Dungarpur means a 'Hill
Town' was founded in 1282 A.D. by Rawal Veer Singh, Rawal Veer Singh Dev took
over this part of the state from the Bhil Chieftain Dungaria and laid the foundation
of the city as well as of the Old Palace on 14th Oct. 1282 AD
The district is wild and rugged being situated in the foothills of the Aravallis.
The terrain though fairly open in the south and east is interspersed with
stony slopes covered with low jungle of cactus, jujube trees and salar (Boswellia
Servata, gum producing tree). A variety of shrubs and trees, which require
neither a deep soil nor moisture also grow in the area. In the north and the
east the country is rugged and wild but towards the south west border the
harsh features gradually become softer.
The eastern part of the Gujarat region, slopes down towards the basin of
the Mahi river and consists of a plain and a level cultivated area. Two rivers,
the Mahi and the Som, flow through the area. The former separates the district
from Banswara and the latter forms the natural boundary between this district
and Udaipur. The cultivated area is mostly confined to the valley and low
ground between the hills where the soil is alluvial.
Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture as seen in its palaces
and noble residences. These royal residences are adorned by 'jharokhas ' built
in stone in a unique style typical of the area developed during the reign
of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A.D.) The district's gold and silversmiths
are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.
PRIME SITES
Udai
Bilas Palace : The royal residence named after Maharawal Udai
Singh II , a patron of art & architecture, the palace is a veritable example
of the Rajput architecture ornate with intricately sculptured pillars and
panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous arches.
Juna Mahal : The 13th century
seven storeyed structure resembling a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets,
narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors
embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror
work, make it an inpressive creation. addmission is reserved to visit the
Palace.
Gaib Sagar Lake : A famous
shrine of Shrinathji lies along the lake . The shrine is a conglomeration
of several exquisitely built temples with one main temple. The Vijay Raj Rajeshwar
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural splendour and a fine example
of craftmanship of the shilpis of Dungarpur.
Museum : The museum is fine
collection of ancient statues.
Baneshwar
:Baneshwar temple is much revered by the Bhils. Other temples
dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma are worth seeing for their exquisitely
carved pillars and gateways. This is also the place to be in when the Bhils
celebrate their biggest and most important fair-the Baneshwar Fair.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is the largest gathering of the Bhils who collect
here from all over, including Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. A visit to the fair
can be great fun as you mingle with the crowds and watch the simple tribal
folk enjoying themselves.
Dev Somnath: A splendid 12th
century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built in white stone. It is an exact
replica of the original Somnath temple in Gujarat. When the original temple
was destroyed several times by the Muslim invaders, devout Hindus decided
to create this replica in the interiors so that it would remain safe.
Galiyakot
:Once the capital of the Parmar kings but today it is renowned for
its magnificent shrine dedicated to Sayed Fakhruddin. Thousands of devotees
gather here during the URS. Other important places to see are Baroda,
the erstwhile capital of Vagad, where some temples still survive.
Bhuvaneshwar: It is a famous
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and colorful fair held on the 5th day after
Holi festival every year by Bhil people.
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