Banswara Knowledge Guide
History
Banswara (literally "the bamboo country") was a Rajput feudatory state in Rajputana during British India. It borders Gujarat and is bounded on the north by the native states of Dungarpur and Udaipur or Mewar; on the northeast and east by Partapgarh; on the south by the dominions of Holkar and the state of Jabua; and on the west by the state of Rewa Kantha. Banswara state was about 45 miles (72 km) in length from north to south and 33 miles (53 km) in breadth from east to west and had an area of 1,606 square miles (4,160 km2). The population in 1941 was 258,760.Banswara district forms eastern part of the region known as Vagad or Vagwar. The district was formerly a state ruled by the Maharavals. It is said that a Bhil ruler Bansia or Wasna, 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. It is named so because of the bamboo (Hindi: बांस) which were found in abundance in the forests. Banswara massacre is also known as Rajathan’s ‘Jallianwala Bagh’, a little known event of the British Raj era. On 17 November 1913, Banswara district of South Rajasthan was witness to a little-known massacre of around 1500 tribals by the British, echoing the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in which 329 people were killed in firing. British forces opened fire on tribals who had gathered on the Mangarh hillock situated in the Aravali mountains on the Rajasthan-Gujarat border. The tribals were led by their leader Govind Guru who inspired them to throw off the yoke of British rule. Govind Guru, influenced by social reformers like Dayanand Saraswati, launched the ‘Bhagat movement among the Bhils asking them to adhere to vegetarianism, and abstain from all types of intoxicants. The movement slowly took on a political hue and turned into a movement against the oppressive policies of the British. The Bhils began opposing taxes imposed by the British and forced labour imposed by the princely states of Banswara, Santrampur, Dungarpur and Kushalgarh. Worried by the tribal revolt, the Britishers and princely states decided to crush the uprising. From October 1913, Govind guru asked his followers to gather at Mangarh hill from where they would conduct their operations. The British asked them to vacate Mangarh hill by 15 November, but they refused. On 17 November, the tribals were gathering for a meeting when the British forces under Maj S Bailey and Capt E Stiley opened fire from cannons and guns on the crowd. Though there are no official estimates, locals say about 2500 people were killed in cold blood. Govind guru was captured and exiled from the area. He was imprisoned in Hyderabad jail and released in 1919 on grounds of good behavior. But as he was exiled from his homeland, he settled in Limdi in Gujarat where he died in 1931. The site of the massacre is today known as Mangarh Dham and the locals are demanding that a national memorial be built there in memory of the martyrs.
Tourism
Andheswar Parshwanathji
Andeshwar Parshwanathji is situated on a hillock in Kushalgarh tehsil of Banswara district. This is a famous Jain temple housing rare Shilalekhs of the 10th century. We could find two Digamabara Jain Parshwanatha temples at this place. The main temple was built by Digamabar Jain Panchayat of Kushalgarh.
Anekant Bahubali Temple Lohariya
Anekant Bahubali Temple is situated in Banswara-Udaipur Road in Lohariya Tehsil Ghari of Banswara District. This Jain temple is Famous for the 27 foot Standing Statue of Lord Bahubali which is made of White Sangmarar (marble). This Jain temple was made by the Inspiration of Digamber Acharya Shri 108 Bharat Sagarji maharaj here we can find many other temples of Jain Lords Like Panch Parmeshti Jinalay (tample), Manvadi Sapt charan Rishi's Tample, Adinatha Jinalaya etc. Has situated in The Campus of temple.
Abdullah Pir
Abdullah Pir is a Dargah of Sayedi Abdul Rasul Saheed, a Muslim saint and mostly visited by the Bohra Muslim. It's an important holy place for the Bohras. Abdullah Pir is located in the southern part of the city. On 10th Rabi' al-awwal, every year "Urs" is held at the Dargah. The people of the Bohara community take part in it in large numbers. This is a Muslim shrine of Dawoodi Bohras saint and is mostly visited by Dawoodi Bohra Muslims who visit this place during URS.
Anand Sagar Lake
This artificial lake has been constructed by Lanchi Bai, the Rani of Maharval Jagami. It is also known as Bai Talab. Anand Sagar Lake is located on the eastern part of Banswara. It is enclosed by the holy trees named 'Kalpa Vriksha', famous for fulfilling the desire of the visitors. Nearby lies the chattris or cenotaphs of the rulers of the state.
Arthuna
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 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 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.
Dailab Lake
This is a scenic spot. It is believed that during their exile, the Pandavas stayed here. There is a tunnel, which is believed to be going up to Ghotiya Amab, a far off place. It is said that the Pandavas used this tunnel as their passage during the rainy season. Dailab lake A part of this lake is covered with lotus flowers. On the banks of the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer residence of the former rulers. Kagadi Pick Up weir This is the main tourist attraction situated 3 km away from the main city on the Ratlam Road. It's a place worth seeing, especially for its enchanting fountains, gardens and water, spread over a wide area, which overlooks the Kagdi Lake and is a part of the Mahi Bajaj Sagar project.
Madareshwar Temple
Banswara has a number of ancient Hindu and Jain temples, and In the past was known as Lodi Kashi or the city of temples. 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.
Mahi Dam
Mahi Dam is one of the major attractions of Banswara. It is situated 16 kilometres from Banswara town in Banswara district Rajasthan, India. The dam was constructed between 1972 and 1983 under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, for the purposes of hydroelectric power generation and water supply.various dams and canals have been constructed over an enticingly enchanting scenic surrounding. Near the dam, you could locate the enticing garden with fountain. It is the second largest dam in Rajasthan.
Mangarh Hil
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.
Paraheada
Paraheada is located in the Garhi Tehsil. It is famous temple of Lord Shiva. It was constructed by the Mandlik. Paraheada is 22 km from Banswara. Shri Raj Mandir or more popularly known as the City Palace was built in the 16th century and situated on a hillock overlooking the town. Covering a huge area it follows typical style of old Rajput architecture. Though lack of funds has made many royal palaces of Rajasthan exchange hands with the government after Independence, this palace is still owned by the Royal family
Bhim kund
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.
Talwada
Talwara is another place to visit near Banswara. Its historical significance due to its primeval temples and the devastated of some old monuments. Talwara is the temples of Sun, Lord Amaliya Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Jain Temple of Sambhavnath make Talwara a religiously important site. The idols in these temples are carved in local black stone.
Kupda
kupda is another place to visit near Banswara. It is famous temple of VEJVA MATA. Temple is situated in Banswara-Dungarpur Road near mayur mill.
Tripura Sundari
Tripura Sundari is the temple, devoted to Goddess Tripura Sundari or Turita Mata. This temple has a gorgeous idol of black stone having 18 hands and more important each hand carrying a different emblem. The Goddess is seen riding a tiger. It is believed that its one of the Shakti Peeths of Hindus having divine powers. It is believed that this temple was built before Samrat Kanishka, who rule here. The exact date of its construction is not yet known. It is said to be one of the "Shakti Peeths" of the Hindus having charismatic divine power. 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.
Sai Tample
Sai tample is most viewed place in banswara ,This is the temple of god Sai baba . The Om Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple established in 2004. This temple is not only settled you with peace of mind but also providing the dish of love who is visiting here on Thursday by the trust. This temple has a big size idol of white stone of Sai baba and also one god ganesh , This temple have unique rangoli of stone inside temple ,and a big jhumar light on roof , there's a big open place in front of temple One side of this temple one big pyramid hall, and one statue of Mahaveer swami .From this side we watch one Trishul , and ॐ sign which made by stones on mountains. Other side open place which have children's play items like Jhula , slides etc. and also view of water of Kagdi pick up weir also one statue of State Emblem of India
Culture
Situated amidst the Aravali valley, Banswara represents tribal culture in Rajasthan. With a landscape predominated by bamboo trees (Hindi: बाँस) the region came to be known as Banswara. Banswara town was founded by King Jagmal Singh. The town has eleven and a half Swayambhoo Shivalingas; it was also called 'Lodhikashi' or little Kashi. Yet another name is 'An Area of Hundred Islands'. Situated in southern Rajasthan, the town borders Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Due to this inter-regional neighborhood, the Vagdi culture has emerged as 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.