BANSWARA
Home to the tribals with Bhils constituting half of the total
populations Banswara has its name derived from ‘Bans’ or bamboo
trees, which once grew here in abundance. The erstwhile state
was founded by Maharawal Jamal Singh. With Udaipur and Chittaurgarh,
forming its boundaries, the district presently comprises of
the territories of former Banswara State and the Chieftainship
of Kushalgarh. While the central and western portion of the
district are fertile plains, the scattered ranges of the Aravallis
form the eastern region. The ancient town is surrounded by
a stone wall, now in ruins. A palace of a former ruler of
Banswara stands overlooking the town.
The teak forests are found on the slopes of the Aravalli hills.
Mango, Khajur and Mahua trees are also a part of the vegetation
of the district. Banswara has rich wildlife including squirrels,
lizards, snakes, chinkara, ronj and four horned antelope.
Panthers can be seen rarely. The avian variety includes the
black drongo, grey shirke, green bee-eater, parrot, jungle
crow, wood pecker and common myna. Grey jungle fowl and grey
partridge are generally spotted in the remote parts of the
forests.
Prime Sites around Banswara
Mahi Dam (18 Km)
Under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, various dams and canals
have been built over the Mahi river amid beautiful surroundings.
The Mahi river has a number of islands at intervals and hence
Banswara is at times referred to as ‘the city of hundred islands’.
The Mahi Dam and the Kagdi Pikup have a picturesque fountain
garden, surely worth a visit.
Anand Sagar Lake or Bai Talab
It is an artificial lake on the eastern side of the town constructed
by Lachhi Bai of Idar, the queen of Maharawal Jagmal. Beautiful
chhatris of rulers of the state and an array of holy trees
called ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ famous for fulfilling desires of visitors,
lie close by.
Dialab Lake
A beautiful lake covered with lotus flowers. On the bank of
the lake is Badal Mahal, the summer resort of former rulers.
Abdulla Pir
A popular shrine of a Bohra Muslim saint, attracting a large
number of Bohra Muslims from all over during the annual Urs
festival.
Madareshwar
A temple of Lord Shiva Mahadeo Temple. Kali Kalyani Dham and
Padoli Rathore are other spiritual centers near the town which
attract thousands of people from all over the country every
year.
Excursions
Arthuna (55 km)
The ruins of a cluster of Shaivite and Jain temples dating
back to the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries are found in this
village. The Mandleshwar Temple, built in 1080 A.D. by Chamunda
Raja Paramara Chief, is noteworthy. Arthuna is famous for
its special Shivratri and Holi celebrations.
Talwara (15 km)
It's a historic city with ruins of some ancient monuments
and temples famous for their beautifully carved idols in local
black stone. The famous temples of Talwara include Laxmi Narain
Temple, Gokarneshwar Mahadeva Temple and Jain Temple of Sambhar
Nath.
Tripura Sundari (19 km)
An ancient temple of the goddess Tripura Sundari, commonly
known as Turtia Mata. The idol of the goddess riding on a
tiger is a magnificent one in black stone with 18 hands, each
carrying some symbol. The temple is said to be one of the
Shakti Peeth of Hindus.
Parahera (22 km)
Situated in the Garhi tehsil a temple of Lord Shiva Mandaleshwar
temple, built by Mandlik, stands on the banks of the Nagela
Tank in the village.
Chinch
Famous for its 12th century Brahma temple with a beautiful
life-size statue of Lord Brahma.
Festivals & fairs of Banswara
Holi
An important festival of the region with special celebrations.
The tribals, colourfully attired carrying swords and sticks,
perform the Gair dance.
Ami Egyaras
Celebrated on the 11th day of the bright half of Phalgun.
Young girls and boys fast on the occasion. Colouful fairs
with Bhils armed with bows, arrows and swords are a part of
the celebrations.
Ghotia Amba Fair
A colourful fair held in the month of March. The Bhils gather
to take a holy dip in the tank near the temple with idols
of Pandavas. Tribal weapons, especially arrows and swords
are for sale during the fair.
Fair at Mangarh (76 km)
Vithaldeo fairs coinciding with Sharad Purnima and Kartik
Purnima are popular among the tribals.
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