August 5, 2021 2716

Banswara: ‘The City of Hundred Islands’ the Hidden Gem of Rajasthan

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Banswara is a city situated in the southern portion of the state of Rajasthan. Situated at an average height of 302 m, was once a royal state which was set up by Maharawal Jagmal Singh. The location gets its title from “Bans” or bamboo jungles in the region. The city is furthermore named “City of Hundred Islands” as there are a vast number of islands in the Mahi river that flows through Banswara. This district, which was once a royal state, was ruled by Mahrawals. It sets the eastern part of the area recognized as Vagad or Vagwar. According to beliefs, the area was governed by Bhil ruler Bansia who labelled it Banswara. Later, he was overthrown and murdered by Jagmal Singh who then came to be the initial Mahraval of the state.


The district shows a diversified blend of landscape with productive fields of rice, maize, wheat, cotton, soya bean, and gram wrapping the whole middle and western areas, while the Aravallis range flank the Eastern side. The region fabricates specked with vibrant teak woodlands and mango, date, and mahua trees, and is dwelling to diverse wildlife.

History of Banswara

Banswara

Banswara was a Rajput feudatory state in Rajputana during British India. In 1913, Banswara witnessed a massacre, furthermore recognized as Rajasthan’s Jallianwala Bagh. The Bhils rioted under the overseeing of social reformer Govind Guru, who was a devoted believer of Dayanand Saraswati. He initiated the Bhagat movement inviting the Bhils to embrace vegetarianism and halt all sorts of alcohol. The Bhils commenced opposing taxes imposed by the British and threatened labour imposed by the royal states of Banswara. Fearing tribal rebellion, the British and the royal states concluded to crush the riot. On 17 November 1913, the British troops opened fire on tribals who assembled on the Mangarh hillock located in the Aravalli ranges on the Rajasthan-Gujarat border.

The British wanted them to leave Mangarh Mountain by 15 November, but they declined. On 17 November, the tribals were assembling for a consultation when the British troops under Maj S Bailey and Capt E Stiley opened fire from cannons and guns on the public. Though there are no official quantities, residents tell nearly 2500 people were murdered in cold blood.

Places to Visit in Banswara

Banswara has no lack of traveller allures. The city boasts of spots that are historically and culturally noteworthy, spots that emit sacred and spiritual enthusiasm, and spots that are endowed with the marvels of nature.

Some of the greatly fascinating traveller allures here are-

Anand Sagar Lake

Anand Sagar Lake

The Anand Sagar Lake is an artificial lake, which was created by Lanchi Bai, the Rani of Maharval Jagami and is situated on the eastern portion of Banswara. It is surrounded by the holy trees called ‘ Kalpa Vriksha’ popular for fulfilling the longings of the guests. The ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs of the authorities of the state are furthermore scattered nearby. The lake is a popular traveller location in Banswara and is explored by residents and travellers likewise.

Abdullah Pir Dargah

Also named as Dargah of Abdul Rasul, Abdullah Pir Dargah is one of the greatly popular pilgrimages in Banswara. It is popular among the Bohra Muslim Saints and has an incredible ancient prestige. This dargah is situated in the southern portion of the town. Every year a vast volume of people, primarily of the Bohra Community, take part in the ‘URS’ at the Dargah. The celebration takes place for over 6 days and there are night-long musical recreations incorporating qawwali singing. Multiple pilgrims from all over the nation voyage to Banswara during this period.

Andeshwar Parshwanath

Andeshwar Parshwanath

Andeshwar Parshwanathji is a well-known Jain temple situated on a tiny mountain in Kushalgarh tehsil. The temple is dwelling to unusual Shilalekhs from the 10th century. The location furthermore houses two Digamabara Jain Parshwanatha temples. The major temple was constructed by Digamabar Jain Panchayat of Kushalgarh. The major idol of Bhagawan Parshwanatha is standing safeguarded by seven veils.

Dailab Lake

Dailab Lake situated in Banswara is a gorgeous lake that is wrapped with lotus flowers all around the year. It is one of the popular places for residents to unwind and relish some time in nature. There is a Palace named Badal Mahal at the shore of the lake. The palace was the summer resort of the erstwhile leaders and presently is a popular traveller hangout of Banswara.

Arthuna

Arthuna

Arthuna is a tiny city situated in Banswara District. Arthuna Town is recognized for assortments of ruined Hindu and Jain temples about the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries. It was the capital of Paramara leaders of Vagada during the eleventh-twelfth centuries A.D. They patronized both Jainism and Saivism simultaneously, so they established an abundance of Shiva temples.

Ghotiya Amba

Almost 35 km. from Banswara, in the lap of gorgeous slopes, Ghotia Amba is speculated to have been the hiding spot of Pandavas during the Mahabharat periods. Ghotia Amba has fetched a unique significance amongst the traveller spots of the district. Every year during the Hindu month Chetra an enormous festival takes place here in which pilgrims from Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh reach in a massive volume.

Maa Tripura Sundri Temple

Maa Tripura Sundri Temple

Situated about 20km from Banswara, Tripura Sundari is the temple, dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari or Turita Mata. It is one of the popular temples in Banswara. Inside the temple is an elegant idol of black stone having 18 hands and further significant each hand holding up a distinct symbol. The Goddess is beheld riding a tiger. It is acknowledged that it's one of the Shakti Peeths of Hindus having divine energies.

Ram Kund

It is also recognized as ‘Phati Khan’ as there is a profound cave under a peak. There is a Pool of extremely cold water found throughout the year. It is let out that Lord Ram, during his exile reached & dwelled here. It is a gorgeous spot encircled by mountains.

Madareshwar Temple


The temple of Madareshwar is situated in the eastern portion of the city in a natural cave on a mountain. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple interior is a natural cave of elevated Mountains and proposes an irresistible portrayal of the scenery downward. It is one of the greatly popular temples in Banswara City.

Paraheda Shiv Temple

Paraheda, a well-known Shiva temple, is situated in Garhi Tehsil. It was built by King Mandlik in the 12th century and is nearly 22 kilometres from Banswara. Shri Raj Mandir or further popularly recognized as the City Palace was constructed in the 16th century and located on a hillock facing the city.

Mahi Dam


The Mahi River, which streams through the area, has many islands at different distances. In fact, in some historical papers, Banswara discovers recognition as ‘the city of hundred islands. Several dams and canals have been constructed over the Mahi River under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project.

Vithala Deo Temple

Just a few kilometres from Banswara fabricates the Vithala Deo Temple. With A gorgeous red layout, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna.

Singpura


Singpura is a tiny town 10kms away from Banswara district in Rajasthan that extends a contemporary but off-beat region for an excursion,. With a gorgeous lake, hillocks, jungle, and greenery all around, Singpura proposes a much-needed halt from the traditional outing places. In multiple manners, Singpura is a simple getaway where you can be near to nature as you relish a holiday in this tiny yet idyllic town in Rajasthan.

Raj Mandir

Raj Mandir, also recognized as the City Palace, is a 16th-century structure that stands atop a mountain as if keeping sight of the city below. It is constructed in the manner conventional of old Rajput architecture. this palace still pertains to the royal family.

Jua Falls


Rajasthan is home to an abundance of hidden natural treasures, and one of the treasures that are yet to be completely explored is the Jua Falls in Banswara. The Jua Falls are best explored during the monsoons when this naturally building waterfall is at its enormous glory. Proposing a gorgeous getaway from mundane life and a peaceful atmosphere to loosen up and relax.

How to Reach Banswara

By Road:

A vast volume of state buses run by the transport associations of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh attach Banswara to multiple locations in both states.

By Train:

Ratlam Railway Station, situated at a distance of 80 km, is the nearest railhead to Banswara. Trains to a maximum of the primary villages and cities of India are regularly accessible from this station. Cabs can be hired from here to reach Banswara.

By Air:

Maharana Pratap Airport, situated at Udaipur, is the closest airbase to Banswara. Taxis can be hired from the airport to arrive at Banswara which is situated at a distance of 181 km from here. The airport is linked to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi and Sanganer Airport, Jaipur by frequent flights.

Banswara is an unusual location that is endowed with an intriguing past and incredible spots to observe. Plan a trip to this City of Hundred Islands for a remarkably amazing travel experience.