Banswara - INTRODUCTION
Banswara district was formerly a princely state ruled by Maharavals and was home to tribal Bhils, who constitute more than half of the city's population. The city was ruled by a Bhil ruler Bansia and Banswara was named after him. Jagmal Singh became the first Maharaval of Banswara after defeating and killing Bansia.
However, there is another theory that says the city is called so because of the abundance of bamboos (bans) in the district's forests. In religious connotations, the place is also called 'Lodhikashi' or Little Kashi because of the presence of eleven and a half Swayambhoo Shivlings here.
In 1913, there was a revolt by Bhils under the leadership of social reformer Govindgiri. In a massacre termed as the mini Jallianwala Bagh Kand, hundreds of Bhils were shot dead at Mangarh hillock where they were holding a peaceful meeting. The place has since become sacred and is called the Mangarh Dham.
Banswara state and Kushalgarh chieftainship got merged in Greater Rajasthan in 1949 when all princely states were merged with the Union of India. Banswara was carved out as a separate district ever since.
The district is situated in the valleys of the Aravallis and has a rich reserve of both flora and fauna. Tribals are the natives here and their culture is seen here in its original form.
The district is surrounded by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and hence boasts of a compact culture. The Vagdi culture of this area is actually a mixture of Gujarati, Rajasthani, Malwi and Mewari cultures.
Kheechan - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
| Area | 5,037 sq. km. |
| Population | 15,01,420 |
| Altitude | 413 meters |
| Languages | Rajasthani, Hindi, English |
| Best Time to Visit | September to March |
| STD Code | 02962 |
| Clothing | Summer light tropical; Winter light woolen |
Climate
Mean Max. Mean Min
Summer: 42 degrees Celsius 25 degrees Celsius
Winter: 22 degrees Celsius 2 degrees Celsius
Rainfall: 83.95 cm
Location
About 160 kilometers from Udaipur, Banswara district is bounded by Dhariawad tehsil of Udaipur and Pratapgarh tehsil of Chittorgarh on the north. In the east, it shares its boundaries with Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh; in the west by with Sagwara and Aspur of Dungarpur and in the south with Jhabua of MP. Panchmahal district of Gujarat also touches Banswara in the southwest.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Abdullah Pir
A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim saint, Abdul Rasul, the Abdullah Pir is situated in the southern part of the city. The annual 'Urs' held here is a very popular festival and attracts a huge number of Bohra Muslims from all over the country.
Anand Sagar Lake
This artificial lake has been constructed by Lachchi Bai of Idar or the Rani of Maharval Jagami. It is surrounded by holy trees called 'Kalpa Vriksha', known to fulfill the desires of visitors. The cenotaphs of ancient rulers of the state are also situated close by.
Chheench
A 12th century Brahma Temple with a life size statue of Lord Brahma is a must-see destination.
Dialab Lake
The summer residence of former rulers, the Badal Mahal is situated here on the banks of a lake. Fresh lotus flowers in the lake make it a beautiful place.
Madareshwar
A natural cave of a high hill here houses a famous Lord Shiva temple. Nature can be experienced in full bloom from here. Due to its typical location, the place provides an Amarnath Yatra like feeling to pilgrims.
EXCURSIONS FROM BANSWARA
Mahi Dam
Banswara is known as the 'City of Hundred Islands' as the holy river Mahi, the 'pride of Vagad' flows through the region and separates Banswara and Dungarpur districts. Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams and canals have been built over the river amid beautiful surroundings. A picturesque fountain garden nearby the Mahi Dam makes for a site worth visiting.
Paraheada
About 22 kilometers from Banswara, Paraheada is situated in the Garhi tehsil. Mandalik built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here - the Mandaleshwar Temple. It stands on the bank of the Nagela Tank in the village.
Talwara
Temples of Sun god, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Jain Temple of Sambharnath make Talwara a religiously important site. The idols in these temples are carved in local black stone and are beautiful to look at.
Tripura Sundari
Dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, or Turtia Mata, the temple here has a beautiful idol of black stone having 18 hands, each carrying a different symbol. The goddess is seen riding a tiger. It is said to be one of the 'Shakti Peeths' of the Hindus having divine powers.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Holi
Tribals wear their traditional dresses on this day. Carrying swords and stick, they perform the 'Gair Dance' - a famous dance form of the tribals here.
Aamligyaras
Unmarried boys and girls observe fast on this festival, celebrated on the 11th day of the bright half of Phalgun. They wash themselves in a pond in the afternoon and bring branches of tamarind trees with them. The festival is held at Ghodi Ranchod and Sangmeshwar.
Ghotia Amba Fair
Held annually in March, this traditional fair has Bhils gather to take a holy dip in the tank near the temple with idols of Pandavas. This is done to display their faith in the holy mango trees and Kaila Pani. Tribal weapons like arrows and swords are on sale during the fair.
Mangarh Fair
Held on Margshisha Purnima, this fair is known to be extremely important for the tribals. They pay tribute to Govind Guru, founder of the Samp Sabha.
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