The Banswara district forms eastern part of the region known as Vagad or Vagwar. The district was formerly a princely state ruled by the Maharavals. It is said that a Bhil ruler Bansia ruled over it and Banswara was named after his name. Bansia was defeated and killed by Jagmal Singh who became the first Maharaval of the princely state.

It is also named so because of the bamboos (Bans) which were found in abundance in the forests. In 1913 some bhils revolted under the headship of a social reformer Govindgiri and Punja which was suppressed in November, 1913. Hundreds of Bhils were shot dead at the Mangarh hillock where they were holding a peaceful meeting. The event is also known as the Mini Jalianwala Bagh massacre. The place has become sacred and is better known as the Mangarh Dham.

With the merger of the princely states in the Union of India, the Banswara State and Kushalgarh chiefship got merged in the Greater Rajasthan in 1949 and Banswara was carved out as a separate district by merging these principalities.

People

The district is predominantly inhabited by tribals mainly Bhils, Bhil Meenas, Damor, Charpotas, Ninamas, etc. The district population is 15,00,420 (2001). The rural population is 13,93,104(2001) and the urban population is 1,07,316(2001). The main occupation of the people, specially of tribals, is agriculture. The tribals live in a small one-room houses, known as "tapra", which lie scattered all over the area.

The other major castes are Patels, Rajputs, Brahmans, Mahajans, and Muslims. The dialect spoken in the district is Wagri, a mixture of Gujrati and Mewari. Literacy percentage is 44.22(2001) but women literacy, though doubled as per 2001 census, is only 27.86%. Increase in total literacy percentage has been by 18.22 because of the intensive literacy campaign in the district.

Culture

Situated amongst the valleys of the Aravalis, Banswara represents tribal culture in its original form. Its area was covered mostly by bamboo trees (Bans) in the past because of which it was called Banswara. Banswara town was founded by king Jagmal Singh. Religiously, having eleven and a half Swayambhoo Shivlings, it was also called 'Lodhikashi' or little Kashi. Yet another name for it is 'An area of Hundred Islands'.

Being in the southern part of Rajasthan, its boundary meets with Gujarat and M.P. A compact culture is the result of this inter-regional neighbourhood. The so called vagdi Culture is nothing but a mixture of Gujarati, Malwi, Rajasthani and Mewari cultures. Banswara district is rich in forests, hills and wildlife. Tribals are the natives of this region. The place is known for its ancient temples and natural beauty.

Places to see

Shri Raj Mandir

This 16th century old city palace of Banswar overlooks the town. It covers a large area, and is a typical example of old Rajput architecture. The palace is still owned by the Royal family and can be visited only on invitation.

Kagdi Pick Up Wear

A part of Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, beautiful fountain gardens overlook the Kagdi Lake.

Anand Sagar Lake

On the eastern side of the town is an artificial lake also known as Bai Talab, which is said to have been constructed by Lachhi Bai of Idar, the Rani of maharawal Jagmal. Nearby lies the chattris or cenotaphs of the rulers of the state. Couple of holy tree known as "Kalp Vriksha" which is said to fulfill the desires of the visitors is also present nearby. The charming surroundings also attract many visitors overhere.

Dialab Lake

Part of this lake remains covered with beautiful lotus flowers. Badal Mahal, the summer residence of former rulers is located on the embankment of the lake.

Abdulla Pir

A shrine of Bohra Muslims saint, a large numbers of Bohra Muslims visit this place during Urs from different parts of the world every year.