Banswara can best be described as the natural place for the Bhils forming 39% of the tribal population of India. Banswara either its name to the prohibitions or bamboo trees (stricus Dendorocalamus) that once grew in abundance here, or a chief named Bhil Bansna. This boss was killed by Maharawal Bhil Jagmal Singh in the battle for the possession of the region.
But Jagmal was very impressed by the courage Bansna, and true to his generous nature named the place after her rival. Banswara is now known as the City of Hundred Islands by Golden River, which borders the district and around a series of islands.
The river Mahi, revered by the locals, separates the Banswara and Dungarpur districts into two distinct regions. Banswara is situated in the southeast and is bounded by Rajasthan Udaipur in the west, Chittaurgarh in the north and the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in the east and south, respectively.
Geographical Contours
Banswara terrain is ideal for those interested in the outdoors as the eastern district with Aravallis scattered, inconsistent with the sand and stones, usually associated with Rajasthan. Banswara beautiful landscape can be divided into two regions - East and West. The first is the Aravallis while Westerners are plain agricultural land.
Fruit trees mainly include mangoes and date palms (Khajur). The forests here are of the variety of tropical dry deciduous teak are included on the slopes of Aravallis. Axlewood, rosewood and bamboo are common varieties.
Flashes from the Past
Banswara This consists of the territories of the former princely state of Banswara and Kushalgarh headquarters. Banswara early part of the region were Bagar or Vagad with its capital in Vatpadrak now Baroda (see Dungarpur for details). The area saw the development of civilization in Ahar, neraly dating back to 4,000 years.
However, the early history of Bagar is dark. A horde of silver coins belonging to 181 to 353AD was unearthed in the village of Surwaniya suggesting the Sakya clan rule in the district. After the dissolution of the empire Kushana some Sakya leaders continued to rule Malwa region.
They were the Kshatrapas, of which the last ruler Rudradaman III was defeated by the Gupta king Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya II in 388AD. The Guptas were defeated and expelled by the invading Hun Toramana in 499AD. The darkness of history Banswara now comes into play with absolutely no detail of five centuries.
In the early 10 th century, the region under the wasteland that had its capital in Arthuna. The Paramaras in turn were expelled by Samant Singh of Mewar, who took charge of the region around 1179AD. Bagar then passed to the Solankis and the Chalukyas of Gujarat whose domain continued until 1196AD.
From this time until about 1859AD the history of this region is the skirmishes between the various states and principalitas until the British won their administrative control.
After independence in 1949, Banswara and Kushalgarh merged into the Indian Union and was carved as an independent district in Rajasthan. Currently, administrative divisions include Ghatol, Ghari, Banswara, Bagidora, Kushalgarh and Sajjangarh.
Major Attractions of Banswara
Shri Raj Mandir
Shri Raj Mandir is 16 century palace old town that extends over a large area and is a perfect example of old Rajput architecture. The palace was acquired by the royal family. You must have an official invitation to enter the Mandir.
Kagdi Garden
It is a source of gardens overlooking the charming Lake Kagdi and is a part mahi Bajaj Sagar project.
Anand Sagar Lake
This is an artificial lake and is also known as Bai Talab. This lake has been built by Lachhi Idar-Bai, the Rani of Maharawal Jagmal. The lake is beautifully adorned with "Kalp Vriksha" which is even sacred tree that meets the desires of each traveler.
Dialab Lake
This is another Banswara tourist attractions and most are covered by a lotus flower. On the shores of Lake Dialab, you would be able to see, Badal Mahal, the summer residence of former rulers.
Abdulla Pir
This is a Muslim shrine of St. Bohra and is visited by Bohra Muslims who visit this place during the URS. Travelers come from all over the world.
Wildlife Attractions
The wildlife here includes a wide variety of animals, reptiles and fish. Chinkara (Indian gazelle), chowsingha (four-horned antelope) was very rarely. Sambhar (Asian deer), boar (Susscrofa cristatus) and cheetal (spotted deer), who used to frequent these forests have become migrated to greener pastures. Squirrels (Funamblous palmarum) and reptiles such as lizards and snakes of various types are found in almost all parts of the forest. The birds are common and varied.
Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), Red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus Cafer), starling (Acridotheris tristis), red boost poultry and black drongo (adsimilus Dicrusrus), gray shrike, green bee room, parrot, sparrow, bird purple sun (AsiaStar nectarine), wooden penis, cove with white spots can be seen here. Big carp, catfish and other varieties of fish abound in the waters of Mahi, Anas, the chapter and the Airave. Among the big fish rohu, or khuris sarsi, or kalot kalbose found while the variety of cat includes patola, girai, lanchi saul, Singh and Singhi.
Excursions
Mahi Dam
Mahi Dam is one of the main attractions of Banswara. The dam was built in the framework of the Sagra Bajaj Dorado, dams and channels have been built more than a tantalizing enchanting landscape. Near the dam, you can find the attractive garden.
Paraheada
Just 22 km from Banswara, you have the Parah in the Garhi tehsil. This is an attractive Shiv temple of 12 th centuary.
Talwara
Temple of the Sun God, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Jain temple Sambharnath do Talwar an important religious site. The idols of the temples are carved in local stone and black are beautiful to the eye.
Tripura Sundari
Dedicated to the goddess Tripura Sundari, or Turtia Mata, the temple here has a beautiful idol of black stone with 18 hands, each with a different symbol. The goddess is riding a tiger. It is said that one of the "Shakti Peeths' of the divine powers that Hindus.
