Dungarpur Tourism ( The City of Hills)

¤ History

Established by Rawal Veer Singh in 1282, Dungarpur (the City of Hills) was one of the major cities of the Vagad region. Veer Singh acquired this land from the Bhil chief Dungaria from whom the place got its name. The rulers here were a faction of the Sisodias (ruling dynasty of Udaipur) who had separated themselves from the main branch in the 12th century. Several stories relate to this fact, among which the best is the one that refers to the misunderstanding between the heir apparent of Mewar and his father, the Rana. In those days it was customary for the bride’s family to send a ceremonial coconut to the groom’s family which was to be accepted by the groom himself. It so happened that the Rana mistakenly accepted the coconut sent for the prince. Whereupon the prince got annoyed and said that since the father had received the coconut he might as well marry the girl. With this parting shot he left for Dungarpur with his followers to establish a kingdom by the same name. The prince’s younger brother inherited the Mewar kingdom while the elder happily ruled the Dungarpur region of Rajistan. Later this rough country was taken over by the East India Company in 1818.

¤ Wildlife and The Scenic Splendor

Secure at the foothills of the Aravallis, this region of Rajastan is a beautiful blend of wild and rugged terrain towards its northeast and fertile alluvial plains in the southwest. The Mahi and the Som rivers quietly flow through here, the former separating it from Banswara and the latter forming a natural boundary from Udaipur. Originally the native place of the Bhils and once quite inaccessible, Dungarpur still retains its isolation. Anyone in love with nature and wildlife can look forward to a peaceful sojourn here.


¤ Rich Vegetation

Rich in teak, mahua, mango and date trees, Dungarpur town of Rajistan also plays residence to a wide variety of wildlife including the jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena, monkey, porcupine, and mongoose. Thick forests also have a substantial aviary population like eagles, vultures, peafowls, partridges, quails and cuckoos. Apart from the flora and fauna, the terrain here is perfect for trekkers and for those who would love to take a walk in the jungles.


¤ Festivities

Vagad Festival
In the celebration Dungarpur does not lack in festivals. The Vagad Festival is a beautiful amalgamation of folk music and local amusement like archery competitions.


Baneshwar Fair
Baneshwar Fair (17-23 Feb 2000), a famous tribal festival at the Baneshwar Temple. This fair is held on the full moon day in the month of February when hundreds of Bhils from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh take a holy dip at the confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers. Magic shows and acrobatic skills are on display as a part of the festivities.

Holi
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in an interesting way with gair dances by the tribals in their bright clothes and swords, arrows and sticks.

Bar Bij Fair
The Bar Bij Fair is held a month after Diwali, the festival of lights.

Diwali
Diwali is an important festival of Hindus and is also celebrated thoroughly by the Bhils of Dungarpur. The tribals show up in all their finery and sing, dance and revel in their celebrations.

¤ Art & Architecture

The city is pretty well known for its distinguished style of architecture which has been extensively followed in the royal palaces and havelis (mansions). These palaces were distinctly decorated with stone jharokhas (windows) built in the style developed during the rule of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-85).


¤ Shop At Dungarpur

Dungarpur is also famous for its lacquer toys and the art of picture framing, which can be abundantly seen on display during the fairs and festivals here. Artisans first make toys from wood and coat them with lacquer, giving them a shining coat. Semi liquid lacquer is also moulded into a certain shape and then left to dry, eventually being shaped into animal and human figures.