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» DUNGARPUR LOCATION
 [Home In Dungarpur, Rajasthan] |
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» DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES TO DUNGARPUR |
- Delhi - 740 km
- Mumbai - 709 km
- Ahmedabad - 155 km
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» DUNGARPUR WEATHER
The climate of Dungarpur is quite dry. The summer season is hot, but milder than most of the other Rajasthan cities. Climatic conditions of Dungarpur, Rajasthan in winters are quite cool. Dungarpur weather experiences average rainfall hovering between 47 cm to 76 cm. Dungarpur's climate is dry. Temperatures peak in May. The coldest month is January.
The climate of Dungarpur is dry and summer season is extremely hot. The temperature ranges from 41º C to 45º C in the month of May itself. The coldest month here is January with a minimum night temperature of 5º C. The district receives scanty rainfall with an average of 710 mm annually.
- Temperature in summer : 43º C (Max) - 26º C (Min)
- Temperature in winter : 25º C (Max) - 09º C (Min)
- Annual Rainfall : 710 mm
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» DUNGARPUR POPULATION
42,514 (persons) |
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» CLOTHING IN DUNGARPUR
Light tropical in summer and light woollen in winter |
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» LANGUAGE IN DUNGARPUR
Rajasthani, Hindi and English |
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» DUNGARPUR DEMOGRAPHICS
Dungarpur had a population of 42,514. In Dungarpur, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
- Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%.
- Literacy rate of 76%.
- Male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 69%.
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» DUNGARPUR HISTORY
The district is named after the capital of the former princely state of Dungarpur. Dungar means a hill or a mountain and pur means a town, thus Dungarpur means a 'hill-town'.
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 October 14, 1282 AD.
Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture. The palaces of the Dungarpur princes and the residences of the noblemen are adorned by a new style of jharokhas, which was developed during Maha Rawal Shiv Singh's reign (AD 1730-1785). The gold and silversmiths of Dungarpur and Banswara are well known for their lacquer painted toys and picture framing.
The district Dungarpur is named after 'the town of hillocks' and the capital of the former princely state of Dungarpur. It is located in the southern part of Rajasthan between 23o20' and 24o01' north latitude and 73o21' and 74o01' east longitude. The town of Dungarpur itself is said to have been a Bhil ' Pal' or a hamlet of 'Dungaria', a Bhil Chieftain whom Rawal Veer Singh Dev caused to be assassinated in the fourteenth century. Whatever may be the legend about the beginning of the settlements in the district, there is no doubt that it formed the part of the territory known in history as ' Bagar' or 'Vagad' with ' Vatpadrak', present 'Baroda' (a village in Aspur tehsil) as its old capital. The material remains of the Ahar civilization discovered in Mewar region constitute remnants of the civilization which may date back to 4000 year ago. From Ahar this culture extended to other centres in the south-east of Rajasthan including parts of present Dungarpur and Banswara district.
Some more light it thrown on the history of the region by the silver coins unearthed in thousands from Sarwaniya village in Banswara State, which was also a part of ' Bagar'. These coins trace the history of this region as far back as 181 to 353 A.D. They also establish that this territory was, then, ruled by Kshtrapas or Satraps of the Saka, inhabitants of area lying between Iran and Afghanistan. They entered Afghanistan and India sometime in the first century of the Vikram Era However the Gupta rule over this tract cannot be ascertained with exactitude. Thereafter, the territory may have formed a part of the kingdom of Vallabi. Bagar is said to have been invaded by the Arabs between 725 A.D. and 738 A.D. However, their attacks were repelled and they were expelled from these parts. From the time the parmars of Malwa came to rule Bagar, we get a clear and continuous history of this area. In 12th century A.D. , the Guhils of Mewar (Udaipur) established their suzerainty in this area.
It is mentioned in the 'Khyats' that during the times of Maharawal Veer Singh Dev, The Sixth descendant of Sawant Singh of Mewar, the county in the vicinity of the present town of Dungarpur was held by a powerful Bhil Chieftain Dungaria who aspired to marry the dauther of a wealthy ' Mahajan' named Sala Shah. The latter fixed a distant date for the wedding and, in the meantime, conspired with Veer Singh to have the whole marriage party including Dungaria assassinated while they were in a state of intoxication. This was successfully carried out. Rawal Veer Singh took possession of Dungaria's village and founded that town of Dungarpur in 1358 A.D. The legend has tit that Veer Singh had promised to the two widows of Dungaria Bhil to perpetuate their memories by erection a monument in their honour. He is also reported to have agreed to name to town after their departed husband.
He further laid down that in future, at the installantion of each new ruler, a descendant of Dungaria would put the 'Tilak' on the forehead of the ruler from the blood drawn from his finger. Rawal Veer Singh was killed in the sack of Chittor by Allauddin Khilji. He was succeeded by Bhachundi who erected the Hanumat Pol. Rawal Gopinath who succeeded him is famous for his victory over Ahmedshah, the Sultan of Gujarat in 1433 A.D. and it was he who built the Gaipsagar lake at Dungarpur which exists even today remains a beauty spot of this town.
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» DUNGARPUR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The mystical and magical land of Rajasthan, is renowned for its rich culture and heritage, opulent forts and palaces, desolate desert and much more. Get indepth information about Rajasthan Tourism, Travel to Rajasthan, Rajasthan Tours, Hotels in Rajasthan and Tourist Places in Rajasthan. |
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» FOLK DANCE IN DUNGARPUR
Gair dances by tribals wearing colourful dresses and carrying swords, arrows and sticks are the major attraction. |
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» FESTIVALS & FAIRS IN DUNGARPUR
- On the full moon day in the month of February, thousands of devotees from Bhil tribe gather at the convergence of river Mahi and Som and take a holy dip. It is an occasion when people worship, sing and dance. Magic shows and acrobatic displays add interest to the celebrations during Baneshwar fair.
Another important celebration of Dungarpur is Bar Bij Fair held every year a month after Diwali. On the fifth day after holi, tribals have a fair where they perform dances and display their traditional artillery.
Baneshwar means the master of the delta and this name was given to the Shiva linga.
The Baneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som & Mahi & prayers are offered to Lord Shiva locally named as Baneshwar.
The fair resounds with the gaeity of traditional folk songs, folk dances, Raslila, animal show, magic shows acrobatic feats.
Baneshwar Fair is organized in the month of January-February from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Poornima. The name of the fair has been kept on the Shiva Lingam in the Mahadev temple of Dungarpur, Rajasthan. Majority of the people attending the fair are Bhils, a tribal community of Rajasthan.
The temple of Mahadev remains open from 5.00 in the morning to 11.00 in the night during the Baneshwar Fair. The morning starts with the bathing of the Shiva Lingam, after which saffron is applied on it and an aarti is performed with burning incense. In the evening, ash is applied to the Linga and an aarti is performed again, but this time with a wick lamp. The night is livened up with the Bhils singing traditional folk songs around a bonfire. Offerings of pulses, rice, wheat flour, salt, jaggery, ghee, chilies, coconut, cash, etc are also made at the temple, by the devotees. The other celebrations of the Baneshwar Fair include magic shows, folk dances, acrobatic feats, animal shows, etc.
- Gair dances by tribals wearing colorful dresses and carrying swords, arrows and sticks are the major attraction.
- On the full moon day – Magh Shukla Purnima (Feb.) thousands of Bhils from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and rajasthan gather at the confluence of the Mahi and Som river for a sacred dip. It is an occasion to worship, sing and dance. Magic shows and aerobatics displays add interest to the celebrations.
- Held a month after Diwali on the occasion of Bar Bij, it is an important celebration of the district. The Bhils in their traditional finery, dance, sing and make merry.
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» PLACES TO BE VISITED IN DUNGARPUR
- The name 'Baneshwar' is derived from the revered Shivlinga, 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 the Shivlinga. The fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Purnima.
 [Gaib Sagar Lake In Dungarpur]
- The environs are scintillating with mirthful surroundings around the Gaib Sagar Lake, against the background of green hills. The woods and the waters of the lake provide habitat to thousands of ducks of a dozen species, several thousand gray and purple herons, egrets, purple moorhens, white breasted waterhens, bee-eaters and green pigeons.
 [Govt Museum In Dungarpur]
Birds Paradise.
- The museum houses a fine collection of ancient statues.
- The seven storey palace, Juna Mahal was built in stages between 13th and 18th centuries. It is filled with many old frescoes and paintings. The Aam Khas, or main living room, has impressive mirror work and glass inlays. The former royal hunting lodge, on a nearby hilltop, has sensational views over the town and its many temples.
 [Udai Bilas Palace In Dungarpur]
The History of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, a great patron of art and architecture, built a wing of bluish grey local stone "Pareva" overlooking the lake and the "Ek Thambia Mahal", featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. Dungarpur is full of surprises and promises to be a memorable experience in your journey across India.
- Galiyakot is a small village of Tehsil Sagwara in Dungarpur District. It is located on the banks of the river Mahi and holds special significance for Dawoodi Bohras, a sect of the Ismaili Shia Muslims. They converge at Galiyakot for ziyarat (pilgrimage) at the memorial of the revered saint, Sayyed Fakhruddin. The mausoleum is called Mazar-e-Fakhri. The followers of the saint arrive here not only from the States of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan but also from abroad.
Urs which is celebrated on the 27th day of Moharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar. Many devotees seek blessings of the saint to have their wishes fulfilled. This is called mannat and generally the devotees come to the shrine again to express their gratitude after their wishes are fulfilled.
The tomb is decorated with flowers and lit up with lamps before the ceremonies begin. The Urs is initiated with mass prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran. A devotional gathering called 'majlis' is held wherein songs are sung in praise of the saint. The ceremonies of the Urs are headed by the Dai-UI-Mutlaq, who is the religious head of the community. People make offerings at the shrine consisting of sweets, fruits, coconut and jaggery.
- It was initially the capital of Vagad and is famous for the old Shiv Temple made up of white stone and an ancient Jain temple that has the images of all 24 tirthankaras carved a black wall.
- Baneshwar (60 kms): At the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers, stands the Baneshwar temple with a Shiva lingam.Nearby is the Vishnu temple, believed to be built on the sopt where mavji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, medicated. Another noteworthy temple is the Brahma temple – a spacious two storied structure with exquisitely carved pillars and gateways. The temple is the venue of an annual fair.
- 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.
- Deo Gaon is situated at a distance of 24 km from Dungarpur in the north-east. On the banks of Som river, there is an old and beautiful Shiva temple, Deo Somnath. The temple is believed to have been built sometime in the 12th century of Vikram Samwat. Built in white stone, the temple has imposing currants. It gives an impression of the antiquity. There are several inscriptions in the temple.
- A beautiful temple dedicated to Mavji preserves the manuscript of a book 'Chopra', written by Mavji and an idol of Nishkalank riding a horse.
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» OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
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» ACCOMMODATION IN DUNGARPUR |
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