[4] The city of Jhalawar was founded by a Rajput Jhala Zalim Singh,[5] who was then the Dewan of Kota State (1791 A.D.).

[citation needed] Jhala Zalim Singh recognised the importance of this place and started to develop it as a military cantonment and township, so that he could use this place to attack and stop Maratha invaders before they could reach Kota state.

Colonel Todd, who visited the region in December 1821 described this area as the cantonment established by Jhala Zalim Singh plus a well-established township with large houses, havelis and surrounding walls.

He resided in Jhalara Patan for a long time and started to build the Garh Palace (1840 - 1845 A.D).

After his death, Jhala Prithvi Singh became the ruler of Jhalawar and ruled for around 30 years.

An extensive ruin near the town is the site of the ancient city of Chandrawati, said to have been destroyed in the reign of Aurangzeb.

At Kota Madhu Singh, a Jhala Rajput became a favourite with the Maharaja, and received from him an important post, which became hereditary.

In 1838 AD, British intervention and internal politics resulted with the decision to dismember the Kota state, and to create the new principality of Jhalawar as a separate provision for the descendants of Jhala Zalim Singh.

The districts then severed from Kota were considered to represent one-third (£120,000) of the income of Kotah; by treaty they acknowledged the supremacy of the British, and agreed to pay an annual tribute of £8,000.

Madan Singh received the title of Maharaja Rana, and was placed on the same footing as the other chiefs in Rajputana.

An average of 37 inches (940 mm) of rainfall keeps it cool and gentle breezes ward off the stifling humidity.

Jhalawar district has a multi-sports stadium named Government Khel Sankul.

Kota airport operates a single flight to Jaipur and New Delhi six days a week (not on Sundays).

Kalisindh Thermal Power Station is 12 kilometres (7 mi) from Jhalawar town.

The power plant is operated by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam.