Introduction: Unlike other districts of Rajasthan, the district of Pali also carries the glorious history behind its foundation. The south-west boundaries of the district are spread towards Sirohi to Ajmer districts and the north-east boundary to Nagaur district. The district is bordered by the districts of Jodhpur, Jalore, Sirohi, Udaipur, Rajasamand, Ajmer and Nagour districts. The geographical area of the district is 12,387 Sq. km and is located at 24.450 to 26.750 North Latitute and 72.480 to 74.200 East Longitute.

History: The historians relate the history of Pali district back to pre-historic age and believe that it came up from vast western sea expanded to the present portion of Rajasthan.  It is believed that Mahrishi Javali meditated and conducted the deep study of Vedas in this area. It is also believed that during their period of exile the Pandavas of Mahabharatta also stayed in the area close to Bali place of the area. During the ancient time the place was recognized as Balla-Desh under the province of Arbuda.

From the period during 10th to 15th century with the invasion by the Arab, the area of Pali became the place of attraction for Rajputs to rule, thus they protested against the mughal rulers but all of them got involved in fights with each other to establish there throne in the area.

When Mohammed Gauri defeated the great rajput warrior Prithivi Raj Chauhan, the dominance of Rajput power demolished in the area and the areas of Mewar and Godawad which came under the control of Pali came under the rule of the then ruler of Mewar, Maharana Kumbha. However, the city of Pali which was under the reign of Brahmin rulers who were ruling the city with the help of rajput rulers continued to be peaceful and progressing.

The period between 16th to 17th century witnessed the number of wars in the area. The Mughal ruler Shershah Suri got defeated from the rajput rulers in the battle of Gini, the Mughal emperor Akbar was continuously engaged in wars with Maharana Pratap in Godawad area. After the whole area of Rajputana was captured by the Mughal rulers, Veer Durga Das Rathore of Marwar initiated efforts to get Marwar free from the rule of last mughal empire Aurangzeb. By that time Pali had occupied an important recognition in the eyes of Marwar Rathore’s. Maharaja Veer Singh re-established the Pali and soon it became an important commercial hub.

During British rule Pali acted as pioneer state in the struggle of freedom of Marwar. Under the leaderhip of Thakur of Auwa, who himself was a great warrior, the various brave thakurs joined hands to protect against the British ruler. The fort of Auwa was surrounded by the British forces, the war continued for five days and finally the fort was captured by the British forces. But under the brave leadership of Thakur of Auwa the gates of the fight for freedom were opened.

 Tourist Destinations: The district of Pali has some historical destinations to attract tourists from all places to itself. The famous places to name are Ranakpur, Jawai Dam, Parshuram Mahadev Temple, Jadan Aashram etc. However, some important destinations are mentioned below:

Ranakpur: A marvelous Jain temple constructed during the throne of Rana Kumbha of Mewar during 15th century.  The temples is recognized for its architect and natural beauty.  The temple has 24 big halls containing 1440 pillars and each pillar designed beautifully. The central hall is dedicated to Jain Thirtankar Adinathji, called Chaumukha (Four Faced).

Nimbo Ka Nath: Located on Falna-Sanderav route. It is believed that during their exile from kingdom the Pandavas of Mahabharatta stayed at this place with their mother Kunti. The temple of Navdurga was also established by Pandavas. Kunti used to adore lord Shiva at this place.

Jawai Dam: With the water storage capacity of 6000 million cubic feet, the dam is one of the biggest dam in western Rajasthan located in Sumerpur tehsil of district. The dam major source of water to the districts of Jodhpur and Pali districts and many villages of Jalore and Pali.

Lakhotia Garden: Also called as city tank, the garden is located in the centric point of the city and surrounded by a pond called Lakhotia. A Beautiful temple of Lord Shiva is also located in the middle of garden.

Somnath Mandir: It is one of the temple of historical importance, renowned for its fine arts. Located in the heart of the city, the temple was established by the then kinf of Gujarat Kumarpal Solanki in 1209. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Facts and Figures

Connectivity: Located in the central part of Rajathan, the district of Pali is well connected to railways and roadways. The connectivity with major sources of transportation is mentioned below:

Roads: The district is well connected by all the districts of Rajasthan as well as the neighbor states. The private travel agencies also operate their transport facilities from the district.

Railways: Pali is centrally connected to all the districts and major cities by the means of railways.

Airways: The district has one air-strip located in the Sojat City of the district. This strip is mainly used for VIP’s. The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport which is 75 kms from the district.

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