Located on the banks of the River Mahi, Banswara is a tribal-dominated city in Rajasthan. Known by many names such as 'Lodi Kashi' (small Kashi due to the presence of innumerable temples in and around the town) and the 'City of Hundred Islands' (due to the existence of a number of tiny islands on the River Mahi), Banswara is a city in Banswara District in south Rajasthan in India. Banswara princely state was founded by Maharawal Jagmal Singh. Banswara lies on the southeast of Rajasthan and is bounded by Udaipur in the west, Chittaurgarh in the north and the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in the east and the south respectively. Banswara can be best described as the native place of the Bhils who form 39% of the tribal population of India. Banswara either got its name from bans or bamboo trees (Dendorocalamus stricus) which once grew in abundance here, or from a Bhil chieftain named Bansna. This Bhil chief was killed by Maharawal Jagmal Singh in the battle over the possession of the region. But Jagmal was quite impressed by Bansna’s bravery, and true to his generous nature he named the place after his rival. Banswara is presently known as the City of Hundred Islands due to the river Mahi, which borders the district and surrounds a number of islands. The Mahi River, revered by the locals, separates the Banswara and Dungarpur districts into two distinct regions.

History of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

The Banswara district forms eastern part of the region known as Vagad or Vagwar. The district was formerly a princely state ruled by the Maharavals. It is said that a Bhil ruler Bansia ruled over it and Banswara was named after his name. Bansia was defeated and killed by Jagmal Singh who became the first Maharaval of the princely state.

Princely flag of Banswara (literally "the forest country"), was a Rajput feudatory state in Rajputana during British India. It borders on Gujarat and is bounded on the north by the native states of Dungarpur and Udaipur or Mewar; on the north-east and east by Partabgarh; on the south by the dominions of Holkar and the state of Jabua; and on the west by the state of Rewa Kantha.

Banswara, it is likely, derived its name from bans or bamboo shoots, which once grew in abundance around the places. It was a part of the territory known as Bagar during the reign of Udai Singh (who succeeded to the throne sometime between 1496 and 1498 AD) and is said to have been founded by Jagmal, the younger son of Udai Singh who, being much devoted to his queen, the mother of Jagmal and wanting to see him installed as a ruler of a separate State, had partitioned Bagar between the two claimant sons before his death. Banswara remained the capital of erstwhile State of the same name for about four centuries thereafter. The crumbling stone wall enclosing the old town is still visible, overlooked by the palace of the former rulers of the principality. Bai Tal - an artificial tank - believed to have been constructed by Lachhi Bai of Idar, the Rani of Maharawal Jagmal, lies on the eastern side of the town. About a kilometre away, are the chhatris or cenotaphs of the royalty. The town has some Jain and Hindu temples and old mosques.

It is also named so because of the bamboos (Bans) which were found in abundance in the forests. In 1913 some bhils revolted under the headship of a social reformer Govindgiri and Punja which was suppressed in November, 1913. Hundreds of Bhils were shot dead at the Mangarh hillock where they were holding a peaceful meeting. The event is also known as the Mini Jalianwala Bagh massacre. The place has become sacred and is better known as the Mangarh Dham.

Present Banswara comprises of the erstwhile territories of the princely state of Banswara and the chieftainship of Kushalgarh. Earlier Banswara formed a part of the Bagar or Vagad region with its capital at Vatpadrak, presently Baroda (see Dungarpur for more details). The area witnessed the developing civilization of Ahar, which dates back to neraly 4,000 years. However, the early history of Bagar is obscure. A horde of silver coins belonging to 181 to 353AD was unearthed at village Surwaniya suggesting the rule of the Sakya clan over the district. After the dissolution of the Kushana empire some Sakya chiefs continued to rule the Malwa region. They were the Kshatrapas, of whom the last ruler Rudradaman III was defeated by the Gupta king Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya II in 388AD. The Guptas were then defeated and ousted by the Hun invader Toramana in 499AD. The obscurity of Banswara history now comes into play with absolutely no details of the five intervening centuries.

Around the beginning of the 10th century, the region passed under the Paramaras who had their capital at Arthuna. The Paramaras were in turn driven out by Samant Singh of Mewar who took over the region around 1179AD. Bagar then passed on to the Solankis and the Chalukyas of Gujarat whose hold continued till 1196AD. From this time onwards till about 1859AD the history of this region is that of skirmishes among various states and principalites until the Britishers gained its administrative control. After Independence, in the year 1949, Banswara and Kushalgarh were merged into the Indian Union and was carved out as a separate district in Rajasthan. Presently, the administrative divisions include Ghatol, Ghari, Banswara, Bagidora, Kushalgarh, and Sajjangarh

People of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

The district is predominantly inhabited by tribals mainly Bhils, Bhil Meenas, Damor, Charpotas, Ninamas, etc. The district population is 15,00,420 (2001). The rural population is 13,93,104(2001) and the urban population is 1,07,316(2001). The main occupation of the people, specially of tribals, is agriculture. The tribals live in a small one-room houses, known as "tapra", which lie scattered all over the area.
   
The other major castes are Patels, Rajputs, Brahmans, Mahajans, and Muslims. The dialect spoken in the district is Wagri, a mixture of Gujrati and Mewari. Literacy percentage is 44.22(2001) but women literacy, though doubled as per 2001 census, is only 27.86%. Increase in total literacy percentage has been by 18.22 because of the intensive literacy campaign in the district.

Culture of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

Situated amongst the valleys of the Aravalis, Banswara represents tribal culture in its original form.  Its area was covered mostly by bamboo trees (Bans) in the past because of which it was called Banswara.  Banswara town was founded by king Jagmal Singh.   Religiously, having eleven and a half Swayambhoo Shivlings, it was also called 'Lodhikashi' or little Kashi.  Yet another name for it is 'An area of Hundred Islands'.

Being in the southern part of Rajasthan, its boundary meets with Gujarat and M.P.  A compact culture is the result of this inter-regional neighbourhood.  The so called vagdi Culture is nothing but a mixture of Gujarati, Malwi, Rajasthani and Mewari cultures.  Banswara district is rich in forests, hills and wildlife.  Tribals are the natives of this region.  The place is known for its ancient temples and natural beauty.

Tourist Attractions of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

There are numerous tourist attractions of Banswara to keep you entertained while on a tour of the city. Some of the famous places to see in Banswara are:
 
Tripura Sundari Temple of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
Tripura Sundari is located about 19 Km from Banswara and 5 Km from Talwara. The place gets its name from a temple here dedicated to goddess Tripura Sundari also called Turtia Mata in the local dialect. The exact date of its construction is not yet known but it is believed that the temple was constructed approximately before the reign of the Kushana emperor Kanishka who ruled here in the first century AD. Magnificently carved out of black stone, the main idol is shown riding a tiger. The goddess has 18 hands each carrying a symbol. The temple is said to be one of the Shakti Peeths of the Hindus. A Shakti Peeth is a revered place of worship of the Hindus. According to the Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva lost his wife Sati he was overwhelmed with grief. He carried the dead body of his beloved and went for a tour of Mrityulok (abode of the Dead). The other gods were troubled to see him carrying the body wherever he went. As a result they decided to cut the body into pieces. The body was fragmented into 52 parts with the help of the Lord Vishnu’s sudarshan chakra (discus), and each place where a part fell on earth became a Shakti Peeth.

Mahi Dam of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
Banswara is also well known for the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project and for numerous dams and canals situated at beautiful sites. The Mahi river has a number of islands inside the Mahi Dam catchment area and thus Banswara is also known as the 'City of Hundred Islands'. Mahi Dam is one of the major attractions of Banswara. Near the dam, you could locate the enticing garden.
 
Kagdi Pick Up Weir of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
This is the main tourist attraction situated 3 kms away from the main city on the Ratlam Road. It's a place worth seeing, especially for its fountains, gardens and water, spread over a wide area.
 
Arthuna Temples of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
Arthuna as well as its surrounding areas have clusters of ruined Hindu and Jain temples belonging to the 11th, 12th and the 15th centuries. Among the dilapidated ruins is a beautifully carved conjugated statue of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh. Lankiya village around Arthuna has Shaivite temples called Nilkanth Mahadev Temples. The temple is an old stone temple having beautiful intricate carvings and sculpted figures of women embedded in the outer walls. The bull Nandi (Lord Shiva’s faithful vehicle) stands guard at the entrance in the temple porch.

This old Digamber Jain Nasiyaji Atishaya Kshetra exist on a beautiful Hill which is located 1 km ahead in south of ‘Amaravati’ (now named as Arthuna). Amaravati is a historical place and is famous throughout India for art. There are 49 idols in Padmasana and Khadgasana posture. These have been carved on stone and belong to V.S. 1100 to 1200 as per inscriptions on idols. The whole environment gets aromatic by saffron shower on idols from sky at some times.
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Madareshwar Temple of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
This famous temple of Lord Shiva is situated inside the natural cave of a high hill on the eastern part of the city. It presents a sensational natural view. The cave temple provides an Amarnath Yatra like feeling to the pilgrims, due to its typical location.
 
Abdulla Pir of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
Situated in the southern part of the city is the Dargah of Abdul Rasul which is known as the "Abdulla Pir".  Every year "Urs" is held at the Dargah and is very popular with the masses.  The people of the Bohara community take part in it in large numbers.

Andeshwar Jain Temple of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

This place is situated on a hillock in Kushalgarh tehsil of Banswara district. This is very famous Jain temple housing rare Shilalekhs of the 10th century. We can find two Digamabara Jain Parshwanatha temples at this place. The main temple was built by Digamabar Jain Panchayat of Kushalgarh. The main idol of Bhagawan Parshwanatha is being protected by seven hoods. The idol of the main Deity Bhagwan Parshwanatha in padamasana posture is about 20 inches high and black coloured. This idol is said to belong to 12-13 C AD, there are numerous other idols of tirthanakaras on the vedi. In the other Jain temple we can find the 32 inches high black coloured idol of Bhagawan Parshwanatha as the main deity. The miraculous stories based on the temples of this place are very famous. The annual function is conducted on the full moon day of Kartika month. This place is on Kushalgarh-Kalizara road and the boarding and lodging facilities are available at the Dharmashala. Such temples are also found in Talwara, Kalinjara, Bagidora, Ajna and Banswara.
 
Talwara Temple of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
It is famous for the ancient temple of the Sun God, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Dwarka Dhish temple and Jain temple of Sambharnath. A number of Sompura sculpture artists can be seen carving stones on the roadside in Talwara.
 
Anand Sagar Lake of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
On the eastern side of the town lies this artificial lake, said to have constructed by Lachhi Bai Of Idar - The Rani of Maharawal Jagaml.  The chhatris or cenotaphs of erstwhile rulers of the state are situated close by. Also near by are the holy trees known as "Kalpa Vriksha" which are said to fulfill the desires of visitors.
 
Chheench Temple of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
This is a famous 12th century temple of "Lord Brahma". The black stone statue is of an average man's height.
 
Diablab Lake of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
A part of this lake is covered with beautiful lotus flowers. On the banks of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer residence of the former rulers.
 
Paraheada Temple of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
This is a famous Shiv temple of the 12th century which was built by the kind Mandalik.

Shri Raj Mandir of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
This 16th century palace is very attractive.  Sprawling over a large area, it is a fine example of old Rajput architecture.  The palace is still owned by the royal family and can be visited only on invitation.
 
Ram Kund of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
    
It is a place surrounded by hills.  People call it "Phati Khan" because it is a deep cave under a hill. There is a pool of very cold water which is found throughout the year. It is said that Lord Ram, during his exile came and stayed here for some time.
 
Bhim Kund of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
     
This is a scenic spot. It is believed that during their exile, the Pandavas stayed here. There is a tunnel here, which is believed to be going upto Ghotiya Amab, a far off place. It is said that the Pandavas used this tunnel as their passage during the rainy season.
 
Fairs & Festivals of Banswara in Rajasthan, India
  
Bhill community is a rivalry and very laborers community, so they could managed to get the entertainment on particular festival occasions only. Bhills are commonly tradition followers and they follow Kharo, Moto and Bhalo Dharms.

Holi of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

Holi is the main festival for the tribals. Tribes wear their traditional dresses carrying swords & sticks and performs the "Gair dance" which is a typical tribal dance of this region.

Divasa (Haryali Amavasya) of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

Divasa is a festival and it is being celebrated on the last day of first fortnight of Shravanmas. On that day special bath will peform to Bullocks and Animals, and prays them as they are God's different posture. Special food items will prepare on that day and enjoys with full of joy.

Aamligyaras of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

It is celebrated on the 11th day of the bright half of Phalgun and unmarried boys and girls observe fast on this day. They go to a pond in the afternoon, wash themselves and bring small branches of tamarind trees. The Bhils attend the fair armed with bows, arrows and swords. This festival is held at Ghodi Ranchod, Bhim Kund, Sangmeshwar, etc.

Baneshwar Fair of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

This festival is celebrated among the tribal people and involves a lot of religious events and rituals. The name Baneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. "Baneshwar" means the 'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language and this name was given to Shiva Linga at the Mahadev temple of dungarpur. The Baneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Poornima during Shivratri (January - February). This festival holds a lot of importance for the people of the tribes and especially the Bhils. Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar is well liked by not only the people of Rajasthan but also by the people of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh who come down to this place to celebrate this gala event. A lot of tourists both domestic and international flock into Dungarpur to witness this fair and be a part of the event. Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar goes on for a period of four days and a number of shops are set up that display a number of fine handicraft items and lot of tourists purchase these items as a souvenir.
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Ghotia Amba Fair of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

Ghotia Amba Fair is a colorful and traditional fair held every year from Chaitra Thrayodashi to Chaitra Shukla Duje sometime in the month of March. Every year Bhils gather here to worship and they take holy bath in the sacred tank near the temple. There is a temple which houses the idols of Pandavas, who, it is believed to have spent some time here during their exile. The people demonstrate their faith in the holy mango trees and Kaila Pani. Tribal weapons, especially arrows and swords are sold here during the festival.

Mangarh Fair of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

This is an important fair of the tribals and is held on Margshirsha Purnima. At this fair the tribals of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Gujarat participate and they pay tribute to Guru Govindgiri, founder of the Samp sabha.
Details of Fairs & Festivals of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

Location and Transport of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

The Banswara district lies in the southern most part of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by Udaipur and Chittaurgarh in the North, Dungarpur in the west, Ratlam and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh in the east and south respectively.

Geography of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

District Banswara is situated in the southern - most part of Rajasthan. It has an area of 5037 square kilometre and lies between 23.11° N to 23.56° N latitudes and 73.58° E to 74.49° E. longitudes.

It is bounded on the north by Dhariawad tehsil of Udaipur district and Pratapgarh tehsil of Chittorgarh district; on the east by Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh; on the west by Sagwara and Aspur tehsils of Dungarpur district; and on the south by Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. It also touches the boundary of Panchmahal district of Gujrat on the south-west.

The region represents a rugged terrain undulated by short ridges west of Banswara. The eastern part of it is occupied by flat-topped hills of the Deccn trap. It has the southern end of the Aravali mountains.

The drainage system belongs to the Mahi river which originates from Amjera hills near Dhar in M.P. Its main tributaries are Anas, Chanp, Erav, Haran and Kagdi. The Mahi Bajaj Sagar dam has been constructed on the Mahi, some 16 k.m. away from Banswara town. Right and Left Main Canals and their distributaries irrigate 60,149 hect. of land. Normal annual rainfall is about 82.59 cms.

Maize, Wheat, Cotton, Gram are main crops. Graphite, Soapstone, Dolomite, Rock Phosphate, Limestone and a variety of marbles are found. Gold mineral is also found around Jagpura. Forest land consists of 20% of the told area but most of the forest land is devoid of trees. Hills have become bald-headed.

Road Distances of Major Cities from Banswara

Delhi   827 Km
Mumbai    816 Km
Jaipur   527 Km 
Ratlam (M.P.)   80 Km 
Arthuna   55 Km
Udaipur   165 Km 
Ujjain (M.P.)   225 Km 
Tripura Sundari   20 Km
Chittorgarh   185 Km 
Indore (M.P.)   212 Km 
Mahi Dam   16 Km
Dungarpur   89 Km 
Galiyakot   85 Km 
Cheench   18 Km
Baroda   80 Km 
Jaisamand   115 Km
Ahmedabad (Guj.)   285 Km 
Deo Somnath   78 Km 
Rishabdeo   151 Km
Vadodara (Guj.)   238 Km 
Baneshwar   45 Km 
Sitamata Sanctury   85 Km

Rail Network

As such there is no Railway Station (Meter guage/ Broad Guage) in Banswara, But Ratlam Junction (80 Kms.)  is  the nearest Railway station to Banswara  and it is a Major Junction to go Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Ahmedabad.

Air Network

Nearest Airports to Banswara are 
Udaipur - 160 Kms.
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) - 212 kms.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) - 285 Kms.

Facts of Banswara in Rajasthan, India

Climate and Rainfall in Banswara of Rajasthan, India

The district has a climate which is very much milder than that in the desert regions in further north and north-west.

• Maximum temperature is 33 degrees Celsius to 46 degrees celsius.
• Minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees celsius
• Normal annual rainfall is 92.24 cms.
  

Population: 15,00,420
Density of population: 298 /km²
Literacy: 44.22 %
Total working population: 32.46 %

Percentage distribution of work force

Cultivators: 75.58 %
Agricultural labourers: 9.36 %
Household industry, manufacturing, Processing servicing and repairs: 1.25 %
Other workers: 13.80 %