Kota, formerly known as Kotah, is a city in the southeast of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located approximately 240 kilometers (149 mi) south of the capital, Jaipur, on the banks of the Chambal River. With a population of over 1.2 million, it is the third most populous city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and Jodhpur, the 46th most populous city in India and the 53rd most populous urban agglomeration in India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Kota district and Kota division. It is popular among the youth of India for its training institutes for medical and engineering entrance exams. Many students come to Kota to prepare for JEE, NEET and many other competitive exams, making it an educational technology city.
The city of Kota was once part of the ancient Rajput kingdom of Bundi. In the 16th century it became an independent principality. Apart from the various monuments that reflect the glory of the city, Kota is also known for its palaces and gardens. The city was also part of the 98 Indian cities for the Smart Cities Mission started by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, and was ranked 67th after the first round results were released, after which the 20 best cities were selected for funding in the immediate financial year. .