Huddled
in the foothills of the Aravali, Dungarpur has a fascinating landscape of an
array of wild and rugged terrain in the northeast to fertile plains of alluvial
soil in the southwest. Two rivers the River Mahi and the River Som flow through
the area. Rawal Veer Singh founded Dungarpur in 1282 A. D., when he took over
this part of the state from Bhil Chieftain Dungaria.The area is rich in teak, mahua, mango and Khajur trees. Dungarpur is also noted for its wildlife variety - jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena, black-faced monkey, porcupine, common mongoose are the common inhabitants. The commonly seen bird variety includes partridges, peafowl, quails, cuckoos, eagles and vultures.
Various migratory birds also visit the area during the winters. Dungarpur is famed for its unique style of architecture as seen in its palaces and noble residences. These royal residences are adorned by 'jharokhas' built in stone in a unique style typical of the area developed during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A. D.) The district gold and silversmiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.
Places to See in Dungarpur
» Juna Mahal
The 13th century seven-storied structure resembles a fortress with crenulated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy. The splendid interiors embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings and glass and mirror work, make it an impressive creation. One requires prior permission of the resident royal family to visit the Palace.
» Gaib Sagar Lake
A famous shrine of Shrinathji lies along the lake. The shrine is a conglomeration of several exquisitely built temples with one main temple. The Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural splendour and a fine example of craftsmanship of the sculptors or shilpkars of Dungarpur.
Fairs & Festivals in Dungarpur
» URS at Galiyot
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. Besides Dungarpur, the nearest rail head is Dahod, on the Delhi-Mumbai route and the 96 kms distance from here to Galiyakot can be covered by bus. Another route is from Ratlam, 144 kms . A bus service connects the village to Udaipur, 160 kms.
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