
fort of Malkot, which is now in ruins.
In
1562 AD, the place was captured by Emperor Akbar after a sanguinary
defence by the Rathores, but he restored it to the Jodhpur ruler after 20
years. At one time, it was a great trade centre and was the headquarters
of a 'pargana' (district) of the same name in the princely state of
Jodhpur.
Dangawas, about 3-kms from the town, was the scene of a bloody battle
between the Rathores and the Marathas (under General De Boigne ) resulting
in heavy casualties to both sides. However, the Marathas emerged
victorious.
Mira, the celebrated devotee of Lord Krishna and a great poetess of the
medieval period, belonged to this place. The town has many temples, that
of Charbhuja being the most celebrated one. A massive mosque believed to
have been constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb, is worth seeing for its
exquisite Mughal architecture.
Road: The enthusiastic trip can go by bus to Merta from Nagaur (76-km), Ajmer (80-km), and from Jodhpur (104-km).
For accommodation there are Dharamshalas and Dak Bungalow available.