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alluvial soil in the south west.
This region was also the stronghold of the Bhils.
History of Dungarpur
Dungarpur was founded in the early 13th century when Rawal
Veer Singh constructed temples in the memory of Dungaria’s
widows. Dungarpur became famous under the Guhilot Ahara
Suryavanshi Rajputs, who trace their ancestry from the elder
branches of the main lineage at Chittorgarh. The cousins came
together to fight the historic battle against the invaders.
Towards the end of the 12th century, Samant Singh, the eldest
son of the ruler of Mewar, had to leave Mewar in favour of his
younger brother Kumar Singh. Samant Singh drifted into the
hilly area of Bagar and, within the next century, Samant Singh
successors controlled the whole province of Bagar. Rawal Udai
Singh of Bagar was killed at the battle of Khanua in 1527,
fighting for Mewar against Mughal Emperor Babur. His territory
was thereafter divided between his two sons, forming two
separate states. Prithivi Raj remained in Dungarpur while his
brother Jagmal Singh became independent ruler of Banswara.
Dungarpur was added as a district in India on April 7, 1949
Tourist Attractions in Dungarpur
The tourist attractions in Dungarpur are the Udai Bilas Palace
and Juna Palace. Udai Bilas Palace is a good example of the
Rajput architecture with its intricately sculptured pillars
and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and
marvellous panels. The Udai Bilas Place was built in the
mid-19th century by Maharawal Udai Singh-II, by the
bluish-grey sandstone. The Udai Bilas Palace has been now
converted into a heritage hotel and still under the control of
the royal family of Dungarpur and a royal residence. Juna
Mahal is a seven storeyed structure, resembling a fortress
with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and
corridors. The interiors are embellished with beautiful
frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror work. Another
interesting palace to visit is the famous shrine dedicated to
the Shrinathji that lies on the banks of the Gaib Sagar lake.
Various lakes and forests in Dungarpur attract a large variety
of migratory birds during the winters.
Festivals in Dungarpur
One of the major fair which is held in Dungarpur is the
Baneshwar Fair. The Baneshwar fair is held in the month of
February at Baneshwar, a small delta formed by the river Soma
and Mahi, about 50 km from Dungarpur. This fair is one of the
biggest and most important fair of the Bhils. 'Baneshwar'
means the ‘master of the delta’ and is derived from the Shiva
Linga kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. This is a
religious fair with simple and traditional rituals. The tribal
folks of Bhils gather here from the neighbouring states of
Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
How to reach Dungarpur
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Udaipur, which is about 120
kms away and Ahmedabad is about 175 kms away.
By Rail:
There are frequent trains from Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Jaipur
to Dungarpur.
By Road:
Dungarpur is just 25 km from national Highway 8, approached
either from Ahmedabad or Udaipur. |
