Introduction: Located in the southern part of Rajasthan, the district is located at 23.200 to 24.010 of latitude and 73.210 to 74.230 of longitude. With an area of 385592 hectare, the district is attached to Banswara and Udaipur district in east and north respectively and state of Gujarat in south and west. The district is one of the smallest districts in the state.
History: The most important feature which is mentioned about Dungarpur is that it is that part of land which was responsible for the formation of the Vagad or Bagar territory with ' Vatpadrak', known as 'Baroda' at present as its old capital.
The history goes back to 4000 years ago, when the fossils of Ahar civilization were found in Mewar region. From Ahar civilization this system was traversed to other centres in the south-east of Rajasthan including parts of present Dungarpur and Banswara district. While concentrating deep research it is revealed from the coins founded in Sarwaniya village in Banswara State, which at that time constituted the part of Bagar region. On the basis of these coins it can be said that the history goes back to 181 to 353 A.D.
It was an area which was ruled by Kshtrapas or Satraps of the Saka, who came from the areas of Iran and Afghanistan. It is believed that they came in India around first century of Vikram era. Later on the territory was formed under the kingdome of Vallabi. It is believed that Bagar region came emerged during the period when Arabs invaded India during 725 A.D. and 738 A.D. though their attacks were demolished and they were pulled out from this region.
By the time parmars of Malwa captured the throne of Bagar, the complete history about the region got serialized. During 12th century the Guhils of Mewar established their supremacy on the region.
According to history mentioned in Khyats. During the throne of Maharawal Veer the present Dungarpur was under the control of brave and courageos Chieftain Dungaria who wished to marry the daughter of a wealthy ' Mahajan' named Sala Shah. The date of marriage was fixed and then intentionally Sala Shah entered in a fight with Veer Singh and killed the whole marriage party including the Dungaria, as all the people were intoxicated could not understand the conspiracy. Later on Rawal Veer Singh took possession of Dungaria's village and founded Dungarpur in 1358 A.D.
Later Rawal Veer Singh was killed in the war of Chittor by Allauddin Khilji. Later Bhachundi succeded Khilji. Bhachundi was succeeded by Rawal Gopinath who was 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. Rawal Somdasji, the 13th ruler is famous for defeating the attacks of Sultan Mahmood Shah and Gayasuddin. Maharawal Udai Singh I is also recognized for his bravery. He divided 'Vagad' into two parts. The western portion, with the capital at Dungarpur, he retained for his elder son Prithviraj and the eastern portion subsequently known as Banswara, gave to his younger son Jagmal.
It was in the year 1529 A.D. that the two states became independent. Maharawal Askaran's sown the roots of the Mughals in this part of the county for the first time. During his control Akbar himself visited these parts and Askaran attended his court. He acknowledged the Mughal supremo and became a vassal of the Empire. Maharawal Punjaraj was honoured by the Emperor Shahjahan, who honoured him with the title of the 'Mahimaratib' and a grant of a Dedhahazari Mansab' and 'Izzat' to 1,500 'Sawars in recognition of the services rendered by him to the Emperor in his campaigns in the Daccan.
During the period of Maharawal Ram Singh, the Marahattas came to these parts. Maharawal Shiv singh the 25th ruler became the mediator of the Marahattas. It was in the time of Maharawal Jaswant Singh II. That a treaty of perpetual friendship, alliance and unity of interests was signed with the British government on 11th December, 1818 A.D. according to which a fees of Rs. 17,500 was to be paid to the British Government every year. Maharawal Udai Singh II paid his honest services to the British Government during the revolt of 1857. He was succeeded by Maharawal Bijai Singh in 1898 A.D.. Maharawal Lakshaman Singh came to the throne on the 5th November, 1918 A.D. and continued to control the princely state till it was merged in the Rajasthan in 1948.
Tourist Destinations: The major tourist destinations are given below:
Beneshwar: The Beneshwar temple is mostly worshipped for Lord Shiva. Sabla is the nearest bus stand located at a distance of about 7 km from the temple on Udaipur-Banswara-Dungarpur bus route. Just near the Beneshwar temple is the Vishnu temple which was reportedly constructed in Samwat 1850 (1793A.D.).
Boreshwar: The temple of Boreshwar Mahadeo is situated at a distance of 83 km from Dungarpur near village Solaj in Aspur tehsil was established in 1179 A.D.
Bhuvaneshwar: Is famous for Shiva temple located at a distance of 9 km from Dungarpur on the road side near Kanba village in Dungarpur tehsil.
Deo Somnath: Deo Gaon is situated at a distance of 24 km from Dungarpur in the north-east. Known for an old and beautiful Shiva temple, Deo Somnath. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century.
Galiakot: Situated on the swhores of Mahi river. Galiakot village is located 58 km towards the south-east of Dungarpur. The nearest town of Sagwara lies at a distance of 19 km. According to the tradition Galiakot is derived from the name of Bhil ruler, who ruled the area. Besides the places of religious and historical importance the other visiting place are Modhpur having Vijia Mata's Temple, poonjpur, Sagwara having 'Yati-ji-Chatri' and Vasundhara having an ancient Vasundhara Devi Temple
Facts & Figures
| Area | 3770 sq. kilometers |
| Area under Forests | 61241 Hectares |
| Latitude | 23020' and 24001' North |
| Longitude | 73021' and 74001' East |
| Temperature | Max.: 40-45 0C, Min.: 10 0C |
| Annual Rainfall | varies from 820 mm to 477 mm |
| Total Population | 1107643 (2001 census) |
| Male | 547791 |
| Female | 559852 |
| Population Density | 294 per sq. kilometer |
| Literacy Rate | 48.60% |
| No. of Sub-Divisions | 3 |
| No. of Tehsils | 4 |
| No. of Villages | 872 |
| Panchayat Samiti | 5 |
| STD Code | 02961 |
Connectivity Air: The nearest air port is at Udaipur, 100 kms away from Dungarpur.
Rail:
The existing railway line is a part of the Udaipur-Ahmedabad meter
gauge line and runs a distance of 42 kms inside the district. The main
stations of this district on this line are Kotana, Dungarpur, Bhawnath,
Jagabor and Bechiwara.
Road: The National
Highway No.8 running between Delhi and Bombay passes through the
district. Most of the important towns in the district are well
connected by roads with district Headquarters.
Distance from major Cities:- Ahmedabad-160 kms.
- Delhi-737 kms.
- Jaipur-425 kms.
- Mumbai-711 kms.
- Udaipur-100 kms.
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